Give some extra love

If you are planning on buying a gift for your valentine, why not buy something that helps an organization on campus? Candy and treats are classic Valentine’s Day gifts, and this year, get presents that are not only cheap but also support a charity.

Organizations on campus are offering inexpensive Valentine’s Day gifts that also benefit a great cause. PEDMSU, MSU’s chapter of the nonprofit organization Pangea Educational Development, is selling Val-A-Grams. For $1.25, these valentines, which include a homemade chocolate treat and a printed customized message, can be purchased online. The Val-A-Grams, which will be available until Feb. 11 at midnight, will be delivered to students living both on and off campus. The money raised will go toward PEDMSU’s efforts to give back to the East Lansing community — the organization constructs sustainable school sites in underprivileged areas both in East Lansing and abroad.

Any MSU students who happen to be in the Detroit area — whether it be for business or pleasure — can stop and get a sweet MSU treat. Students in MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, along with those in campus organization International Health Project, are hosting a bake sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day in the lobby of the Detroit Medical Center, 4707 St. Antoine St., in Detroit. The baked goods will include chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, assorted cookies and brownies, Valentine’s Day-themed cupcakes and decorated sugar cookies, which will be prepared by students in the college. The money raised will go toward the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s medical mission to Peru.

Dinner and a movie

Dinner and a movie is a classic date for Valentine’s Day, but movies can be expensive and online sites are not always reliable. Renting a movie can be a better option than going to the theater because you and your date get to snuggle on the couch of your dorm or apartment. If you are not having a one-on-one date, a rented movie can also be watched with friends and their dates.

The Residence Halls Association, or RHA, has your rental solution. It offers free movie rentals to MSU on-campus residents and those living off campus who have opted to pay the RHA tax.

The RHA Movie Offices are open from 6:30-11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 5-11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and are located in five residence halls across campus: Akers, Rather, Gilchrist, Holden and Mason halls.

The Movie Offices own more than 1,000 movies for students to choose from, ranging from horror and romantic comedies to documentaries and various TV seasons. A horror movie, such as “The Amityville Horror” or “Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid,” provides a good reason to hold on to your frightened date. You also could rent a chick flick, such as “Along Came Polly” or “As Good as It Gets,” to add some romance to the evening and show your date your sensitive side. Comedies, such as “Airplane!” or “Animal House,” are always a safe bet and a sure way to laugh along with your valentine.

Sweetheart skate

Going ice skating with your date is another great option for a romantic and cheap activity on a Valentine’s Day. Do not worry about falling on the ice because your date is sure to appreciate the effort. Ice skating gives you a perfect excuse to hold your date’s hand, and the chilly atmosphere calls for a hot drink and snuggling afterward.

If you do not want to travel off campus, from 12:30-2 p.m. Feb. 14, Munn Ice Arena, 1 Chestnut Road, offers open skate to MSU students and guests. MSU students with their ID can enter the arena for $4 and rent skates for $2.

Another ice skating option with more available times is at Suburban Ice, 2810 Hannah Blvd. The rink will have open skating on Valentine’s Day. Adult public skate is from 9:30-11:20 a.m. for $5, and midday skate is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. for $4. Renting skates costs $2.

Eat a sweet treat

If you are thinking about going out to eat with your date, local restaurants in East Lansing will be offering deals and inexpensive sweets in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat yourself with a dessert you might not always indulge in or spend money on. Desserts are great to share between two people, which every valentine pictures doing on their perfect date.

Leo’s Coney Island, 333 Albert Ave., will be giving customers a free hot fudge sundae if their bill totals $14.99 or more. Leo’s conveniently is located close to campus, and a sundae is a great treat to top off a meal.

Insomnia Cookies, 603 E. Grand River Ave., also offers cheap desserts perfect for after your meal. Chocolate Chunk, Sugar and M&M’s cookies are all $1.25 each, and milk to go along with your treat costs $2.25. Insomnia Cookies also delivers within five miles of the store, so you can enjoy your cookies at home with your movie.