Originality key to V-Day success Unique gifts ensure that your Valentine won’t be disappointed

I don’t make it easy on my Valentines. To me, a box of chocolates doesn’t say, “I love you.” It says, “I couldn’t think of anything original, honey, so I picked these up at Shaw’s at the last minute.”

Of course, the fact that I don’t really like chocolate doesn’t help matters.

We’ve all had our share of V-Day letdowns. I’ve probably had more than my share. Like the guy who dumped me two days before Feb. 14. Or the guy who enclosed a book full of racy “love coupons” in my Valentine card after our first, kiss-free date. That got my heart racing – right out the door.

Then I met ShopGuy, a man who actually put thought into the Valentine’s Day process. One year, it was a bouquet of tulips – my favorite flower – and last year, he outdid himself with a beautifully glazed, heart-shaped bowl made by Monroe potter Squidge Davis. He picked it up at the Clark House Gallery, oblivious to the fact that I had gazed longingly at the same bowl every time I went in. When Anna, the gallery assistant, heard who he was buying it for, she assured him it would be well-received. It was.

People always say it’s the thought that counts, and a little originality goes a long way on Valentine’s Day. You don’t need to drop $50 on a dozen roses (sorry, florists) or $100 on a fancy dinner. It’s not about money. It’s about love and thoughtfulness. Poetry, a love letter, and a romantic evening at home are virtually free, but they’ll be remembered much longer than that box of chocolates.

For this week’s ShopGirl column, I scoured local merchants for sweet nothings – cute little gifties for the people you care about, whether it’s your husband, wife, sister or mom. Some are humorous, some are serious, but they all say “I love you” in a unique way.

Among my more unusual finds is the “Huggable Hottie” by Opal London. The heart-shaped hot-water bottle will take the ache out of a sore back or a broken heart. It costs $5.25 and is available at Monroe Salt Works in Ellsworth. While you’re there, you can also pick up a little bag of cinnamon candies that says “I’ve got the hots for you.” Very cute. Very inexpensive. Very funny.

If you’re tired of plain old conversation hearts, check out Jelly Belly’s Conversation Beans. They’re a sweet way to say “Hot Baby” or “Y Not.” A small box costs $1.60 at Rooster Brother in Ellsworth. But why stop there? If your Valentine likes to cook, pick up a set of heart-shaped custard cups and fill them with something delicious. (I also saw similar ramekins at T.J. Maxx ‘n More in Bangor).

The Store-Ampersand in Orono is a virtual Valentine’s clearinghouse. Among my favorites is the “Amour” candle ($15), wrapped in a pretty box and printed with a quote by Mary Anne Radmacher: “May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” Great for newlyweds, parents or the newly cohabiting.

If your Valentine still thinks Air Supply is the greatest band of all time, pick him up “I Can’t Fight This Feeling: Timeless Poems for Lovers from the Pop Hits of the ’70s and ’80s” ($14.95 at Ampersand). The small tome includes such memorable verse as “Morning Train” by Sheena Easton, and “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago. It’s a perfect blend of cheesy and sentimental.

Looking for more inspiration? Pick up “The Art of Kissing.” First published in 1936, the booklet includes instructions for “the French ‘soul’ kiss,” and the moderately horrifying “vacuum kiss,” which instructs the male kisser: “the moment she responds, instead of caressing her mouth, suck inward as though you were trying to draw out the innards of an orange.” On second thought, you may want to skip this as a V-Day gift, or buy it for a friend who likes to lock lips with every gal in town. Maybe he could learn a few things.

Ampersand also has the stuff to wrap your gifts in style – a heart-bedecked Chinese food box, or a gift bag with marabou handles. Cute.

For the beauty queen, check out the Gap, where you can find clear nail polish with heart confetti floating around inside, or head to Old Navy, where you can find similar polish and a bunch of Valentine pajamas – sure to inspire sweet dreams.

There are plenty of unique, inexpensive options to woo your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t take much. Just ask Air Supply – they knew how to make love out of nothing at all.