It’s that time of year where we recognize that wonderful special someone in our lives. So here are a few tips to make things memorable.
What to get for your Valentine:Candles: Using candlelight is a very cheap and easy way to set a romantic atmosphere. Illuminations has quirky floating heart candles that say “Light My Fire,” “The Heat is on,” and “Burning Desire” at $3.50 each, so they’re both funny and romantic. Also at Illuminations are Amoré Tealight Holders, which cost $25. The nearest Illuminations are at either bay area locations at Stonestown Galleria, Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, or at the Stanford Shopping Center.
Chocolate: If candles aren’t your things, then you can’t go wrong with chocolate. Not only does it taste good but it’s also an aphrodisiac. Chocolate is also an inexpensive last minute gift that you can get practically anywhere. See’s has a wide selection of chocolates that range from a fancy velvet heart that costs $98 to a 5.5-ounce heart tin costing $4.50.
Teddy Bears: For the more sappy people, there are teddy bears. Vermont Teddy Bear has a wide selection of Valentine bears that are one of a kind. Who could go wrong with the “Love Bandit” teddy bear or with the teddy bear that’s 36 inches tall? The average cost of one of these teddy bears is $69.95. For more information visit: http://www.vtbear.comIf the Vermont Teddy Bear is a little bit out your price range then the Build-A-Bear Workshop to the rescue. Build-A-Bear has a collectible Hearts-A-Plenty Teddy decorated with red hearts all over at a bargain of $14. Also, you can add a personalized message at an additional $8.
Mickey & Minnie: For this Valentine’s Day, Disney has come out with a Mickey and Minnie Disney Kiss Plush set at $12.99 each.
Flowers: They are a classic way to say, “I love you.” Long stemmed red roses can always sweep a girl off her feet. Giving a girl roses for Valentine’s Day will surely make a relationship blossom. Flowers.com is offering a dozen long stemmed red roses at $39.99.
Peanuts: For people who are fans of Snoopy and the gang, you should consider the Peanuts Valentine Collection book (hardcover). The book is a deal at $9.95. For more information visit: http://www.wickedcoolstuff.com
Condoms: With all this love in the air, it’s no wonder people can get a little carried away. This is why on Feb. 11 there will be a great condom giveaway on the quad from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. the giveaway is a part of the health center’s services for the Valentine holiday, which will also be providing some literature on safer sex practices.
Where to take your Valentine:The Punchline Comedy Club: People like a sense of humor, so why not laugh together at the Punchline? Located at 444 Battery Street (between Washington and Clay) the club is open from Tuesday – Sunday, with a 9 p.m. show each night and additional 11 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended. For more information contact: http://punchlinecomedyclub.com
San Francisco Zoo: It’s like having the Animal Planet channel right in your very own backyard. Each February the San Francisco Zoo offers sex tours in which the public can learn about the mating and courtship behaviors of the animals at the zoo. Sex education has never been this up close. You must be 21 years or older. A reservation is required. The fee is $55, which includes the tour, refreshments, and a full day admission to the zoo. The tours take place two times a day the first at 10 a.m. and the second at 2 p.m. For tour reservations or general questions, e-mail the zoo at: http://www.sfzoo.org or call (415)-753-7165
The Mint Karaoke Lounge: Sing the night away and dedicate love songs to your special someone on stage. Located at 1942 Market St. it is open every single day of the year and you can sing your little heart out from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a wide selection of songs to choose from. You must be 21 and over. For more information contact: http://www.themint.net or call (415)-626-4726.
Ice-skating: What could be sweeter than being hand in hand on the ice? The Yerba Buena Ice-Skating Center boasts a National Hockey League regulation size rink and is open to the public daily although hours of operation vary each day. Public admission is $7 and a skate rental is $3. For contact information visit: http://www.skatebowl.com or call at (415)-777-3727
Bowling: Bowling isn’t just for middle-aged men in bowling leagues anymore, so lace up those funky bowling shoes and knock those pins down. Sea Bowl, located at 4625 Coast Highway in Pacifica, has 32 lanes along with a billiard room and a video arcade. Friday is Astro Bowl night. This is a place where you can bring your closest friends and family. Hours of operation vary with each day. For more information visit: http://www.seabowl.com
Miniature golf: For Valentine’s Day, try fitting the ball into the hole at Malibu Grand Prix. The cost to take a shot is $7. The golf course is open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10 a.m. – Midnight on Friday and Saturday. Miniature golf can be surprisingly romantic when being played at night amongst the obstacles. For more information visit: http:// www.malibugrandprix.com
