Love, Buckeye Style
 |
Think you have to battle the mall crowds for that perfect gift for your Buckeye Valentine? Think again, Cupid. Gifts o’plenty are easy to come by–right on Ohio State’s campus. And if you’re willing to walk across High Street, your options increase exponentially. Draw back your bow:
--------
Team Shop at the Jerome R. Schottenstein Center
One could, if one so desired, pick up that hard-to-find Ohio State salt and pepper shaker set ($16.95) at this one-stop for all things Scarlet, Gray, and occasionally romantic. (map)
Wexner Center Store
The renovated bookstore in this campus gem is a treasure trove for hipsters and art lovers of all ages. Whether it’s a book signing, jewelry, design magazines, a new Eve Ensler dvd ($21), you can see it or buy it here. (map)
Ruby’s
This High Street institution (with a fluffy cat usually perched in its window) has just the tchotchke to brighten your sweetheart’s day—a brightly colored silk envelope and butterfly creation mounted on a curly copper hanger. With several variations on the theme (birds, stars), and at $10, it’s a unique item in a store of full of one-of-a-kinds. (1902 N. High St., 614-291-2999)
Lavé
Does your lady go crazy for heart-shaped fragrant candles ($15.75)? Is your man in need of a chunk of all-natural soap to get squeaky clean? Step across High Street to Lave in the South Campus Gateway for “fresh, natural, and handmade” bath products that will keep your and your Valentine’s skin and hair in fine form. (1586 N. High St., 614-340-9820)
Geology Museum
Truly, does anything say “I love you” more than a bronze cast trilobite belt buckle ($8)? You’ll find that and more inside the Orton Hall Geological Museum Store right on Ohio State’s Oval (open M-F, 8-5). The store is home to other models, minerals, books, posters, and dinosaur items for the rock hound in your life. (map)
Barnes & Noble
Skip past the racks of "OSU Grandpa" sweatshirts in this new, two-story campus megastore. Instead, check out the impressive collection of romance novels, or should the relationship go south, self-help books. At anywhere from $5-25, a little reading, be it saucy or sobering, can add the right touch for your Valentine. (1598 N. High St., 614-247-2000)
Used Kids
Whether it’s Latin rhumba (Xavier Cugat’s Viva Cugat! $8), hard soul (Lou Rawl’s Unmistakably Lou, $7) or Japanese noise-rock (Boris’ Pink, $12), the right groove can set the tone for a romantic evening. This campus goldmine has got racks and racks of tunes designed to get your mojo workin’. (1980 N. High St., 614-294-3833)
Buckeye Bargains Thrift Shop
Giving the gift that’s already been worn, read, or left behind at an OSU basketball game is always a good idea for the Valentine shopper on a tight budget. This campus thrift store is easy to miss (in the basement of Converse Hall, 2121 Tuttle Park Place), but inside are some rare finds (vintage t-shirts $5). Better still, store proceeds go into a scholarship fund or are used for emergency student loans. Open Wednesdays when school is in session from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (map)
The Blackwell
If a moonlight view of Ohio Stadium is the perfect aphrodisiac for your beloved Buckeye fan suffering from football withdrawal, The Blackwell offers a Valentine’s Day package ($225). The deal includes a night’s stay at the swanky campus hotel, dinner for two at the on-site Bistro 2110, and breakfast the next morning. (map)
(text: Jerry Dannemiller & Kristen Convery, University Relations)
Valentine's Day did-you-know:
Woody Hayes was born
February 14, 1913
Ohio State research: Valentine's Day cards may be clichéd and stereotypical, but they show true feelings
(read more)
The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s
192 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually
Cupid was known in ancient Greece as Eros the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty
The first true Valentine card was sent in 1415 by Charles, duke of Orleans, to his wife. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time
Seven men were killed in Chicago in 1929 in what came to be known as the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre"
A human heart pumps nearly five quarts of blood through the body every minute
Wine is the most popular Valentine's day gift, slightly beating out chocolate and flowers
