A last-minute Valentine's Day gift guide for procrastinators

By Lyra Solochek, Times Staff Writer
Published February 14, 2008

Today is Valentine's Day, and you're still not ready to wow your beloved with something sweet and fun? And you say you don't have much money and you sure don't have much time? Check out our handy Express Lane Valentine Gift Guide. It's fast, it's affordable, it's all available at the grocery store. Just remember, 10 items or less.

Dove chocolate rose with hearts ($6.49): It's a rose, it's chocolate. A win-win combo.

Sourdough French bread ($2.49) with brie ($5.29), Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante ($12.49), a bowl of fresh fruit ($5.65) and a selection of sweet treats: miniature cannoli, cream puffs and chocolate-covered strawberries ($4.84): Think of it as a romantic picnic, even if you consume it on the front porch or the living room floor. Tip: Find a bottle of champagne that's chilled.

Nestle Toll House Valentine Hearts bake-yourself cookies ($2.50): Conversation hearts are a must, but instead of the chalky candies, bake these precut, prestamped sugar cookies in 10 minutes.

Bouquet of carnations ($4): Roses cost a fortune and are such a cliche. Carnations last forever - how symbolic.

Valentine gift bag (99 cents) and musical card ($4.99): Presentation is important, so get a pretty container for your goodies. You can find cards for just about all musical tastes; this one blares Keep on Loving You by REO Speedwagon. Classic.

TOTAL: $49.73, plus tax

(We got these items at Publix and Wal-Mart; selections and prices may differ at other stores.)

Lyra Solochek, Times staff writer

Busy, lover? Try these ideas

- Rent a romantic movie or two, such as Love Actually (2003), Notting Hill (1999), Serendipity (2001), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Forget Paris (1995).

- Go online and buy tickets to a concert or a show. 

- Get a spa gift certificate. For budget luxury, try the Aveda Institute, 235 Third St. S, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, (727) 820-3199. Spa massages by students are $50 for 60 minutes.

- Stop by a chocolate specialty shop such as Schakolad Chocolate Factory in St. Petersburg and Tampa for treats. Find more local chocolate shops at food.tampabay.com.

[Last modified February 12, 2008, 17:11:36]