Instead of running in panic trying to find the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, try keeping it simple.

Roses and valentines seem to go together perfectly, said Connie Baker, co-owner of Lawyer & Richie Florists, 1100 Lincoln Avenue.

Baker said her store has sold many roses. Students’ checkbooks might be a little tight for roses, so the shop also has other things to choose from.

“We have a lot of people who buy stuffed animals,” Baker said. “Valentine arrangements are really popular, too. Red and white carnations can make a really nice arrangement with other spring flowers.”

The florist also offers silk flowers, balloons and cards.

Other area businesses are ready for last minute Valentine’s Day shoppers. Anything red, pink, white, heart-shaped, cute, cuddly or romantic is being pushed to the front of the aisles to help buyers find the perfect gift to shower their valentine with.

Judy Ermann, manager of Judy’s Hallmark shop, 2160 Woodfall Drive, said the two days before, and the holiday itself creates the most business the store sees each year. The store has several promotions that will help students who are on a tight budget. Customers can walk out with a gift for under $20.

“For the past three years we’ve set up an area right here in front of the door to help people find things easier,” Ermann said. “We have cards, teddy bears, votive candles, Precious Moments collectibles, we have something here for everyone.”

For those who still want to do a little something different, there are plenty of options.

“I’m planning on going home early in the morning on Valentine’s Day to surprise my girlfriend with a little love,” said Ryan Kemp, a freshman English major.

Kemp said one of the best gifts he received was a bag of M&M’s from his girlfriend.

“It meant a lot because we fed each other M&M’s on our first date. We also started dating on Valentine’s day, so that makes it even better,” he said.

Keila Lacy, a junior family consumer sciences major, said her boyfriend picked her up in a limousine and took her out to dinner in Chicago.

“We went out to eat in a nice restaurant and then walked around the lake. It was cold, but the whole scene was pretty romantic.”

But some students show more humbug than romance.

Paul Stalec, freshman engineering major, thinks the whole holiday is a waste.

“If you are going out with someone, it is kind of like a ‘Hallmark Holiday’, like you are expected to do something,” Stalec said. “If you do something, you aren’t getting ahead, because it is expected. The only thing that happens is you stay even, or you come out behind.”

Justin Harris, a freshman speech major, has a track meet this year, so he won’t be able to do anything for Valentine’s Day. But he offered advice for people trying to find the perfect gift.

“It’s supposed to come from the heart. Be creative with what you give,” he said.