Top 10 romantic gifts: Valentine’s Day: A high day for business

CEBU, Philippines - The season of the hearts is not only a lovers’ heyday but a high day for business as well, especially for those selling gift items for this day of love.

Malls, boutiques and even street stores offer a wide array of items giving people with a lot of options and the freedom to choose from the most affordable to the most outrageous romantic presents they can ever give to their loved ones.

People spending money for gifts have two choices: either to buy at malls or boutiques where products are quite expensive or go to the ‘tiangge’ or flea market for more reasonably priced items.

Find the perfect gift for the special people in your life. The Freeman Business has compiled a fetching list of the Top 10 great gift ideas this Valentine’s Day within every one’s budget, ranging from the traditional flowers to a relatively modern and unique presents:

1. Letter. The idea of writing love letters seems old-fashioned but still very romantic in this generation of e-mail and text messaging. Despite technological changes, many people in this modern age still find the special impact of giving personally-made letters to loved ones.

Creative people take this season as an opportunity to earn some money through making personalized items and have them sold at an affordable price. But letters can actually be made personally which is more appreciable without spending much. Ready-made letters sold at stores usually cost P50 - P150 depending on the size and design. 

2. Dinner Date. Valentine’s gifts are not limited to traditional images of flowers, romance and hearts. One great idea for men is to bring his special someone to a dinner date. Restaurants, bars and even small food stalls around go out of their way to create special offers for couples who wish to go out to dinner during the heart’s day. One restaurant in the city offers a Sizzling Valentines Special for P325 good for a couple.

3. Flower. What would Valentine’s Day be without flowers? A young couple says “It would be lifeless.” So there’s always life at the Carbon Market’s Freedom Park where most of the cheapest and well-designed flower bouquets and even single flower presentations are sold at very affordable prices. Vendors said the high demand for flowers during this season gives them a reason to increase their prices. However, the P20 single rose is always a hit among students because it’s not heavy on their pockets.

A flower shop at a Cebu mall also offers special delivery of flowers. Delivery within Cebu City costs P200 while P400 for places outside the city.

“Sa tibuok tuig, Valentine’s season maoy halin gyod kaayo. Although for the rest of the year makahalin gihapon kaynaa may weddings, debuts ug uban pa,” Head Florist Romeo Mingasca Jr. said.

4. Chocolates. Many prefer the imported ones because of the impact it brings. “Mas ganahan man gyod ang mga babayeug Toblerone, Cadbury, Hershey kay mao man na mga sikat,” said 21-year-old ElielOrpios, who is planning to give chocolates for her girlfriend. A heart-shaped chocolate box that has 10 pieces of mini chocolates is also one great option. The cost ranges from P100 - P200.

5. Stuffed toy. A popular gift shop offers different styles and sizes of stuffed toys which can be bought at P69 (the cheapest and smallest) up to P22,000 (the most expensive and biggest). Lhewelyn L. Colina, the shop’s salesman said they usually have record sales during Valentine’s Day but the Christmas season remains a top-selling period considering the long “ber” months.

6. Couple shirts. If you’re thinking of the most creative and unique gift, go for the customized t-shirt, tank top or hoodie. Many t-shirt printing shops in the city are offering special deals for couples: two shirts with customized love-inspired designs for a starting price of P300. Jackets with hoods can also be a great option, although it costs higher than the shirts. Some of these businesses have gone online to increase their sales. 

7. Perfume. You may try considering a designer perfume for your sweetheart, but with so many choices--it may be even more difficult to choose the right one for her. Girls say they want Victoria’s Secret for perfume because it smells mild and sweet, a perfect addition to their personal boudoir. A bottle of VS’s perfume costs P600.

8. Cake/cupcake. Cupcakes are perfect home-made treats for the one you love. With the complete resources, one can actually bake these tasty love-themed cakes. Another excellent option is to buy these at pastry and bakery stores. A Valentine Black Forestis sold at P550 in one of the known bakeshops in town. For those looking for cheaper ones, a P40 red velvet and chocolate cupcakes can be bought at bakeshops and malls. 

9. Jewelry. This is probably the most expensive yet memorable gift one can give to the special person in his life. Couple rings, necklaces and bracelets are great symbols and remembrance for lovers especially those who are already planning an altar date. A couple ring may cost not less than P500.

10. Seranadeor ”Harana”. For some, the old-fashioned “harana” is still the best gift a man can offer to his woman in life. This has been the traditional way of Filipinos in pursuing someone special. But for those who feel awkward doing it, there are actually amateur singers who offer their services to serenade your girlfriend. There’s a students’ organization offering university students a serenade for only P100 with a complimentary single stem rose. (FREEMAN)