Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day comes at the same time every year. When you're younger, it means red and pink decorations and saving your favorite valentine from Rite Aid for your crush. After you're married, it means "you better not forget about it or you're sleeping on the couch." But in college? It can be more confusing than the line between red and pink. 

Who to get a gift?

In a steady relationship: Unless you discuss not exchanging anything, assume you're exchanging presents.

Not in a relationship but on the verge: Something small and possibly cheesy. Something that says, "I didn't just disregard the day but I know we aren't dating."

Not in a relationship but don't want to be on the verge: Get something small but impersonal, or nothing at all

Very casual: A Happy Valentine's Day text. Maybe.

Your ex: Nope. Don't even go there.

What to get?

Steady couple ($20+ range): 

• Dinner for two. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, just someplace with food you both like. Go to China Buffet if that's what makes you happy.
• Dinner for two at home, and if neither of you are good at cooking, order in. Light some candles, and relax around the familiarity and privacy of your own table. 
• A massage or spa service. Manicures can be only like $15 with tip, so Google local nail salons (make sure the reviews are decent) and either schedule one for when you know she's free, or just buy a gift card for her to use when it's convenient. (Hint: this is a good thing to do when you've screwed up at other times of the year too.)
• An experience you've been wanting to try together. Been wanting to check out that rock climbing wall across town? Sign up. Memories are just as great as tangible things.
• Mini gift basket. Think of things she likes and uses often. Whether it's her favorite candle from Bath and Body works, her favorite candy, a small necklace, a nail polish color (just pick one, it's the thought that counts) or a small gift card to her favorite coffee shop, tailoring her gift specifically to her likes will go a long way (and may be easier on your wallet.)
• Homemade options: Create a CD of songs that remind you of her, write her a few letters, make an origami rose (I'm sure there's a tutorial on YouTube), or a movie night snuggled up on the couch.

One the verge ($5-$20 range): 

• Teddy bear and a red rose. It's so typical Valentine's Day that it's cute.
• A pizza saying "Happy Valentine's Day" in pepperoni or M&Ms or whatever she's into.
• A coffee with a corny note such as "I like you a latte." Bonus points if you bring it to her class.
• A box of chocolates.
• Tickets to a movie.
• An edible arrangement.
• A cute handmade card.

Not on the verge ($0-$15 range): 

• A slice of pizza.
• A Chipotle burrito.
• A small notebook (with a cute cover or something).
• A bumper sticker from the campus store.
• A coffee mug.
• Something random they said they needed, like a phone charger.

Notes: 

• You don't have to give the gift on Valentine's Day. If you signed up to go paint balling, but you're not available on Valentine's Day? Get the gift card and put in it in the card for you to use at a later date.
• Valentine's Day doesn't have to be expensive. Etsy has great products for relatively low prices that you can often get customized, and are handmade. Monogrammed sweatshirts, customized little bracelets, etc. Chances are, she even has an Etsy with a wishlist that you can view, if you're into that sort of thing.
• Avoid excess of stupid trinkets. A teddy bear is appreciated and chocolate is lovely, but ten little windup hearts that walk around are just annoying. Save your money on that kind of stuff.
• Girls will tell you what they want, you just have to listen. If you're hanging out and she's on her computer and says "what do you think of this dress/necklace/top" and she seems to like it, that means she likes it.
• Don't be afraid of Pinterest. Google her name and Pinterest and her boards will come up. Explore. It's not as scary as it seems, and you'll look like the best guy ever when you get her the exact scarf she pinned on her "dream closet" board. Hint: Click on the picture and it will bring you to the website where you can buy it.
• It's not all about the present, it's about the delivery. You could spend a grand total of $15 but give her the best Valentine's Day ever if your gifts are well thought out and the delivery is right. Send her texts directing her to her next gift (if you're capable of setting up a scavenger hunt) or just say "I hope you're free at 4:30 because I've made some plans :)" and head to the pizza shop where you had your first date. All girls want is to know you tried and you thought of them and their happiness.
• The best gift is yourself.