Local Shops Assure Valentine's Day Gift Giving Is True Love

Everywhere you look these days there’s hearts, arrows, teddy bears and roses. Red is the new black. It’s that time of year again. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

If you’d like to assure your sweetheart won’t be asking Cupid for a mulligan, have no fear. Whitefish Bay Patch is here with a localized gift guide to assure your better half will remember this Valentine’s long after the chocolates are gone and the roses are wilted.

If your love is causing your heart to skip a beat you may want to consult a doctor. Although that doctor may not be the actual Dr. McSteamy from Grey’s Anatomy, you can claim your very own with a McSteamy mug from , 629 E. Silver Spring Dr.  This heartthrob will only set you back $7.50, no co-pay required.

If your love is intimate but not a secret check out the selection of bare necessities at Minoan Intimate Apparel, 509 E. Silver Spring Dr. This sophisticated shop is tastefully stocked with the most exquisite lingerie. Most notable is a beautiful duet from Lejaby, a label known for combining sophistication with sexy.  The bra ($129) and panty ($69) set will show your beloved you value brilliance with delicate lace and Swarovski crystal details.

Some people wear their heart on their sleeves. Others make them out of glass. You can show your sweetheart both by gifting them a gorgeous glass heart from , 501 E. Silver Spring Dr. If her days are spent at the office, a heart shaped paperweight from Glass Eye Studio ($65) is the perfect way to remind her of your intentions while she’s filing papers and shuffling documents.  If her heart is split between you and the kitchen, a platter adorned with hearts from Peggy Karr Glass will let her know you care, no matter her latest culinary experiment.

A wise man once said “The difference between false memories and true ones is the same as for jewels: it is always the false ones that look the most real, the most brilliant.” That wise man was Salvador Dali, and as off the rocker as he was, his sentiment is true. Diamonds are yesterday’s news. The beautiful necklaces at , 403 E. Silver Spring Dr., are brilliant and affordable. Locally made pendants on silver chains from Dana Castle sparkle in a rainbow of shades for $30.00 each. 

Three Wishes, 304 E. Silver Spring Dr., has three ways to skillfully show Cupid up this Valentine’s Day.  A dish perfect to catch your love’s jewels and favorite trinkets is no ordinary catchall. Hand applied enamel by Julia Knight ($28.00) in your choice of pink or red will surely show your sweetheart you care. If your honey is more adept to larger jewels, Mariposa offers a lovely heart shaped dish for $37. If your Valentine’s thumb is more black than green, a miniature topiary  ($12) in the shape of your heart is a perfect addition to her office or décor.

Man’s best friend shouldn’t be left out on the 14th. , 330 E. Silver Spring Dr., has a bounty of toys and treats for your furry friend. And while you don’t want Rover or Felix to indulge in the chocolates out of that fuzzy heart shaped box, they can nibble contently on an assortment of delights decorated for the season and 100 percent edible for them. Ranging in price from 85 cents to $1 you know you’ll get a good return on your investment.

Roses and chocolate? So 2010. This year indulge your sweetheart’s sweet tooth with cherry and vanilla flavored gourmet popcorn from What’s Poppin’, 403 E. Silver Spring Dr.  You can up the ante with an adorable stuffed bear hugging a respectable sized bag of the holiday themed popcorn ($5).