Weekend February 10, 2001

Valentine's Day Secrets

How to show it? How to say it? Gift guru Allana Baroni says, "Hundreds of thousands of people are going to the store to buy the same thing, so how do you make it personal?"

She says you don't have to spend a fortune to say "I love you." The key to your sweetie's heart is being clever. Allana says, "What I like to do is take ordinary objects and make them extraordinary."

Gifts for the guys. Allana says, "I've started with some men's white handkerchiefs. These are $14.00 for six. I put my favorite red lipstick on and kiss the top one. And add a note: this is my favorite shade know it love it kiss it."

Or maybe something masculine, a little mysterious, like this hourglass. Allana says, "Now it may seem simple all by itself, but if you attach a little note kind of a suggestive note saying just think of all the things we can do in an hour."

OK, here's the important stuff the stuff for the girls. Show her what a big heart you have guys with this hip t-shirt. The proceeds go to an AIDS charity. Allana says, "Not only do you get a cool shirt but you also help AIDS patients. This is a cant go wrong kind of gift."

If she's got to have flowers or chocolate dress it up with baubles that wont break the bank account. Like these heart-shaped chocolates. Allana points out, "Inside are heart shaped earrings."

Another idea from Allana, "This is a mini lemon meringue pie. And I stuck a heart necklace on top. And this is meant to be the cherry on top."

And finally the gift both of you can enjoy. A rose petalled path strewn with message stones leading to a romantic rose filled tub. You can pick up the petals from your florist for as little as five bucks a bunch. The passion you make your self.