For those attached or emotionally involved, this means the sand in the hourglass is quickly running out and leaving you idealess in the gift department, edging you one step closer to disappointing your sweetie this Monday. If you find yourself quickly identifying with the latter, don’t panic yet. Three days is plenty of time to come up with a perfect plan that will leave your beau acting the smitten kitten.
Items of Interest for Your Man
If you’re trying to shy away from typical items like a hat or a wallet or the overdone tuxedo-designed chocolate box from Sees Candy, these simple and creative ideas may be just what you’re looking for this year.
Engrave something: A keepsake item sporting his initials adds a warm, personal touch. Plus, it’s something he can keep forever. Choose from items such as shot glasses, a pocket watch, a beer mug, a money clip, or a flask.
For the drinker: You can’t go wrong if your gift relates to alcohol. So buy him a light up bar sign of his favorite beer, purchase a six-month membership for Beer of the Month Club, or find him a vintage set of whiskey glasses.
For the gamer: Does your cutie always end up by the games when you go to bars? Surprise him with a dartboard set for his pad, a full poker set, or a portable Pong A Long beer pong table.
For the food fanatic: They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So buy a small George Foreman Champ Grill or cook him a delicious breakfast in bed, including eggs (his choice), bacon, potatoes, an English muffin, and freshly squeezed orange juice or mimosas.
For the sports enthusiast: Take your hunk to a local professional sports game of his choice. Upcoming games include: A’s games the weekend of 4/1 v. the Mariners, Giants games the weekend of 4/8 v. the Cardinals, Sharks games 2/17 v. the Capitals, 2/19 v. the Avalanche, or 3/3 v. the Red Wings, Kings games 2/28 v. the Clippers, 3/14 v. the Warriors, or 4/3 v. the Jazz. If you’re looking to stay local, check out a River Cats game anytime April through June.
Original ideas: If you’re going for one of a kind items, bid on a vintage jacket on eBay so he can rep his favorite sports team with authentic gear. Be sure to do it soon so it gets here in time! Do-it-yourself items like cards with a thoughtful note, homemade CDs, or a photo album (if you’ve been together long enough) say you put in the time and really care.
Sexual suggestions: Sex it up with some lingerie or assume the role of a temptress from his wildest fantasies. Need I say more?
Classier gifts: If your guy is a little bit older or fitting of a more sophisticated gift, consider a leather catchall with his initials for cuff links and watches.
Tangible gifts are always fun to give, but remember that things are just things. Don’t underestimate the value of spending a day together, just the two of you. Memories tend to last longer than material items, and no guy will be let down by the opportunity to spend time with his number one babe. One of the following day trips could be just the right thing for you and your Valentine.
Monterey: Venture south to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and spend the day with the animals. The romantic ocean view decks overlook adorable, sunbathing sea otters and enormous humpback whales. Check out the enchanting Kelp Forest Exhibit, the Splash Zone and Penguin Exhibit, and the new Hot Pink Flamingos Exhibit. General admission for students with a valid college ID is only $27.95.
Old Sacramento: Stay local and head over to Old Town Sacramento. Hop on the city beer crawl on March 3, stop by Sacramento’s comedy club and lounge Laughs Unlimited, or check out the well-known Crocker Art Museum. Don’t forget to take a romantic stroll down the Old Sacramento Pier, located on Front and L Streets.
San Francisco: Make a day out of the lovely city by the Bay. Just an hour away, San Francisco offers countless fun and romantic activities. Consider walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, cruising down Fisherman’s Wharf on Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square, or going to the Exploratorium. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a cable car!
Stinson Beach: Every guy loves spending time with his honey on romantic, sandy shores. Stinson offers a gorgeous beach that looks out onto the Farallon Islands on a clear day, and it’s just an hour and a half by car. Begin with a delicious brunch at Parkside Café or stay late for an outside dinner around sunset at the Sand Dollar Restaurant.