Love on the Run: Burnsville Patch's Last-Minute Guide to Valentine's

OK gents, it’s V-day—did you prepare for tonight? If not, have no fear. Burnsville Patch is here with some quick ideas.

Scenario #1: You’ve got deep pockets but no idea what to get. How much are you willing to spend? If you’re flush on cash and short on time, it might be in your best interest to head to a jewelry store, stat. Another possibility: What’s your main squeeze’s hobby? If they’re musically inclined, maybe it’s time to spring for that Fender SE Special Strat or that Steinway Baby Grand they’ve been eyeing at . Is your significant other up on the latest technology? Maybe your baby could use an iPad or .

Scenario #2: You’re broke. Let’s say, merely for the sake of speculation, of course, that you are running low on funds. First things first: Don’t even think about picking up a gift/flowers/candy combination at the gas station on the way over. Believe me, your loved one will be able to tell. Nothing says lukewarm romance like a spotty bunch of roses from SuperAmerica. It’s transparent and thoughtless. How do I know this? Because it happened to me, dear reader, and I still haven’t forgiven him.

My number one suggestion? Make a card, just like you did in grade school, and don’t skimp on purple verbiage inside. Write something so heartfelt that you feel vulnerable and embarrassed. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Lame. Not so, my friend. Even if you have no artistic talent, she will love it because it shows that you put effort and time into making something for her—with your own bare hands.

If that doesn’t cut the mustard, take your favorite photos and go to where you can make them into post cards, door hangers, menus, whatever you can think of. Did you know they can print a photo of your beloved’s face five feet wide and three feet tall? Or four times over and in neon on canvas, Warhol-style? Now you do. Get to it!

Scenario #3: All the restaurants are booked up. It’s true that it’s a little late in the game to get a cozy booth at , but don’t lose hope. Get a nice bottle of wine — perhaps a Riesling, Moscato or Pinot Noir. Then put on your chef’s hat. Note, this is no time to take culinary risks, so choose a recipe you are familiar with, a specialty of yours, if you will. Now go to the grocery store, stock up and get started. Whenever possible, add romantic flourishes. Making a shortcake? Arrange those berries in a heart-shape. Spell her name in whip cream.

Scenario #4: I just need candy and flowers, please. All right. We’ll do things your way.

Flowers

• : 190 S River Ridge Cir, Burnsville. (612) 788-7575

• : Bonus points if you bring in your sweetie's laptop for updates. 1301 Cliff Rd E Ste 101, Burnsville. (952) 736-9430

• Dakota Floral: 13704 County Road 11, Burnsville. (952) 890-4808

Candy

• Abdallah’s, a Burnsville-based chocolatier. 3501 County Rd 42 West, Burnsville. (952) 890-4770

• : This small shop has an abundance of  candies and lots of gift-ideas for the lady in your life.

• Godiva: Available at , at the check-out counter, and .