Going out to eat at a fancy restaurant? Buying expensive gifts this year? Maybe you should consider saving your money. With the current economic crisis, many Sacramento State students are noticing a difference in the way they are celebrating Valentine’s Day. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on their loved ones, students are keeping it simple by either spending less money or no money at all.

Students who have jobs, like junior criminal justice major Daniel Lamons, are feeling the change in the economy.

“I work at a Safeway in Vallejo and they cut hours,” Lamons said. “We don’t get as many hours, so I don’t get as much money.”

Lamons, who spent around $200 last year for Valentine’s Day, said he has a limited budget this year. He made reservations this year at a steakhouse which will cost about $100 altogether.

Swetha Raghavendra, masters computer science major, said she and her fiancé were planning to go out for dinner. Although Raghavendra will go out to celebrate this year, she thinks spending money on expensive gifts is not what encompasses the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.

“I would be happy if he gives me a bunch of flowers. Even a single flower will do,” Raghavendra said

Sara Phillips, junior English major, spent around $80 last year, but is intending to spend $20 this year.

“Last year (my boyfriend and I) went out to a nice dinner and a movie. This year I think we’re just going to stay home,” Phillips said.

When it comes to saving money, Phillips suggested old-school gifts.

“My roommate is doing a picture slide show of her and her boyfriend on a C.D. That was her option,” Phillips said.

Samantha Eustaquio, junior interior design major, isn’t planning to do anything this year. She did say if she planned on doing anything it would be cute, cheap, and simple, but still romantic.

Eustaquio thinks keeping it simple and thoughtful is the best way to go.

“Instead of eating out at a restaurant, maybe do a little picnic. Instead of buying roses, maybe pick out some flowers,” she said.

Restaurants, on the other hand, seem to be having an easier time this Valentine’s Day than Sac State students.

John Mark, manager of The Old Spaghetti Factory, did not seem to think the economy was effecting the amount of people eating out.

“I have a feeling my Saturday will be like any other Saturday,” Mark said.

Andrew Kingsbury, manager of Mulvaney’s B & L on 19th Street, agrees that restaurants may not be feeling the economic woes this Valentine’s Day.

“We have more reservations this year than we did last year,” Kingsbury said.

For students who are looking for ideas to save money this Valentine’s Day, Rob Pham, sophomore finance major, suggests staying at home.

“It’s not how much you spend, it’s the quality of time you put in,” Pham said.

Many students at Sac State believe that spending quality time with your significant other is better than getting something materialistic.

Freshman Priysha Kapoor recommends that people refrain from buying each other gifts.

“Valentine’s Day is about being together, not buying each other gifts,” Kapoor said. “I mean if you really love that person you’ll find a way to be with that person instead of sending a gift.”

Christina Li can be reached at [email protected].