MGF to the Rescue: Valentine’s Day Fix

Okay guys…it’s three days to V-Day. And for some of you, that strikes fear into your hearts. No matter what anyone says, Valentine’s Day is a manufactured holiday specifically designed for the ladies. Yeah, I’m going to admit it. The retail world is laughing with glee right now at your misfortune. But you can’t just ignore this holiday.

That would spell certain disaster for you.

So, I’m here to help you out. Look, it’s too late for the skywriter, the first class tickets to France, and who really wants to just give flowers and candy again? As a public service, I’m gonna help you through this with some gift ideas. Think of me as your MGF Fairy Godmother. Here’s how you can get through the holiday looking like a champ, without spending all your pocket change:

Date Night in the Comfort of Your Place:

What’s a better way to say “I Love You” than setting up some one-on-one time? But let’s take it a step further than a Chick Flick night. First off, stop and get some popcorn supplies. For those of you with one around, Cost Plus World Markets have some really cute popcorn bowls and accessories. Swing by their food department for some tasty gourmet corn, or go to the grocery store and grab some microwave stuff. If you can find movie candy, you might just never have to sit through “The Joy Luck Club” ever again.

Speaking of movies…you’re going to need one or two DVDs for this. Tuesday is new release day. Pick up something like “Marie Antoinette.” She gets a movie that doesn’t involve blowing stuff up. You get to see Kristen Dunst in low cut French dresses. It’s a win-win. Otherwise, pick-up something neutral and fun (I LOVE my Volume 1 set of “The Animaniacs!”) so no one feels left out.

Finally, go for the comfort factor. Pick-up some comfy pajamas or loungewear; along with a nice throw blanket. Also awesome here: Sweaters, socks, or slippers. You want to cuddle her, right? Make sure she cuddles in comfort!

Destination Anywhere:

Okay…we’ve all heard about the “OMG he bought me tickets to !!!!” Yeah, that’d be nice. But you don’t have the liquidity to do a first class trip and let’s face it…time’s a wasting. So let’s start with something a little easier.

Head off to your local bookstore. Grab a blank travel journal. If you really want to splurge a little, get her a Moleskin notebook. You can really impress her by saying Hemingway used to jot his story thoughts down in one of these. Just don’t remind her of the whole suicide thing. That’s a downer.

Next, head for the travel section of the bookstore. This is kind of where you’re on your own. Select a travel guide for someplace you two have wanted to go to together. Is it a three-day weekend? A road trip? A European vacation? Your choices are endless. But make sure you pick-up something that will be informative or a jumping point to planning the trip. In addition, grab a map. You may not be driving, but it’ll add to the excitement of planning.

Finally, wrap it all up. But don’t wuss out and use a gift bag or a box. Drop your travel gifts into a nice travel bag. If you’re hot-n-heavy with your love, get full on luggage. If you aren’t ready for that, get a cute carry all bag. It’s a purse, guys. She’ll LOVE it.

You Are Better Than Martha Stewart:

If you don’t recall from previous entries on this Blog: CHICKS DIG GUYS WHO CAN MAKE FOOD. Yeah, yeah…I know you’ve just mastered Ramen and Jell-O is next on your list. And not all of you can whip up pies like my cousin’s hubby.

BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T TRY.

There are two ways to do this. If your girl likes to spend some off time in the kitchen, then score points by hooking her up with an afternoon of baking. With you as her assistant of course. Pick-up some new baking utensils and add a splash of “WOW” with a retro apron. To add a personal touch to the whole package, handwrite out a cookie recipe that you’d like to try. Its together time and food. How can you go wrong?

However, if your girl is just getting the hang of boiling water yourself, then an afternoon in the kitchen might be a bit much. So…make the treats yourself. Oh, stop hyperventilating! It’s not that big of a deal. No, you aren’t going to buy everything ready made. But you’ll come close.

Option two for this gift is to use every bit of modern convenience that you can. Being a lazy society has its advantages. In this case, those advantages would be ready-made, just-pop-it-in-the-oven baking goods. Nestlé’s ”Break and Bake” cookies take only 10-12 minutes in the oven. They come in a variety of flavors and even have SHAPED cookies for Valentine’s Day. That crafty Pillsbury Doughboy has unleashed ready to bake brownie batter that just needs to be spread into the pan. Want to look like a real stud? Then go for Duncan Hines’ baking kits that, with a little careful planning, look like a restaurant quality dessert. Get a nice tin or bakery box and voila! You’re ready to roll!

Alright…off you go! Time is ticking boys and a card isn’t going to hack it this year. And ladies, I think it goes without saying that these gifts can easily be turned around for the guy in your life. Just because Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about us, doesn’t mean you don’t have to try!