Key to the heart

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and local merchants are here to help with gift ideas that special someone.

By TEDDYE SNELL

Valentine’s Day, one of the most marketed holidays of the year, is just around the corner.

That means many sweethearts are wondering what best will surprise their loved ones.

Jewelry? Flowers? Chocolates? A vacation? A massage?

Area merchants have the bases covered.

Todd Mutzig, owner of Meigs Jewelry, said his store is offering a unique, economical package for Valentine’s Day.

“It’s called the ‘Key to Her Heart,’” said Mutzig. “We have a special, sterling-silver and diamond key necklace that comes with one night’s paid accommodations at the Cherokee Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa,” said Mutzig. “And the price on this is very reasonable at $199.”

Meigs sales associate Debbie Miller said another new item to the store is the Cherokee Heritage Collection.

“Especially popular is the Cherokee love charm,” said Miller. “It’s sterling silver, designed here in our store. On one side of the charm, the word ‘love’ is written in Cherokee, and on the other, it’s written in English. We can get it all fixed up on a chain for a necklace.”

The Vera Bradley line, which also has a special gift with purchase, is also popular.

“We have this neat, cloth-covered lipstick case with a mirror inside,” said Miller. “This is free with any $65 purchase of Vera Bradley. The promotion for that starts Feb. 8.”

If charms are your sweetheart’s desire, Meigs is also well-stocked with the ever-popular Pandora line.

Miller hopes people understand that jewelry doesn’t have to be expensive.

“We really could be the Valentine’s Day headquarters for all budgets,” she said. “We have gifts starting as low as $10.”

Flowers have always been a time-honored Valentine’s Day favorite, and Jennifer Wright of Donna’s Flowers said this year is no exception.

“Of course, roses are pretty traditional, and we’ll deliver tons of them,” she said. “Right now, anyone who purchases roses will have their name entered in a drawing for Feb. 8. The winner will receive their roses for free, which means they’d get a refund.”

Wright’s shop also creates lots of unique gift baskets.

“Some of the items that are popular are candles, chocolates and lotions,” she said. “And for they guys, we do balloons and junk-food baskets, where we put in, say, their favorite soda pop, beef jerky and things like that.”

To help expedite orders, Donna’s now offers a website - www.tahlequahflowers.com, where lovers can order their gifts online.

“We’ll probably shut that down a day or two before Valentine’s Day, though,” said Wright. “Just because we want to be sure we talk to the person and get their order just right. We want to have a perfect idea of what they’re looking for on such a special day.”

If flowers are what you have in mind, Wright stresses ordering early.

“Even having them delivered earlier in the week is better,” said Wright. “That way, the customer can be more specific about a delivery time, and it also allows them an opportunity to add personalized items to their bouquets.”

They’ve delivered all manner of items with flowers, including cookies and balloons.

“And roses are still the No. 1 choice for flowers at Valentine’s Day,” Wright said. “We’ve had a few people venture beyond the standard, choosing tulips and lilies, but for the most part, it’s all about the roses.”

In these hectic times, sometimes the best gift is one of peace, quite and tranquility. What better place to find that than at a spa?

Gina Choate, skin care consultant at the Fountain Salon and Spa, said they, too, are offering packages and have teamed up with Morris Cragar Flowers for an added bonus.

“Customers can come to the Fountain or Morris Cragar and order either a gift spa package and flowers, or visit Morris Cragar and order flowers and purchase gift certificates for the Fountain,” said Choate.

The spa is offering two special spa packages.

“One is called ‘Wrap Them in Love,’ which includes a hot oil body wrap for $50,” she said. “And another package that includes a one-hour massage and one-hour facial for $100. Both come with complimentary box of chocolates.

“Spa treatments are perfect for this time of year, as skin tends to dry out in the winter months,” said Choate. “I do the facials, which last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, and include a hand and foot treatment.”

Megan White, of The Palms therapeutic massage, said they are also promoting sweetheart packages for Valentine’s Day.

“We have what we call the ‘Peppermint Pause,’ which includes an hour and a half aromatherapy massage, along with a 20-minute face and scalp massage for $75,” said White. “We also have a one-hour aromatherapy massage, including a facial mud mask for $75.”

For those who prefer handmade articles of affection, the Tahlequah Public Library is offering a valentine crafting extravaganza from 3:30-5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9.

The event includes all the materials needed to create giant cards, stackable candles, key rings and picture frames, along with materials to create head boppers - a headband with valentine-themed antennae.

All ages are invited to participate, and the event is free.