It’s the morning of Valentine’s Day. Your girlfriend said she was totally fine with just skipping the whole “V-Day” thing this year. You were pretty convinced, but today you caught a depressed look in her eyes as she watched all her friends brag about their plans for tonight while stuffing $20 chocolates into their smug faces. Wait a second. What if your girlfriend lied?

Shit.

If you’re in a similar situation don’t despair! Here are some cheap and easy last minute dates that are sure to blow your Valentine away.

McDonald’s: McDonald’s has been known in the past to swank up the place by offering a candle lit dinner at many of their establishments for Valentine’s Day. A little cash goes a long way here, and you and your date can dress up to really give it that extra romantic feel. Candlelight is a girl’s best friend, and makes even the most benign fast food restaurant into your own house of love. If you’re feeling extra generous, why not give your Valentine their very own fast-food buffet? A spread of  McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-a, Panda Express, and Sbarro are all great touches to show that you really care.

The Dining Halls: Each of the commons is offering its own unique spin on a Valentine’s theme dinner, another great option for a last minute date. Again, you’re getting a lot of food for a small price, and it’s all you can eat! This is especially important when it comes to dessert. Remember, don’t be afraid to make dinner special by dressing up and even bringing your own candles and champagne — FIRE AND BOOZE!

(Onward State and its editors and writers are not responsible for any and all actions, causes of actions, claims and demands for, upon or by reason of any damage, loss or injury, which hereafter may be sustained by participating in previously stated Valentine’s Day activity.)

Dollar Dog Night: Is your lover into basketball? Hot dogs? What about eradicating pediatric cancer? If you answered yes to at least one of those questions, take them to this week’s Penn State Men’s Basketball game! If you’re looking for some place cheap to spoil your loved one, you can’t beat $1 hot dogs! So on the pros list so far we’ve got sports, cheap eats, and last but certainly not least, a $10 donation to THON for every student ticket sold. There’s also no need to dress up whatsoever.

Bowling: First off, who doesn’t love bowling?! Even if you’re awful you can always request bumpers. Who cares if you look like a total loser? You’re in love! Northland Bowl also offers a variety of bar food as well as arcade games and a pool room. So even if you can’t win her something from the claw machine, you can at least play pool and pretend to be Ryan Gosling in “Gangster Squad.” She’ll love you forever. Northland is also right next to The Arena Bar and Grill, which serves some amazing wings (and alcohol, if you’re into that kind of thing).

Walmart Extravaganza: Nothing says “romance” quite like Walmart, America’s greatest enterprise. Our local Walmarts include Subway’s inside! This means that while your date is distracted with a FEBRUANY (it really isn’t that hard to say) $5 foot long, you can grab their last minute present! Walmart is definitely the best place to get a last minute gift — the store is so huge that there is no way they will run out of Valentine’s related cards, flowers, and candy. If on the off chance this does happen, just go for something red or pink-themed. It’s really the last minute thought that counts.

Cozy Night In: This is definitely the best idea on the list. Pick up the latest romcom from a nearby Redbox (or just use your Netflix account if you have one), order some Chinese food from Lionmenus, and cuddle up with your sweetheart. This date hits every mark: it’s inexpensive, it’s casual, it’s fun, and it’s private. While extensive PDA may be frowned upon in the aforementioned locations, when you’re at home, you can be a bit more… open about showing affection. So go nuts, you crazy little love monkeys!