Awh that’s great. I know it’s the thought that counts but, not gonna lie, it’s still nice when you get gifts from people that actually seem well-thought-out. Like they actually know what you like. Good luck, man.

Well, I would suggest that doing anything sweet will totally be enough.

However, I wouldn’t let the distance trouble you too much. Chances are there’s a nerdfighter near her who would be more than happy to help you deliver / set up anything that you otherwise couldn’t do. Also, just ask. Most people are more than willing to do a little bit to help a stranger — particularly when it’s to do something cute for someone they care about.

Although, admittedly making things happen at a distance takes a bit more effort and often a bit of money to really work.

Three years ago I had flowers delivered to my then girlfriend (who was going to school 1000+ miles from me) with a note which gave a confirmation number for a B&N.com order and gave the address of the nearest Barnes and Noble. When she went to pick it up there was a fed ex box with a tshirt which read “mon petit chou” and a cabbage (with a silly french mustache) and one of her favorite sci-fi books in hardback.

Of course this required ordering the shirt, making the french cabbage and shipping it to one of her friends who took it to the Barnes and Noble, talking to one of the women who worked at the store and convincing her that the box wasn’t a bomb or drugs and that it would be ok to hold on to for 15 minutes and give to my girlfriend. Oh and ordering the books and flowers.

So it’s doable — you just have to be creative and get other people to help.

Have you thought of imaginative cards?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUGrIop_pwo

As a joke, I made this one and gave it to a friend. The words were “To ______, my Indian rose.” We all got a laugh out of it.

Devina,

I had a teacher in high school who told us that when her and her husband go out to dinner, they invite a homeless person near the restaurant to come have dinner with them. So I’ve been wanting to buy a homeless person near my college some lunch, and take the time to eat and talk with them.

Well, since you asked… Here is the email I sent to my boyfriend a couple days ago

Yeah, yeah. It’s long.

“Gentleman Version:
Dear Sir,
It has come to my recent attention that the annual celebratory event regarding a certain St. Valentine figure is once again coming to transpire. No doubtably, you’ve heard of my excessive endorsement of other holidays, and my great enthusiasm therein. However, I’ve taken a certain partiality to the festivities, as I believe some celebrations more laudable of my attention than others. In light of St. Valentine and said holiday’s history, I find it distasteful to participate in any action that would condone its rather superficial origins. As of such, I shall not be participating in the customary exchange of boons (such as letters, chocolates, and birds,) and expect you to do the same. I am assured that you will find this proposition quite agreeable, as you seem to be the sort of man above such superfluous proceedings.
Regards,

Pretentious Hippie Version:
Dear Mindless Consumer,
Stop what you’re doing right now! Don’t you realize that you are playing into the hands of corporate mongerers? The only reason St. Valentine’s day exist is to sell boxes of heart-shaped chocolate and perfumed flowers to gullible sheeple. Not only that, but the “holiday” wastes precious resources through the millions of printed cards and tons of plastic wrap that are thrown away every year. For the love of humanity and the environment, don’t buy in to the capitalists’ plot!

V for Vendetta Version:
Verily, the visage of St. Valentine has been vitiated, in this era’s interval. Indeed, the veracity of the veteran has been all but eviscerated in view of recent developments within the vice of corporation’s corruption. Undoubtedly due to the vanity of the villainous firms, Valentine’s vestige has come to be known as the “Hallmark Holiday.” Any vindicated value vanishes with every purchased vase and flower, ‘till its virgin worth has all but vanished. Though this vicissitude of Valentine’s Day may veer queer, it is very vital to me that you should not involve yourself in such versions of the celebration’s activity.

My Version:
Don’t buy me stuff. I would rather spend an evening hanging out with you than get a box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers in the middle of the day. See you Tuesday!”