Purchasing your love in Februrary
Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift can be quite the hassle.
It has to represent, without causing any misunderstandings, the exact level of friendship or romance a couple has achieved. That’s not always easy to come by.
As the big day approaches, more and more people are filling the stores. Places like Plant Peddler Floral are being kept on their toes.
“We’ll get most of our orders the week of Valentine’s Day,” said Meili Chang, a flower designer.
The hot item this year is the same as it has always been – a dozen red, long-stemmed roses, Chang said.
Most flower orders are placed by guys for girls, Chang said. Every now and then a girl will order a single rose for her guy, she said. Girls are more-likely to order balloons or candy, Chang said.
John Ferradino, assistant manager at Wal-Mart, said balloons and candy are what they sell the most. Mylar balloons designed for Valentine’s Day are a frequent pick, he said., and Hershey’s Kisses and Hugs are going fast.
For those who don’t think chocolate is the way to the heart, perfume or cologne might do the trick.
Charisse Saxton, fragrance specialist at Dillard’s, said Romance, by Ralph Lauren, is the favorite scent for both guys and girls this year. Ralph, by Ralph Lauren, is in second place for girls, and Eternity, by Calvin Klein, holds second for guys, Saxton said. Other top sellers are Lucky, by Liz Claiborne, for girls, Jadore, by Christian Diore, for girls and Givenchy Pi, by Givenchy, for guys, she said.
For those who like to catch a good sale, it’s always a better deal to buy the larger bottle, Saxton said. Perfume and cologne are good Valentine’s Day gifts because they are personal and make it easy for the guys who need something last minute, Saxton said.
Aprile Cleveland, assistant manager at Coach House Hallmark in the Cache Valley Mall, said she sees large numbers of guys come in at the last minute, too.
“They stop coming in around seven on Valentine’s Day,” Cleveland said. “Probably because they’re taking their girlfriends to dinner right then.”
Many guys who come in ask the sales clerks for advice on what to get their girls, Cleveland said. She recommends a card and/or candle to those who haven’t been dating long, she said. Those who have been dating for a while should spend a little more, Cleveland said. Collectibles, like Precious Moments figures, are a rewarding choice in this case, she said.
Carrie Ellingson, sales associate at the same store, said stuffed animals are a good way to show your feelings on Valentine’s Day. The much-advertised Kiss-Kiss Bear, a set of stuffed bears with magnetized mouths, has been a hot item this year, she said. But her personal favorite is the Boid’s bear, with its long, shaggy fur and heart-printed paws.
“It’s the cutest,” Ellingson said. “It’s so soft and cuddly.”
Valentine’s Day is more important to girls than guys, both Ellingson and Cleveland said. When girls come in, they look around for the perfect, sentimental gift, they said. Guys come in, grab a card and the nearest bear and leave, they said.
Such hasty decision making is not always the case with guys, though. Kristen Sickler, assistant manager at Morgan Jewelers, said their orders often take place weeks in advance.
The popular pick for Valentine’s Day jewelry is a heart-shaped pendant, Sickler said. The diamond is the most popular stone, with the ruby in second place. Most guys in the area spend around $100 to $150 on Valentine’s Day jewelry, she said, unless they are buying a wedding set.
Jared Lintz, who was visiting his sales associate wife, said he bought his engagement ring at Morgan Jewelers two years ago and proposed on Valentine’s Day.
Wedding sets haven’t been as popular this year as they were in previous years, though, Sickler said.
For those who want something a little less conventional to give their significant other, the Persian Peacock might be the ideal place.
Sara Anderson, a sales associate, said lingerie, silk boxers and warming oils are the hot items at the store this year.
For those who want what manager Jess McWhinnie calls the “expensive, kinky merchandise,” it can be found in the back section of the store. But, be aware that the back section will be packed full of people, especially fraternity boys, at about 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, McWhinnie said.
So, those who are still wondering what to get that special someone should rest assured. There’s still hope.