With just two days left until Valentine’s Day, the selection at some stores may be weak. Even though it’s last minute, there’s no need to resort to a $5 box of chocolates or a fake rose suspended in a glass case. There are plenty of last-minute gifts that will melt your sweetie’s heart.
No time to wrap a present? No problem. The Chocolate Votive Gift Set comes in a romantic pink paisley box. Inside are three chocolate-scented candles that evoke white chocolate, chocolate raspberry and chocolate orange. Each candle burns for up to 15 hours and will last long after Valentine’s Day. $15 at Illuminations at Woodfield mall in Schaumburg, 847-995-0910.
Shopping for both chocolate and flowers can hog a lunch break. Pick up both with the Chocolate Bouquet from Sarah’s Candies, 11 E. Oak St.; 312-664-6223. The flowers are a mix of roses, tulips and daisies. No worries–the flowers and chocolate clusters aren’t touching in the vase. A special design means the flowers can be removed and used as a centerpiece. Starts at $50.
Late shoppers are sometimes filled with guilt. Relieve remorse with the Coach Suede Gallery Wristlet, a bag with a zip-top closure and fabric lining. The wristlet has a 12-inch strap that can be used to make a wrist strap or attach to a larger bag. $78 at Coach stores.
Give two gifts in one with Blush the Bear from Godiva Chocolatier. This snuggly bear has a candy box that’s tied around his neck and holds six solid milk chocolates. Blush can sit upright and has a heart-shaped nose and “Godiva 2006” stitched into his paw. $22.50 at Godiva stores.
Know how many fat grams are in a truffle? Enough to make jeans snug in all the wrong places. Give calorie-free chocolate with Philosophy bath and shower washes. These washes smell like food and can be used as shampoo, body wash or bubble bath. Choices include double rich hot cocoa, white chocolate hazelnut cake and chocolate ice cream. $16 for a 16-ounce bottle, available at department stores such as Nordstrom and at Sephora stores.
