Zainab Boladale

As Valentines day rapidly approaches many people find themselves stuck for meaningful presents to give to their significant other. Here is a list of gifts that will not only impress your partner but also save you a bit of money.

Love Jars:

As the name suggest, this literally is a jar filled with love! On printed or handwritten squares of paper you will need to write down things you admire about your partner, your special memories together, important dates or even silly jokes only they will understand. For this to work effectively a good memory would be ideal. You can purchase Love Jars at most gift shops at a low price or simply make one yourself to add that extra personal touch. Materials such as coloured paper, glitter, ribbons, etc. will make your love jar look more presentable. This present is guaranteed to pull at their heartstrings.

Romantic Scavenger Hunt:

Never underestimate the benefits of a good scavenger hunt, especially on Valentines Day. For this, you will need to buy various items and hide them in significant places. Give yourself enough time to plan ahead and make sure your gifts are well hidden. Each clue you leave must lead to the next until they manage to find the last gift. This simple activity will be fun for you and your partner. It shows that you devoted time into coming up with this activity meant just for them.

Valentines Day Tickets;

Rather than buying your partner many expensive gifts just for one day why not create a ticket system that will prolong the idea central to Valentines day. This system requires you to write down things you usually wouldn’t do on a regular basis but would be willing to do with due notice. When your partner checks in their ticket you are obliged to treat them to whatever is on the ticket. This gives you time to save money and you can budget the overall cost of each treat. Things like, “Dinner for two”, “Romantic Movie at the Cinema”, “Breakfast in Bed”, “Car wash” are ideal. Websites such as http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com have free downloadable “love coupons” which you can choose from or just create to suit you

Indoor Picnic:

How about surprising your significant other by turning your kitchen or sitting room into a five star picnic room rather than wasting money in an overpriced restaurant. Prepare a nice meal for two and don’t forget to have a picnic basket filled with yummy desserts.

Do an activity together:

Most recreational centres offer short term activities that you can pay for in weekly or monthly instalments. Around this time there are offers for couples that you can avail of. Now the activities offered might not be as daring as simultaneously skydiving out of a plane but you can still choose something you both haven’t done before, A water sport or maybe even dance classes? What’s important here is you’re spending time with them and learning something new together.

Bronwyn o’ Neill

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and the release of the 50 Shades of Grey tomorrow, most people are in a frenzy to get tickets or get dinner arrangements planned. If you’re an unfortunate student who has no money, then spending it on fancy restaurants isn’t something you want to do.

Why don’t you spend the night curled up with your significant other, in your favourite jammies watching some sappy film? Chocolate and tissues advised, as we count down the top ten Valentine’s films.

Number 10: The Vow

This film is basically a modern version of The Notebook. His wife forgets all about him, very dramatic. Although, if Channing Tatum told me we were married I would totally go along with it.

Number 9: Pride and Prejudice

Although, I’m a Bronte fan through and through, this adaption of Austen’s novel is perfection. Kiera Knightly gives an amazing performance as strong headed Elizabeth Bennett. It makes all your fights with your boyfriend seem ridiculous.

Number 8: (500) Days of Summer

This quirky movie, starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Jordan Levitt, deals with modern day love. Although not in the conventional way we are used to. Tissues at the ready it’ll make you weep.

Number 7: Titanic

If you haven’t seen Titanic you are either too young to have a Valentines or simply have not been out in the world. This film will make you sob. Don’t lie that you don’t get teary eyed at “You jump. I jump.” Bonus points for young Leonardo.

Number 6: Love Actually

Before he went to kill zombies, Andrew Lincoln was in love with Kiera Knightly. Liam Neeson’s son was in love. Martin Freeman was in love. And even Severus Snape was getting it on with Nanny McPhee. There’s quite a lot of love, actually. With almost every British actor under the sun, it is definitely worth a watch.

Number 5: Beauty and the Beast

Yes, it’s a Disney movie, but it is by far the best love story Disney has told. A pure tear jerker! Even though your boyfriend might not appreciate it, your inner child certainly will. Plus, it’s kind of the kid’s version of 50 Shades!

Number 4: Romeo + Juliet

More young Leonardo in this explosive telling of Romeo and Juliet. Although it may throw you back to your Junior Cert days, can you say no to that face? The soundtrack, the cinematography, Leonardo! Yes to all.

Number 3: Casablanca

“Here’s looking at you kid.” Iconic. That’s all that needs to be said about this film.

Number 2: The Notebook

I’m crying just thinking about it. The most quotable movie in the world (after Mean Girls of course) “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.” Tissues at the ready girls, it’s a heartbreaker.

Number 1: Moulin Rouge

This film has everything one could ask for; love, costumes, songs and tears. Perhaps it is one of the best films that have been made. Therefore it steals the top stop. If you only watch one movie this Valentine’s, let it be this.