TMP Reports
Posted: Sunday, February 8, 2009 7:24 am

OK it’s getting down to the wire when it comes to Valentine’s Day. You procrastinators have slightly less than a week to come up with the perfect gift.

But, you say, the economy is tight and you both made a “pinky promise” not to be so extravagant this year. (Beware, men, it could be a trap!) Just to help out, we assembled a panel of romantic cheapskates to compile a Top 10 list (11 because we are sweet) of suggestions.

Unfortunately, it’s already too late to order those little personalized M&M candies with a cute picture and “hugs and kisses for my missus.” But you can still check it out at http://www.mymms.com/ The price isn’t free, but at about $25 plus shipping, you can still look forward to Easter.

1. For the truly cheap there’s those cute e-cards that are available for free (if you and your sweetie have a computer that is). Try hallmark.com or thebluemountain.com for some classics.

2. While we are doing the cyber thing, don’t forget your Facebook friends. You can send them a special Valentine’s message and accompany it with 101 cyber roses. Not everybody is a geek at facebook.com.

3. If cyber cards are too impersonal, you might try the ‘gift of song.’ Of course, if you have the voice of Flav-o-fave, you might have to get someone else do the singing or perhaps you can read the meaningful words to your sweetheart. Or try dedicating a song on the radio ... that can be very touching, particularly if your loved one hears it.

4. Make your own Valentine’s Card, but don’t do it in 30 seconds. Put some time and thought into your message. The folks at Hobby Lobby and Michaels can help you with that and there’s plenty of lovely poetry available at Linebaugh Library. Make it personal, from the heart.

5. You can still buy Valentine’s cards at just about any place from the corner drugstore to a fancy card shop. They have cards for $5 and less that capture every mood and that even play music. Some allow you to record your own spoken message.

6. You don’t have to be e.e. cummings, Ovid or Alfred Lord Tennyson to write a poem for your sweetie. Just keep it in the “roses are red” vein and don’t get toooooo sappy.

7. Girl Scout cookies make a perfect gift. Everybody has a favorite they love to sink their sweet tooth into. Just to be convenient, the Girl Scouts will have special sales just for you last minute shoppers. Cookie booths start on Feb. 13 all over Murfreesboro. Try Wal-Mart on Rutherford from 4-6 on Valentine's Day.

8. Make a lover’s coupon book that allows your beloved to cash in romantic offers like a massage, breakfast in bed or whatever your little twisted imagination can come up with. But all you givers need to be really prepared to follow through.

9. Instead of dining out, cook a romantic dinner at home. Light some candles, dig out the good china, turn off the cell phones and have some intimate “we” time. You might even pull out some souvenirs or favorite photos from your honeymoon or other romantic moments. www.foodnetwork.com

10. Guys break down and share a “chick flick” with your beloved. File away the snide comments and it might be worth your while to shed a tear or two. Be sure to stiffle those yawns: Here are some suggestions:

1. When Harry Met Sally

2. Breakfast At Tiffany’s

3. Casablanca

4. Sleepless In Seattle

5. Love Actually

6. Sweet Home Alabama

7. Titanic

8. The Notebook

9. Pride and Prejudice

10. Pretty Woman

11. Dress up and share a special bottle of wine. It doesn’t have to be Cristal. Turn that TV off and talk.