From watching advertisements touting Valentine’s Day gifts, it may be easy to think that advertisers think that Valentine’s Day is the day for men to treat women. However, not all N.C. State students agreed with that idea. Megan Taylor, a sophomore in animal science, expects equality out of her relationship gift exchanges.

Still, with most of the advertising focused on gifts for women, it can often be difficult to find the perfect gift for a man. Roses and chocolates may seem too feminine, and beer is too cliché.

“I think of it as an equal exchange.” Taylor said. “The majority of society expects the man to treat the women and get her chocolate and flowers. The women shouldn’t have expectations of the men and not reciprocate that, and often women don’t have an appreciation of the gift since they have such high expectations.”

However, finding the perfect gift for a man can seem impossible at times. Flowers are a classic gift for a woman but are often seen as improper for men. Some women prefer to give more practical gifts such as food. 

“I’d say a lot of females go the romantic route and they do a picture or a scrapbook, but I think often time there’s not much use that you get out of that, so I normally try to make a meal or I’ve gotten a funny t-shirt or something. Something that they’ll actually use.” Taylor said.

Michael Warrick, a senior in History, agreed that it is often simpler to find a gift for a woman.

“I feel like it’s a little more straight forward when you think of what to give a girl as a valentine’s gift,” Michael said.

Gift giving gets easier the longer you know the person, according to Anna Kathryn Renfro, a senior in renewable electrical energy. “I think it makes it more exciting because you never know what they are going to think of.” Renfro said.

Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to be creative since it can be more difficult to purchase gifts for men. Not all gifts have to be surprises or physical objects.

“This year [my boyfriend and I] are going skiing for Valentine’s Day. We are both planning it.” Renfro said.