There’s nothing like getting your mind off the snowpocalypse than giving yourself or another little TLC in light of Valentine’s Day. Here are a couple tips for both couples and singles on how to spend your time and your money on Valentine’s Day. 

Couples

Tip #1: Guys and girls, you are forbidden from going into the Valentine’s Day aisle at CVS, Duane Reade, Lot Less, or Real Deal. Nothing shows you waited till the last minute or gave your gift little to no thought than a Heart Shaped Box of chocolates. A dollar may make Honey Boo Boo holler, but dollar chocolates will make your boo holler at you, and not in a good way.  

Tip #2: I know most of you you are Hunger Games fanatics. This Valentine’s Day, do something your significant others will not expect. There is an archery range in Queens that lets you rent a bow, teaches an intro class, and gives you target practice for a little over $30 a person. The place is called Pro Line and is just a short subway ride away. Nothing screams romance and excitement like reenacting your favorite scenes from the Hunger Games.

Tip #3: Diamonds are a girl’s best friends, but a broke college student’s worst nightmare. You don’t need to head over to Tiffany and Cartier to get that special someone the perfect piece of jewelry. First, head over to Century 21 and take a look. They have all the top brands for 50-80 percent off. That $100 necklace just became a whole lot more student friendly. If that’s not for you, head over to the East Village and check out some thrift shops. It is amazing the treasures you will find in these best-kept secrets.

Tip #4: We live in New York City. It is no surprise to any of us that it is ridiculously expensive to go out for a bite to eat at a nice restaurant. Save your money and your metro card and make something for your special someone at home. It is really easy to look up a simple recipe to his or her favorite meals.

Tip #5: Movies are great, just not for Valentine’s Day. I love a good Rom-Com as much as the next guy, but they are not very conducive for a good date. You can’t talk to one another, you are closely surrounded by a bunch of strangers, and you basically have to sell you first born in order to afford a movie ticket and popcorn for two in this city. Don’t waste the time and money to go somewhere you will be more focused on a screen than on your date.

Singles:

Tip #1: Three words: House of Cards. Netflix will be releasing all of season two on Valentine’s Day. For those of you who watched season one, you know this is something to be excited over. Put in your Seamless order from your favorite hot spot, cuddle up with your Snuggie and some friends, and settle in for a season premiere you will not regret. (Note: This is a great idea for couples working with a really tight budget and just want to spend the night in together.)

Tip #2: Do not, under any circumstances, stay inside all day to avoid the couples. We have all been in the odd third wheel or the single person between two couples and hated it. Don’t let the sudden rise in couples stop you from enjoying the day. It’s Friday, go out and have fun. Get a group of your friends to go karaoking in the East Village or bar hoping in Chelsea.