By MEGAN MCVEETY and JESSICA NOE
For a holiday all about displaying your affection for that special someone, love is secondary to materialism when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Not only is February 14th a time to love someone, but to show how loved you are with gifts and special occasions, both traditional and unordinary. We asked around CHS to see what popular Valentine’s gifts students and teachers loved and loathed.
GIANT TEDDY BEARS
First up, the always relevant giant teddy bear. As seen in the movie Valentines Day and various drugstores across America, the average cost of the giant teddy can range from $30 to hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. Senior Katie Veneziano of Manalapan was very adamant about getting one, but fellow senior Oliva Iannone of Middletown disagrees.
“I don’t want anything stupid, like a giant teddy bear,” Iannone said.
CANDIES AND CHOCOLATE
The gift everyone seemed to be able to agree on, the sweet stuff was the go-to answer for both students and teachers. With such a variety of candies and chocolates, it seems hard to go wrong–so long as you know your Valentine’s favorite kind.
Even if you don’t receive a tell tale heart-shaped box from a loved one, it’s not like candy is inaccessible.
Says technology teacher Laura Gesin, “I always look forward to the half-priced chocolates on February 15th.”
DINNER DATE
Another popular Valentine’s Day idea around CHS is the gift of a “nice dinner.” From teachers to students, everyone seemed amenable. All except junior Cori Timney of Tinton Falls, that is.
“It’s too cliché,” she said.
Unfortunately, this gift can be on the expensive side. The average cost of a Valentines Day dinner is between $100 and $250. It is this large cost that is keeping senior Linette Reeman of Middletown from taking her girlfriend out.
“Do I have that kind of money? Yes, but I’m saving it for college,” Reeman said.
World History teacher Sharyn O’Keefe and her husband have a different approach.
“We always go out for a lobster dinner the day after because it’s cheaper,” O’Keefe said.
FLOWERS
Probably the most popular symbol associate with Valentine’s Day next to vibrant red hearts, flowers had a split camp of proponents and detractors.
Senior Krista Johansen of Manalapan dislikes how quickly flowers die: “I always forget to put them in water.”
Senior Abby Skorupski of Howell is a big fan.
“I think it’s so cute,” she says, citing that guys seem to underestimate how effective they are.
JEWELRY
For journalism teacher Andi Mulshine, jewelry is the perfect reminder of the bond shared with a loved one, “so they can be with me all the time.”
Perhaps a thoughtful gift for someone in a long-term relationship, but pricey for someone you haven’t known for very long.
Senior Danielle Ofeldt of Wall is staunchly opposed, saying that she doesn’t want her partner to spend too much money on their first Valentine’s Day together.
OTHER GIFTS
Of course, not everyone has a common gift idea in mind, and the those who differed from the norm at CHS also tended to differ from each other as well. Seniors Sean Murphy of Belmar and Tom Kircher of Shrewsbury are not too picky.
“I just want a token of their affection, you know, something they put some thought into,” Murphy said, whiled Kircher would only want to spend the day with his significant other.
However, senior Seán Brennan of Belmar’s instant response to our “What do you want for Valentine’s Day?” question was “a puppy,” and senior Maggie Trupio of Howell, a dedicated member of the CHS knitting club, wants yarn.
In the end, a suitable Valentine’s Day gift depends on the person, but for all of those last minute buyers – you know who you are – some simple chocolates or flowers might be the way to go.
