Friday, February 10, 2006

Countdown to V-Day: How to find perfect gift, quickly


By JENNIFER TUOHY
Express Staff Writer

No matter how many protestations one hears that Valentine's Day is just a commercial gimmick dreamt up by flower, card and chocolate makers, the loved one in your life is undoubtedly expecting some show of affection next Tuesday.

So, just in time for those of you who have paid no attention to the fast-approaching romantic holiday, here are some tips on how to find the perfect gift.

Living, as we do, in an unusual, incredibly romantic, slightly bizarre corner of the world, your plain old $5 box of chocolates and some scrawny roses probably wont cut it. This town is full of imaginative, energetic, slightly crazy people, so a gift that reflects that is in order.

Think unique, spectacular, one-of-a-kind, and, above all, special. For something to be truly special, making or designing it yourself is the way to go, but with three days left until the big day, alternatives must be sought.

A trend to emerge in gift giving over the past few years has been the "experience gift." The memories from a special, exhilarating, exciting or romantic experience will last just as long as the extra pounds a box of chocolate can add.

The Wood River Valley is bursting with opportunities for unique activities that will turn your Valentine's Day into one to remember.

Pack a breakfast picnic, complete with champagne, and rouse your sweetheart early on Tuesday morning for a special, bubbly-induced chair-lift ride to the top of Bald Mountain.

For the anti-early bird, take your better half out for a romantic toast under the stars. The full moon is Feb. 13, so the big V-Day will be (clouds allowing) a brilliant night for stargazing. Wrap up warm, pack some cheese and wine, drive out to a secluded spot and keep each other warm.

For those who require more amenities, pre-arrange a romantic dinner in one of Sun Valley Trekking's five local yurts. SVT can arrange a picturesque ski or snowshoe by moonlight, ending in a catered meal in one of their snuggly, snow-bound tents.

If venturing out in below-zero temps is not your idea of romance, call on one of the valley's many fine restaurants or catering companies to come to your home and prepare a gourmet extravaganza for you and your cuddle-bug.

However, if your valentine can only be subdued by the crinkling of wrapping paper, the valley's many superlative gift shops can help you unveil your creative side with their selection of special, handcrafted and one-of-a-kind gift items.

The beautiful Bellissimo, tucked into a cluttered corner of the Galleria in Ketchum, suggests wooing your dear one with their unique, jewel-inspired chocolates.

"We have chocolates by the 100-year-old Austrian company Altmann & Kuhne Wen. They make these incredible, jewelry-like chocolates, in beautiful heart-shaped boxes that are hand decoupaged," said manager Leslie Speck. The sparkling chocolates start at $48 and rocket all the way up to $230 for the extra large box, but she's worth it.

Across the street on Leadville Avenue, Two Fishes' owner Kathy Muller stocks one-of-a-kind gifts from across the United States and Europe. "My favorite item for Valentine's, however, is this great book called 'She.'" The coffee-table book, priced at $12.95, contains page after page of poetic, uplifting words and is perfect for women of any age. "It's simply inspiring!" said Muller.

If you're inclined to splash out on something locally made, The Picket Fence, on East Avenue in Ketchum, has a small selection of plush, decorative pillows in the shape of a heart. These vintage, embroidered hearts are hand-crafted by local artist Leslie Rego—an internationally known quilter. The beautiful trinkets are made with velvet, lace and beads and cost $85.

Heading south, Hailey's Vintage Gypsy provides a perfect alternative to roses for the flower-lover—Idaho grown and made lavender and lavender products, priced from $4 to $20. The vintage-themed store also boasts a selection of "loving signs." These tin messages of love are wonderful presents, says owner Kim Garvin. "They say things like, 'Lets do sunset,' 'Dare to let go,' 'Discover your passion.' They are wonderful, loving valentines' presents priced from $15 to $80."

For the quote obsessed, Gypsy also offers a selection of books called "Breathing Together." "They are full of quotations on the mystery of love. My favorite is, 'I saved a snowflake for each single hour you were away.'" The books cost $9.

Next door at Sterling Flowers, invest in a beautiful orchid, which will last far longer than a bouquet of flowers. Every time your beloved rests her eyes on it, she will be reminded of you.

For the lady searching in vain for the perfect gift for her fishing-obsessed partner, Silver Creek Outfitters on Main Street in Ketchum offer a winter fly-fishing package. A flat rate of $250 will provide you with all he needs for a chilly day of fishing at Silver Creek or on the Big Wood River. Bear in mind, however, as this is a Valentine's Day present you may be excepted to accompany him.

Silver Creek's Brian Richter also recommends having their capable staff put together a fly-fishing gift package for your loved one. This could contain a fly rod, reel and a fly box specifically designed for fishing locally. "We can price that up to as much or as little as you'd want to spend," he explained.

If you're looking to truly spoil your Western dude, check out Silver Creek's exclusive selection of Clint Orms belt buckles. The Texan has designed buckles for President George W. Bush, and his exquisite, intricate designs—each one of a kind—are priced from $250 to $7000.

So, now there's no excuse not to be prepared for the fluffy, heart-strewn day, which actually commemorates the brutal and violent death of St. Valentine.




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