1.30.08 – Quote of the Day – Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown

Before I talk about Valentine's Day Gift Ideas, I just have to tell you that my brain is still partially frozen. I'm training for the Flying Pig marathon, with my friend Kim. When it's decent out, we run outside. When it's yucky, we run at Fitworks. Well, yesterday – when it was decent – we decided to meet at 6am this morning outside. How quickly things change overnight! It was sooooooo cold. I actually wish I had video of us running this morning. At one point, when running over the Purple People Bridge, we were running sideways with our hands over our faces saying "omigoshomigoshomigoshomigosh" because the wind was so strong and so cold. Then, downtown on 2nd St., which is flat and right on the water, the wind was pushing so hard against us, we could barely move forward. So, I'm very happy to now be inside with a steaming cup of coffee.

Now… I know you're all busy women, so I did a little digging to give you some unique gift ideas for him:

Personalized gifts at Personalizationmall.com – I used this site for 99% of my Christmas gifts, and they were delivered right on time, and looked phenomenal. I highly recommend them. And it's nice to give a personalized gift. And it's not cheesy stuff they personalize; it's stuff your guy will actually use and like.

Hand-made Valentines Gifts. Martha Stewart never ceases to amaze me (PS, I'm a huge MS fan). On her Web site, she has a whole section devoted to Valentine's Day gifts. From hand-stitched Valentines and heart shaped soaps, to decadent desserts and cute ways to package the cookies. Admittedly, your guy won't be as excited to receive these as he would a new Guitar Hero game or new Golf clubs. But, I assure you, your girlfriends, daughters, mothers and female co-workers will adore them.

Poême, in Hyde Park, has some really cute cards that you won't find anywhere else. Again, it's more of a girly-girl store, so if your Valentine's Day gifts are intended for women, this is a great place to check out.

What would Valentine's Day be without a little lingerie? (aka the ULTIMATE gift for him!) I highly recommend La Silhouette, a new little lingerie boutique in Maderia. They have brands, lines and items that you just won't find anywhere else. The staff there is very helpful, knowledgeable and respectful. And if you're a breast cancer survivor, the staff has special training in post-surgical fittings.

If you know the way to his heart is through his stomach, check out our recent story on the owner of Cookies by Design. They make custom cookie bouquets. Think a flower bouquet, but in the place of the flowers are yummy hand-made and decorated cookies that will say anything you want! Oh, the fun you can have with that!

Gifts to fit his personality. Gifts.com has a neat concept. They categorize their types of Valentine's gifts by the type of guy you're buying them for. You have the "guy's guy," "metro man," "devoted dad," and "achiever." (I didn't find "lazy, music loving, car fanatic" on that list to fit Pete's personality, so I guess "metro man" will have to fit. ) But seriously, isn't that brilliant? Enjoy! I hope that helps!

STAY WARM!!!