Special Presents for Valentine's Day
By Evone Wong

"Em......Hand made is better," said Winnie Wong, a 19 year-old university student, satisfied with the cookies she had just made for her boyfriend. "It is special since it cannot be bought anywhere."

Valentine's Day is meaningful for people in love. Before that day comes, they have already been thinking what they should give to their loved ones. How can they make that day special and memorable? A present is essential and flowers are the first choice. However, can there be anything different?

The less common the idea the better; because of this trend, more and more classes are being offered to teach knitting, baking cakes, present wrapping, etc. There is a present wrapping course held by the Instituto para os Assuntos Civicos e Municipais (IACM www.iacm.gov.mo) every Sunday at the Centro de Actividades de S. Domingos. These classes are not only limited to females, an increasing number of males are joining.

Few people like to have the same gift every year; many people are willing to spend more on a special gift for that special day. Love messages in newspapers and on TV screens as well as buffets for lovers are very common these years. Other common gifts are mobile phones and digital cameras. Vivian Leong, a 32-year-old housewife, said that her husband gave her a new mobile phone as her Valentine's present.

However, not everyone can afford such expensive presents. Wong said that she was quite frustrated thinking about and searching for special gifts. She had to consider the price and whether her boyfriend would like it or not. So she finally decided to make presents by hand, at least it was made by herself. "Though it is simple, it is meaningful," she continued.

It is the trend now to send out hand made little gifts rather than buying from shops. Sugar Teddy, a present shop, provides a present wrapping service for customers who come and ask them to help wrap their hand made presents.

Aside from present wrapping, the shop also sells heart-shaped chocolates, cookies, cakes and teddy bears. These are for customers who do not have the time to make their presents. They are also common and good choices for Valentine's presents.

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