Love notions

The Beatles had it right. Love really is all you need. Well, that and food.

But on Valentine’s Day, it couldn’t hurt to back up that love with a few tokens of affection.

I’m not talking about flowers and chocolate. Not that these are bad ideas, but a little something extra is always nice. And frankly, I think lingerie is a potential minefield. If you buy a size too big, consider the evening over. If you buy a size too small, that’s no fun either.

If ever you’re going to show your creative side, now is the time. I’ve included a few heart-happy gift ideas, but only you know your true love’s desires (and if you don’t, you should be reading Dear Abby instead of ShopGirl). So be creative. Be bold. Be amorous.

And take some encouragement from the Beatles: “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.”

It’s easy.

ShopNotes

Come join the fun on ShopBlog – the shopping center for online-only tips about new stores, great products and hot Web sites. Plus, you’ll have a chance to post your answer to ShopGirl’s weekly question. This week, I want to know: What’s the most romantic gift you’ve ever given or received? (Keep your answers clean, please!) To answer, visit http://community.bangordailynews.com/blog/4 and register to post comments.

Isle love you

I may be biased here, but the Irish really know what they’re doing when it comes to love. And if the jewelry at Celtic Rainbow Gifts in Ellsworth is any indication, so do the Scots and the Welsh. Celtic Rainbow has modern riffs on the traditional Claddagh symbol (sterling men’s ring, $138.99; pendant, $78.99). But what really caught my eye were the Welsh lovespoons, which originated as a courting custom. According to legend, a man would carve a small spoon out of wood, and if she accepted, it was taken as a token of betrothal and secretly worn on a ribbon around her neck. In fact, the Welsh word for lover is still “sponer,” meaning “spooner.” The silver version is an elegant alternative to wood ($62.99). Another not-so-well-known symbol is the Scottish Luckenbooth, a heart-shaped brooch topped with the crown of Mary, Queen of Scots. Traditionally, the pins were exchanged as an engagement token, and later, a couple would pin the Luckenbooth to their baby’s shawl to ward off evil spirits. ($29.99).

Under lock and key

Present the key to your heart – or, just give your Valentine a place to hang the car keys – in this pretty wooden case. Of course, it would be perfect for necklaces, too ($18.95 at Ingrid’s German Gift Shop in Bangor).

Hot stuff

This is the perfect gift for your devilish little sister (or best friend). The mug says it all. ($12.50 at The Grasshopper Shop).

What’s cookin?

Nothing says lovin’ like sweets in the oven. Give your sweetie some inspiration with these cookie cutters and spatula ($1.50 for the heart, $2 for X-and-O set, $6.50 for spatula, all at Rooster Brother in Ellsworth).

Set the table and the mood

Light up the night with cute votives ($7.90 at Rooster Brother), a pink votive holder and a hand-embroidered table runner ($6.50 and $28.75, respectively, at Ingrid’s). If breakfast in bed is more your speed, deliver it on a festive tray ($13 at Ingrid’s), or stop pretending altogether with a packet of candies that declares: “I kiss better than I cook” ($1.50 at The Grasshopper Shop in Ellsworth). An embroidered cotton handkerchief makes a sweet, old-fashioned Valentine present ($14.50 at Ingrid’s).

A little night reading

Get inspired by celebrity smooches and help the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign with “Kiss & Tell” ($14.95 at Macy’s). For the green thumb in your life, “The Gardener’s Bed Book” is meant to be read in bed. Feeling really romantic? You do the reading aloud. Are you and your sweetheart like two peas in a pod? Write down your feelings and present them to her in this sweet little journal. ($14.95 and $10.95, respectively, at The Plot Thickens in Ellsworth).