As the Hallmark holiday approaches and convenience stores become flooded with flowers and chocolate kisses, people young and old debate what to get their significant other to show their love and appreciation.

Couples celebrating around DePaul’s campus have many options of places to go and things to experience with either a significant other or a group of friends.

For a more casual night out, many pizza places in the area are offering bargains for couples coming in to dine; for example, Lou Malnati’s, at 958 W. Wrightwood Ave., is offering their heart-shaped, nine-inch pizza for diners, as well as an option to ship the pizza if your loved one isn’t in town to join you. For a more romantic approach to the evening, couples may have to venture downtown to places such as Blue 13 Chicago, a contemporary American cuisine restaurant offering couples their choice of a three-course or five-course meal for a set price, as well as a complimentary champagne toast throughout the first weekend in February.

“What I like to do to keep things interesting for Valentine’s Day is to get something that the two of us can share together and then look back and say ‘remember that one time …'” Elliot Bachaumard, a student at DePaul University, said.

For something on the adventurous side for couples more inclined to be outand- about rather than sitting at dinner, the Adler Planetarium, located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., is hosting their monthly “Adler After Dark” special, including music, cocktails and incredible views of the city. Several days after Valentine’s Day, Feb. 20, couples can enjoy “Adler After Dark” with a few twists as they pair up with Broadway in Chicago and experiment with Valentine’s Day staples such as roses and chocolates by subjecting them to liquid nitrogen.

And for those that aren’t in the warmhearted spirit for the holiday weekend, there are a number of fun and creative events going on around campus and the city.

“There are always fun bar crawls around the city the night of Valentine’s Day, too, for those who hate the holiday or don’t have a special someone,” Emily Fife, a student at DePaul University, said.

Derby Bar and Grill, located at 1224 W. Webster Ave., is hosting a “Shred Your Ex” party including $5 PBR and shot combinations, as well as half priced appetizers and the chance to print out and shred a picture of your ex-girlfriend or boyfriend.

“This is the first year Derby is doing the event. We wanted to have an event that wasn’t so typically ‘romantic’ on Valentine’s day, something for the single people,” Susan Rapp, the sales and events manager at Derby, said.

All of the proceeds from the event will benefit The American Heart Association.

“We are definitely hoping DePaul students will attend, we love the DePaul community,” Rapp said.

Durkin’s Tavern, located at 810 W. Diversey Pkwy., is also getting in the spirit of anti-Valentine’s Day by hosting the 15th annual “Screw Cupid Bar Crawl” Feb. 14, including trolley rides to and from bars in the Lincoln Park area including McGee’s, Duffy’s, Wrightwood Tap and more. Tickets are currently available online for an “Early Bird” special.

“Living in Chicago on Valentine’s Day definitely spices up everything. You have more choices for fun, unique restaurants, and there’s always something going on,” Fife said.