craigdailypress.com

Sure, Valentine's Day is notorious for enormous bouquets of red roses accompanied by a box of chocolate candies that takes months to finish off. But why not think outside the greeting-card holiday box?

Valentine's Day - this Saturday - is about expressing love for special people in your life. And, particularly in light of the current economic situation, sometimes unique gifts can be just as, if not more, effective than taking the road tradition has paved.

Thought that counts

Just ask Kandee Dilldine, co-owner of KS Kreations craft store in downtown Craig.

"When I think of a homemade gift, I think a lot more thought went into it," Dilldine said. "It takes a lot more time and thought to make something than go pick something off the shelf.

"I think that's why we were busier at Christmastime, too, because people were making things instead of buying them."

The store carries supplies to make everything from candy flower bouquets to bead jewelry to handmade cards. KS Kreations carries plenty of kid-friendly crafts and also supplies for sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting or cross-stitching gifts, should you know how to do any of those things.

The bottom line is, Dilldine said, homemade gifts may "cost" you time, even if you are saving money.

"But you don't end up with a cheap gift," she said.

Loves me, loves me not

If your sweetie simply loves fresh-cut flowers, there are alternatives to sometimes pricy roses, said Sandra Hernandez, floral clerk at the Craig Safeway.

She said other popular flowers include carnations, spider mums and tulips, all of which retail for less than roses. A wrapped package of 10 tulips goes for $8.99 at Safeway.

Many people come to Hernandez with a specific budget but still looking for a special gift.

"I try helping them out as much as I can to make them a really nice beautiful arrangement," Hernandez said, "because I know how bad this economy is - really bad."

The store also carries stuffed animals, chocolates and balloon bouquets, which Hernandez said are thrifty gifts that make a strong statement.

Idea central

Below are a few more ideas for how you can enjoy Saturday's romantic holiday without breaking the bank (or even pulling out your wallet out).

• Take a stroll at Art Walk. The event, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, features artists and musicians showcasing their talents at downtown businesses. Take a romantic walk while keeping each other warm for no cost at all. Sample and vote on various chocolates for $10 a ticket if you like, or buy a handmade bowl with soup for a small fee that includes a souvenir.

• Have a carpet picnic. Select some of your sweetie's favorite foods and treat him or her to a picnic by the fire and follow it with a romantic film you know he or she will enjoy.

• Create a custom food basket. Champagne and fancy cheeses are nice, but why not make a basket that includes all of his or her favorite munchies from the grocery store?

• Craft a homemade coupon book. Who doesn't love back massages and bear hugs? A coupon book is a creative way to show someone you care while creating a happy excuse for some romantic alone time.

• Start a scrapbook or album of your love story. Collect photos of your time together and compile them in some attractive way. Add notes chronicling funny memories if you wish.

• Make paper flowers. Tissue paper (or even napkins) are cheap. Find a pretty way to feature them on a pipe cleaner stem, and you've got a long-lasting bouquet that you can afford.