Valentine's Day has evolved into a commercialized holiday with men showing their love for women with money.
But who says you have to adhere to corporate America? It isn't necessary to spend $100 on the one you love.
For college students on a tight budget, there are a few alternatives to the typical Valentine's Day. While these ideas won't flash money, they will show love.
Girls expect flowers on Valentine's Day, so there are two options: 1) Pick her flowers (this is unique and shows that you took time for her) and 2) Buy her cheap flowers. Just make sure the flowers are alive and insect free. Dead flowers with bugs are no way to say "I love you."
Start the night with dinner. If you're a chef, show off your skills and save some money by cooking her favorite dish. If you aren't qualified to be in the kitchen, Sun Dollars now includes a plethora of new dining choices. You can relax and spend an evening at home and order some Papa John's Pizza or take your pizza up to "A" mountain and watch the sunset. For a more romantic setting, take her back to the days when she was a child and picnic at the park. The Picnic Company at 1415 E. University Drive offers picnic baskets for two.
After the flowers and dinner, don't stray too far to take her somewhere romantic. The two of you can spend the evening in kayaks paddling down Tempe Town Lake. If she doesn't know how to row, maybe dry land is a better idea. A walk alongside the lake is just as romantic.
Then walk down Mill Avenue and create your own ice cream combinations at Cold Stone Creamery. If you would rather have more privacy, the "secret garden" at ASU should be your final destination, for those who know about it.
Men should keep in mind that this is a holiday for the ladies so make sure you pamper her throughout the day.
Lauren Carper is a reporter for the Web Devil. Reach her at lauren.carper@asu.edu.