Valentine’s Day Beckons

Sending a girl a dozen red roses on February 14 is always a nice gesture, but to show you really care, give your gift a little more thought. Guys, you can do this.

 

 

 

Sending a girl a dozen red roses on February 14 is always a nice gesture,

 

but to show you really care, give your gift a little more thought.

 

Guys, you can do this.

 

{gallery}valentine_2013{/gallery}

 

— Photos by Jon Craig, Robin Jovanovich, and Tom McDermott

 

Take her somewhere, if not that night, then make reservations for a long weekend or a whole day to yourselves in the city, and include the itinerary with your card. Women love cards. And they remember the years you forgot to buy them. The Rye Stationer has a few cards left, so hurry.

If it’s too hard to leave the kids home on the range, invite her to take the Rye History walking tour with you. If you’ve been married long, you may have forgotten how much she likes being invited to do pretty much anything other than pick up after you, the kids, the pets.

There are plenty of other things aside from diamonds that will renew a relationship, but if you’re in the market, take a look at the heart-shaped Temple St. Clair pendants and earrings at Woodrow Jewelers. On the other end of the spectrum are the colorful woven bracelets from Cruciani. “They’re all the rage in Italy,” reported Michael Woodrow, “and have just arrived in the United States.”  

Down and across the street, Royal Jewels of Rye has a variety of unique Valentine-themed gems. There are snazzy gifts for the thrifty or the consummate shopper. A heart necklace with silver and garnets sells for $50, while the ruby and diamond necklace with gold goes for $600. The increasingly popular infinity necklaces sell for $50.

 
Fine jewelry is Hanni Ackerman’s signature and she’s got that rare quality of knowing what women really want for Valentine’s Day. Her shop is at 35 Purchase, third floor. 

Isabelle’s, the newest of the fine jewelers, at 27 Purchase, is small but selective. Their things sparkle.

If money is no object, Mary Ellen Byrne, a realtor at Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s has the house for you — 12 Pine Island. “The location and views are sublime. The house needs work, but it’s an ideal spot for those ‘cool-agers’ who are reclaiming their nest, with guest quarters when the family visits.”

Fashionable women will fall big for the paprika (everything doesn’t have to be red) silk blouse by Ramy Brook at Great Stuff, the pink dress by D squared at Angela’s, and the vintage red velvet dress at Rhythm in Rye.

At Nest Inspired Home, their pillows say it all. And may lead to pillow talk.

Fifty Shades of Grey? Not for your girl. But a glass lamp with a red shade is another thing. Hampton Whites has a beautiful one.

Hair & Beyond offers a Valentine’s Gift Card for $150, which entitles the recipient to $200 worth of any of their services. Sold until February 16 and good for use after that date.

Blush is offering a 20 percent discount through Valentine’s Day on traditional Brazilian and Hollywood Brazilian bikini waxing, as well as discounted gift certificates redeemable year-round. Also popular at Blush are bath effervescent “ice creams.” Scented brands range from Chocolate Covered Strawberries to Land of Milk & Honey.

 

There’s no time like the present to give a subscription to The New York Times. It’s 30 percent off the regular price for Valentine’s Day. 

 

For pet lovers, “The Life of the World’s Cutest Dog,” available at Arcade Books, is essential reading. And “Boo”, the Pomeranian pup lives up to the hype. He’s simply adorable. You can follow his adventures in the Big City. While you’re at Arcade, ask owner Patrick Corcoran about hiring the Arcadia Trio for a magical musical evening.

Your dog may not realize it’s Valentine’s Day, but if he or she is the love of your life, stop by All Paws for a heart collar and lease set or a new plush toy. The Fifty Shades of Fur toy, along with the punk black and metal collar, caught our attention, if not our dog’s.

For your designing woman, consider a gift card from The Open House. They are available for various amounts, but a $350 card purchase includes a consultation with interior designer Michele Green.

If you’re determined to buy her flowers, Greene Willow owner Michael Falkowski recommends going above and beyond a dozen red roses. “We sell a lot of them on Valentine’s Day, but an orchid or branches of quince in pink or white, or tulips are increasingly popular and delightful.”

If the subject is roses, Lorenzo Lagana of Rockridge Flowers recommends the terra cotta colored variety. Roses make up 75 percent of their Valentine’s Daybusiness, but their bouquets, including “Dance With Me,” Thoughts of You,” and “Pretty Please,” send the right message. 

Did we forget about the guys? Buy your guy a box of cigars, including Ashton, Cohiba, and Macanudo at T.D.’s Rye Smoke Shop, or a Powerball ticket so he can turn that into jewelry.