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Business & Tech

Top Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

What to buy and where to buy it for that special gal in your life.

There's no doubt that February 14th is the most high-pressure holiday of the year. Most, if not all, women have pretty high expectations for the entire day, and the bar is set the minute they open their eyes in the morning. There is the gift to consider, as well as the dinner. Many a valentine have stumbled foolishly with kitchen appliances, drugstore chocolates and lingerie (which is really a gift for the gifter, not the recipient). On behalf of women everywhere, don't do it! There are lots of romantic Valentine's Day gift options out there that are sure to make her swoon and fall in love with you all over again. Some of the more traditional options are…

Chocolates

There's nothing more classic for Valentine's Day than a box of gourmet chocolates. Whether her passion is milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate or even decadent truffles, chocolate satisfies the soul in inexplicable ways.

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Brummer's Homemade Chocolates in Westfield has a wide selection of chocolates by the piece, as well as boxed selections, and Black Hound New York in Springfield features their Valentine's Day Collection online, which includes truffles, heart-shaped cakes, and raspberry jam-filled cookie hearts. For one-of-a-kind sweets, head over to Donna Toscana Artisan Chocolates & Lounge in Cranford, whose line of "culinary chocolates" include Tuscan-style bars sprinkled with pumpkin seeds, chipotle peppers, caramelized pistachio, or fleur de sel brittle and chocolates infused with unique flavors such as lemon basil, caramel balsamic and chestnut nutmeg.

Chocolate covered strawberries also make a beautiful presentation. They can be found at Scotch Plains' Tom the Green Grocer and Edible Arrangements, which sells two dozen Berry Chocolate Roses packaged in a flower box.

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Jewelry

Let me be absolutely clear about this: you can't go wrong with jewelry. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, and whether you're shopping for an engagement ring to pop the question on Valentine's Day or just looking to shower your gal with a little bling, make sure to check out Adlers Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Lord & Taylor, Tamar Jewelry, J. Winthrop & Co., and Michael Kohn Jewelers in Westfield, Cranford Golden Touch Jewelers, and Martin Jewelers in Cranford, or over a dozen jewelers in Jewelry Plaza and Jewelry Exchange on Route 22 in Springfield.

Want to save a little cash and still pick up something sparkly? Marion Jewelers & Co. in Scotch Plains is running a Valentine's Day special: 50% off Citizen and Bulova watches and 30% off all sterling silver.

Small, gift-wrapped boxes always, always make excellent gifts on Valentine's Day or any day, but if precious stones aren't her thing, check out the hand-crafted, off-the-beaten- path jewelry designs at Enchantments in Fanwood and Westfield's The Farmhouse Store and La Belle Vie.

Cards

While sending an ecard during the rest of the year has become totally and unequivicably acceptable, it is most definitely not appropriate for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. I don't care if you are separated by thousands of miles or are lying in a hospital bed with two broken arms. There's something very personal about giving/sending an actual greeting card—even if all you do is sign your name at the bottom.

The greeting card industry has become extremely sophisticated, and there are choices for everybody, including voice recordable cards for those with broken arms. The Paper Pedlar in Springfield, Maddie's Hallmark in Cranford, Papyrus in Westfield, and Irma's Hallmark in Fanwood all have terrific selections for that special someone, relatives, and friends, and families. New for this year, Hallmark stores are also featuring an "I Love You Voice Response Bear" with four preprogrammed responses, plus recordable storybooks and DVD greetings.

Flowers

There are a lot of ways to go with flowers, such as the traditional bouquet of roses, the last-minute pit-stop gas station blooms and a bundle of rose petals strewn across the bed. Whatever your mood and budget, local experts have got you covered—just don't wait too long to place your orders: Springfield, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains/Fanwood.

Spa Day

Another winning idea is the gift of relaxation. Ladies love to know that you know how hard they work, and a gift certificate to their favorite salon or spa might be just the ticket. For a complete listing, click here: Springfield, Cranford, Westfield, Scotch Plains/Fanwood.

Bath Junkie in Westfield is also celebrating cupid-style with eight sweet-smelling "love potions" fragrances that can be added to body lotions, bubble bath crystals, and hair products. Or pay a visit to Personally Yours Gift Baskets in Cranford and pick up their "Day at the Spa" and "Just to Relax" gift baskets.

Romantic Dinner for Two—Made by You

So you've gotten the card, the flowers, and the gift, and she thinks you are the best thing that ever happened to her. Want to take the romance to the next level? Cook her a candlelit dinner for two. It doesn't matter what you make or how it comes out. The fact that you cared enough to take the time to think up a menu, go shopping, and give it a go just might be the best present of all.

Trader Joe's in Westfield suggests a six-course "TJ's V-Day Dinner for 2" menu, which features Chateau Tertre du Moulin Bordeaux wine, scallops on the half shell and mushroom turnover starters, a goat cheese/arugula/Fuji apple salad with a champagne pear vinaigrette, filet mignon wrapped with Applewood smoked bacon, and chocolate lava cake for dessert. All of these items are available at the store, and they'd be happy to provide pointers if you don't know how to prepare it.

Whole Foods Market in Springfield has a bevy of Valentine's Day menu planning tips, wine pairing suggestions, and recipes, including easy, no-cook appetizers, vegetarian, meat and seafood entrees, as well as "sweets for your sweeties." All of the ingredients can be purchased in the store.

Local supermarkets, delis, and specialty gourmet shops can also help create a semi-home made meal. For a complete listing, click here: Springfield, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains/Fanwood.

And, last but not least, give her a night off from the kitchen post-Valentine's Day, too. Gift certificates to Scotch Plains-based Delivery Now can be purchased to a number of local restaurants.

Aside from these traditional Valentine's Day gifts, there are a zillion other things your honey might enjoy. Whether it's a day/night out (complete with "drop-in" day care service), that leather bag she's been eyeing, a hobby/sports accessory, or just time spent together, the main point is to show her how much she means to you. Because, really, there's nothing more romantic than that.

 

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