Suggestions on Valentine's Day gifts vary from person to person, leaving many with a muddled idea of what to purchase
Penny Moore n Features Editor
ascades of flowers and balloons are displayed at the end of aisles filled with chocolates and plush animals. These gift selections seem to have taken over the local stores.
Valentine's Day is the busiest day of the year at Forever Miller's Flower & Gift Shop, 705 E. Fifth St. It's been owned and operated by the same family in the same location since 1929. Fresh flower arrangements are among their most popular selling items.
College students should avoid spending lots of money on roses suggests co-owner Sonni Lambert. Instead try a long-lasting and less expensive gift by purchasing a mixed flower arrangement. Popular alternatives include carnations with candy and a balloon or a stuffed animal and one long stemmed rose.
"Come in with $20 to $25 and you can get something really nice," says Lambert. "I'm sure it'll please your girlfriend."
To prepare for the holiday she says they began planning early. Organization is a big key to having a successful day.
"We do anything extra we can do early," says Lambert. "That includes getting containers ready, making bows and creating silk flower bouquets. "
The shop will open early and stay open late on Friday to accommodate last minute shoppers.
"I think it (business) will remain the same or be a little higher," says Lambert. "I think people are more sentimental this year."
Valentine's Day is also busy for the Factory Card & Party Outlet, 1020 E. Princeton Ave. Greeting cards are available for 59 cents everyday. There are approximately 5,000 designs for every occasion. Other gift selections to try are Russell Stover boxed chocolates starting at $3.99 and plush animals are currently 25 percent off their original price.
"We sell everything from candy to candles," says store manager Monique Candelario. "When you walk in you'll see a bundle of love with red, pink and white. "
She says balloons are their biggest seller. There are over 100 different types of balloons and their custom balloon creations start at $6.99 and go up to $14.99.
"On Valentine's Day there are about three to 4,000 blown up balloons and we sell all of them," says Candelario.
Latex balloons only last about eight to 10 hours so people will pick them up on Friday. The outlet will be opening at 8 a.m. on Friday with the entire 15-member staff.
"No one gets the day off," she says.
The holiday also increases sales in adult-oriented businesses such as Pleasures, 2201 W. Godman Ave. They offer a wide selection of lingerie, massage oils, romantic games and adult novelty items.
"We have plenty of stuff and it's all reasonably priced," says co-owner Rod Terry.
Prices start at $10 for popular adult toys. Pleasures recently opened a second store at 3410 N. Wheeling Ave. He says they are expecting the main rush to be next week. They started building up inventory around a month ago. They will open at 10 a.m. and remain open until midnight both Friday and Saturday.
Another popular holiday gift is jewelry. Diamond necklaces are selling pieces at Montezuma Jewelers, 701 E. McGalliard. They specialize in handmade jewelry. Typically, customers set up an appointment and then a piece is designed. Pre-designed pieces are also available for purchase. The price range for both is $100 to $300.
"I personally think giving jewelry is extra nice," says David Gonzales.
They also offer a selection of watches that run from $59 to $129.
"These are not as romantic, but you need to get there on time," says Gonzales
He says business has remained steady over the past few months and they'll keep their regular store hours during the holiday.
According to a store manager, lingerie, satin slips and garters have been big selling products at Muncie's Victoria's Secret, 3501 Granville Ave. The Dream Angels romantic love scents are also extremely popular. This includes four ounce bottles of angel mist, angel wash and angel touch lotion for $35. Very Sexy offers fragrances for him and her. A combination of body spray and lotion for her is $29. For him, body spray and after shave costs $35.
If you order items online it usually takes three days for delivery. However, they can be shipped overnight for a minimal fee. For $5 you can have your gift wrapped.
If you aren't sure what to purchase get a gift certificate. Most salons and restaurants offer gift certificates in affordable increments. A perfect last minute gift is an e-gift certificate from Victoria's Secret. They'll send it to the recipient via e-mail on the day you choose. Boxed gift certificates are also available at stores.
Valentines.com is offering a personalized love letter or poem. E-mail your name, relevant information and any additional information about your significant other to info@valentines.com. This can include hobbies, traits and how you met. In the message also provide your name, credit card number with expiration date and your mailing address. It's $60 for eight lines and $90 for 12 lines. It takes three days for delivery.
Every gift needs a card. There are several options to try. Yahoo offers free greeting cards by logging on to http://greetings.yahoo.com or create your own card by cutting out words from old magazines and combine them to make a romantic message. Another option is sending a text message to his/her cell phone that morning.
If you are running low on cash try these options. Use your imagination and write a poem or letter or design a small photo album into a coupon book. Create the coupons for things you think he/she would enjoy. Some examples include movie night on me and one free back rub.
For the music lover make a cassette of your favorite love songs. Put a picture of the two of you on the cover. If you are talented you could record a love song you wrote or sing your own rendition of your favorite song. You could cook a romantic dinner and play the cassette.
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