What would February be without Valentine's Day? Just another dreary winter month that is only distinguished because it is the shortest of the twelve months (though sometimes it feels like the longest). So, how do you let that special someone know just how special they are in your life? Wining and dining is definitely a must (don't forget to check out the other pages of this section!), but presents are slightly harder to pick out. The list of suggestions below is by no means comprehensive, but hopefully it will inspire you with an idea that will make Valentine's Day that much more memorable. One note to all the guys out there: Regardless of whether you have reservations at the toniest restaurant, or the most expensive gift in exquisite wrapping paper, DO NOT forget to bring her a bouquet of flowers. If you've already overextended yourself in buying that amazing gift, stop by the local deli and pick up a bunch of flowers. Trust me, she'll love you for it. (Note: All phone numbers 212 area code.)

Start the holiday off on the right foot by sending that special someone a Valentine's Day card compliments of Mediabridge Infosystems!

Shopping Guide in New York City

Getting Serious

  • Felissimo 10 W. 56th St. (between 5th and 6th Ave.), 247-5656, M-W, F, Sa 10-6, Th 10-8, closed Su
    An entire town house that sells accessories, bed and bath products, gifts, some clothing for men and women, table-top items, and unusual furniture. The top floor, after a series of curving marble staircases, is a cozy little tea room where you can recover from the shock of the prices of some of the items. If the person you're shopping for is into Asian-influenced decorations, there are many Zen-inspired ornaments here.
  • Tiffany & Company, 727 5th Ave. (near 57th St.), 755-8000, M-W, F, Sa 10-6, Th 10-7
    Don't be intimidated by the dazzling jewelry that surrounds you as you step into this bastion of brilliance. If just thinking of the price tags tucked discreetly out of sight makes you sweat, then head to the elevator and visit the upper floors that houses the more affordable collections of silver jewelry. Just watch your love's eyes light up when s/he sees the little blue box with the white satin ribbon.
  • Tourneau and Gorevic Collection at Tourneau, 635 Madison Ave. (near 59th St.), 832-9000, M-W, F, Sa 10-6, Th 10-7
    Though you could probably find better prices if you shop around enough, Tourneau has a large selection of watches from all major companies. They wil trade in your old watch for a credit toward a new one. A watch is a wonderful gift because it's practical, and is a daily reminder of your love as well.
  • Victoria's Secret, 691 Madison Avenue (near 62nd St.), 838-9266, M-Sa 10-8, Su 12-6
    Other locations:
    34 E. 57th St. (between Park & Madison Ave.), 758-5592, M-W,F 10-7, Th 10-8, Sa 10-6, Su 12-5
    565 Broadway, 274-9519, Hours
    1240 3rd Ave., 717-7035, Hours
    If you're planning on getting some sexy lingerie for that sensuous someone, but you've never shopped for lingerie before, Victoria's Secret is the place to start. The shop is devoted to attractive lingerie in a wide price range. The store's popularity lies in providing both sexy and functional items, which is keyif you want her to look beautiful and be comfortable at the same time. If you're lost, just as a salesperson and she will help you pick out the lacy teddy or silky robe that's just right.

Pamper Me

  • The Aveda Salon and Spa, 456 W. Broadway (between Prince and Houston St.), 473-0280, M-Sa 11-8, Su 12-6 (call for appointments)
    Reputed as the source for aromatherapy and products. At Aveda, you can find biodegradable products made from flowers and plants for your hair and body, scented candles, etc. For a really wonderful present, get a gift certificate for a 60 minute massage or a facial (both are $70). Trust me, it's definitely worth the money.
  • Frédéric Fekkai Beauté de Provence, 15 E. 57th St. (between Fifth and Madison Ave.), 753-9500, M-W, F, Sa 9-6, Th 9-8
    Situated on five floors of the Chanel building, Fekkai's "beauty retreat" (never call it a spa) caters to a sophisticated crowd. For an ultimate day in pampering, get your sweetheart a 60 minute massage ($85), facial ($85-115), or a heavenly pedicure ($48-68). Warning: The lavish attention you receive is extremely addictive.
  • Healing Hands, 486-1122, by appointment, 2/3 through 3/15
    As an homage to hedonism, Healing Hands--the masseuse dispatch service--is offering a special for couples: Call anytime between 7am and 10pm, and two therapists, two tables, aromatherapy candles, a box of Godiva chocolates, and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot arrive within the hour. Usually $350, currently $295.

