I went out on Saturday afternoon in search of last minute Valentine gift suggestions for your sweetie pie. In addition to the traditional choices, including a dozen red roses from one of the florists suggested here, or a heart-shaped box of scrumptious chocolates from Bissinger's, 32 Maryland Plaza, you might find inspiration for something a little different by scrolling through the following post.
At The Flower Shop at The Chase-Park Plaza owner Beth Schmidt and head designer Rod Nelson suggested sparkly votive candle holders, $3.75 to $39.95, filled with dried hydrangea bouquets, $10 to $22, shown above. The dried bouquets will last quite a while, but if you'd prefer to fill the vessel with fresh flowers, the florists can put together a charming little bouquet. The Flower Shop at The Chase offers free gift wrapping for Valentine's Day.
The Flower Shop is located in the lobby near the gift shop, Tues.-Sat. 10 to 6, (314) 633-6910.
Ron Ketchum, the florist at Straub's, planted five springtime plants in a handsome wicker basket, $65. Ron also filled a few smaller baskets with two or three ferns in the $30 price range. There are orchid plants in stock at Straub's, and fresh flowers galore.
Straub's, 212 N. Kingshighway, (314) 361-6646.
A gift certificate for a "Day of Renew" at Massage Luxe, 11 S. Euclid (at Laclede), would surely please your Valentine, $100 to $150 (see what the packages include above). In addition, a first-time massage for both men and women at Massage Luxe is $38, thereafter an hour's massage is $74. One hour facials are $48.
Massage Luxe, open Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., (314) 367-5893.
An easy way out is to pick up a gift certificate for a manicure at La Petite Spa, $20. A nice touch is to tack on the gratuity so the recipient doesn't have to ask if it's included.
La Petite Spa, 318 N. Euclid, open everyday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun. 12 to 5 p.m., (314) 361-7272.
Relish, inside the Great Frame Up at 14 S. Euclid, has an extensive collection of Valentine's cards including pop-up Valentines, $6.75, above.
Relish also carries a new line of pretty prismatic heart necklaces with a rhinestone in assorted colors, handmade in Oregon, $39.95, left.
Relish inside The Great Frame Up, 22 S. Euclid, Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. Noon – 5 p.m., (314) 863-8333.
Many local restaurants are planning special Valentine's Day menus including Eau Bistro at the Chase Park Plaza, Herbie's, 405 N. Euclid, 'Scape, 48 Maryland Plaza, Atlas, 5513 Pershing, and Coco Louco Brasil is offering a Valentine's dinner buffet with live music, 512 N. Euclid. Entre., 360 N. Boyle is hosting a $100 per person multi-course anti-Valentine's (not anti-love) menu. Thursday's dinner is sold out, but there are reservations available on Friday or Saturday. If you can't view the menu on the Entre.website, try this password: "blackheart," it should get you in.