For the Sweet Tooth

  • Colette Cakes, 327 W. 11th St. (between Greenwich and Washington St.), 366-6530, by appointment
    Their speciality is whimsical, classic, and lavish cakes to order, beginning at $8 per person. They did "Madonna goes platinum" for a New York magazine contest. Very creative, tasty, rich, moist cakes. If you don't quite trust your baking skills, go to Colette's and have a unique cake baked just for that special person.
  • Erotic Baker, 362-7557, T-F 10-6 Although they only make cake toppings, you ask for it, and they will deliver. Various sculptures are created out of marzipan in forms worthy of the bakery's name. $35 for an 8-inch marzipan topping. If you need help in coming up with a design of your own, call for a catalog--it will come in a nondescript envelope with a discreet "E. Baker" for the return address.
  • Fifth Avenue Chocolatier, 510 Madison Ave. (near 53rd St.), 935-5454, M-Sa 9-6
    Hmm..."Fifth Avenue Chocolatier" on Madison Avenue...it must confuse many of its customers. Nonetheless, people come to this place where chocolates come packaged in attractive wooden crates. Specialities include fresh and dried fruits dipped in semisweet chocolate, fresh truffles and bittersweet or milk chocolate molded into telephones, champagne bottles, records, tennis raquets, golf balls, and women's legs. They will make a chocolate version of anything you want with two weeks' notice. Charges for deliveries in Manhattan. Mail order elsewhere.
  • Godiva Chocolatier, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (near 50th St.), 765-4336, M-F 9-6
    Other locations:
    701 Fifth Ave. (between 54th and 55th St.), 593-2848, M-Sa 10-7, Su 11-6
    200 Park Ave. (at 45th St.), 697-9128, M-F 8-7
    245 Columbus Ave. (between 71st and 72nd St.), 787-5804, M-Sa 10-9, Su 12-8
    33 Maiden Ln. (near Nassau St.), 809-8990, M-F 9-6
    225 Liberty St. (World Financial Center, Winter Garden), 945-2174, M-F 10-7, Sa 11-6, Su 12-5
    560 Lexington Ave. (near 50th St.), 980-9810, M-Sa 9-7, Su 11-6
    Godiva for Valentine's Day goes without saying. There are a variety of assortments and sizes all wrapped up in beautiful packaging especially for Valentine's Day. For those who expect nothing but the best.
  • La Maison du Chocolat, 25 E. 73rd St. (between Fifth and Madison Ave.), 744-7117, M-F 10-6:30, Sa 10-6
    For the Francophiles out there, this shop is an affiliate of a Parisian chocolate store on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Very rich, fabulous chocolate, over 27 combinations. Specialties include fruit pâtés, rich and buttery chocolate truffles, arribas, valencia, rochers, and chocolate-covered chestnuts in season. The chocolate truffles are bittersweet, extremely fresh and should be eaten immediately, while everything else lasts for a whopping two weeks. You may have to break the bank on the chocolates here, but hey, you only live once!

Pets, Etc.

  • ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St. (near 1st Ave.), 876-7700, M-Sa 11-7, Su 12-5
    Love is in the air...so why not find the perfect pet for your sweetheart or for yourself if you're feeling lonely? The ASPCA has a wonderful selection of animals needing a home. Prices are $55 for a dog and $45 for a cat. Fee includes medical exam, initial shots, and neutering. If the animal has health needs, vetrinary care is provided. A Behavior Health Line is available to help you settle the animal into its new home.
  • Bide-A-Wee Home Association, 410 E. 38th St. (near 1st Ave.), 532-4455, M-Sa 10-6, Su 10-5
    Bide-A-Wee is another place where you can find the dog or cat that you're significant other has always dreamed of having, or yourself for that matter. This is a smaller place, but there's still plenty of animals that need TLC. There is a fee of $55 for dogs and cats under six months ($30 for older animals) which includes a medical exam, initial shots, and neutering. There is also a mini pet store on the premises to get you started with everything you need.
  • Karens for People + Pets, 1195 Lexington Ave. (near 81st St.), 472-9440, M-Sa 9-6, closed Su
    Doing some last minute shopping for a Valentine's Day gift for your girlfriend and your loyal pooch? At Karens, you can find something for both of them! Known for the quality of their grooming care (they use hypoallergenic products), the salon sells its products and grooming supplies plus accessories for people and pets.
  • Pampered Paws, 227 E. 57th St. (near 2nd Ave.), 935-7297, M-Sa 11-8, S 11-6
    If you're thinking of getting a gift for that oh-so-cuddley pet of yours, but you have no idea what to get aside from yet another mouse toy or treats in the guise of bacon, check out Pampered Paws. They have luxury items including exotic leather collars and leads, tuxedo and other costume rentals for those special occassions, and of course toys, bowls, and treats. They could use some pampering every now and then.

And Never Forget...

  • Elan Flowers, 108 Wooster St. (near Spring St.), 343-2426, Su, M 12-6, Tu-Sa 12-7
    The place to go for slightly less expensive classic European-style bouquets. Their selection features stylish flowers in attractive arrangements in vibrant colors priced from $45, plus delivery. The flowers often have a Victorian style. Most of the flowers in the store are from Holland and France.
  • Paul Bott Beautiful Flowers, 1305 Madison Ave. (near 92nd St.), 369-4000, M-F 9-6 and by appointment
    This florist features very creative wonderful flowers nestled in tissues and cellophane. Fresh and dried flowers and plants are available.
  • Zeze, 398 E. 52nd St. (near 1st Ave.), 753-7767, M-F 8-6
    Zeze is known for their dramatic arrangements of flowers with a touch of whimsy. There is a wide variety of orchids and flowers. The store's large selection of vases is the secret behind their dramatic arrangements. $50 minimum, plus delivery ($7-15 in Manhattan), $75 minimum outside Manhattan.

Shopping Guide on the Web

Don't have time to go shopping for a gift? Or are you just lazy? Either way, use the internet to your advantage so that you don't end up in the dog house on that special day for lovers. Many of the links below lead to further links, so if you can't find what you're looking for right away, don't despair, just keep clicking away.