13 Valentine Gifts More Interesting Than You Gave Last Year

Heart-shaped rib-eye:  It's not every day you see a heart-shaped piece of meat, but on Feb. 14 at Jilly's Cafe and Steakhouse, in High Ridge, heart-shaped ribeyes will be on the menu as part of a steak and scampi special, which also includes chocolate covered strawberries. Enjoy the fine dining in one of Jilly's private booths. Reservations are a good idea.

The classic gift. You know she wants them, and has them. A dozen roses is $69.99 this year, and an extra $10 will get you local delivery. If you just want to pick up a single stem, the cash and carry price is $4.99. This is a family business that takes care of its customers, so they’re happy to do any combination you like, including carnations, so drop on by.

Give her the moon (shine), with cherries. If you’re looking for an unusual bottle of wine, whip cream flavored vodka or a jar full of moonshine soaked cherries, Friar Tuck is the place. It’s like a whole grocery store full of adult beverages and flavored sodas. Friar Tuck will have a “Sweet and Sparkling” tasting on February 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. if you need help selecting the perfect bottle of bubbly.

Diamonds are always a girl’s best friend. Give your Valentine a of mall stores at . Chuck Sturdy has been offering deals on diamonds for over 30 years—and he includes the cost of resizing your ring with the price.

Poetry and chocolate. has what you need for the literary love in your life. Check out their selections on poetry, romance or naughtiness, then pair it with a box of Godiva Chocolate from the café.

Give a dozen…cookies. has fired up their ovens of love and are baking heart shaped cookies, red frosted cupcakes and Valentine cake pops. Items are available now if you like to get in the mood early, but they also plan to be well stocked and ready for last minute Valentine’s Day treat shopping. They will also have chocolate-dipped strawberries, but you’ll need to order them in advance to guarantee availability. They will take orders until February 11.

Or a dozen donuts. is joining the festivities with heart-shaped donuts. They open at 6 a.m., so you could pop out in the morning and surprise your sweetie with hot donuts of love for breakfast. You’ll also get a dozen free Valentine cards if you pick up twelve V-Day donuts—each one good for a free donut, so feel free to spread the sticky sweet love.

Make it personal. UniQue Ideas ‘n More has creative gifts that will last way longer than flowers or chocolate. Items bought at UniQue can be brought back in for customizing—embroidery, vinyl lettering or screen printing—so you can pick out a gift the day before and let your Valentine bring it back to get just the right style. Some items can be personalized while you wait, so be sure to ask when you visit the store.

Dine at the Castle. , that is. White Castle’s special Valentine’s dinner—with waiters, candle light and table clothes—will be held at the Fenton location from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are required, so call now to see if they still have space for you and sweet heart.

Bring home an Italian feast. Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday this year, which might be the least romantic day of the week. Make it special without having to fight a crowded restaurant by calling in a carry-out order from . They have pasta, salad and desserts, plus you can pick up a fine bottle of Italian wine in their shop. Feel like doing the cooking yourself? They have all the best authentic Italian ingredients.

Add a movie. Redbox is all over Fenton, so grab movie to go with dinner. Redbox is doing a Valentine promotion—send your sweetie a Valentine e-card with coupon for videos.

Go to the Movies. The at Gravois Bluffs will have a selection of movies for any romantic date night this Valentine’s Day. Tradition girl? See The Vow. Funny girl? See This Means War. Geek girl? See Star Wars: Phantom Menace in 3D.

Last minute love. Did you know that everything you need to save your bacon if you’ve forgotten the holiday is at ? Chocolate? Yes—get the Dove hearts or a bag of Hersey Kisses. Cards? Of course, there’s a whole Hallmark aisle. Wine? Yep. Try a Missouri wine. Candles? Back in the home section, you have your choice of real scented candles or fake battery operated ones. Wrap everything up in a pretty gift bag (next to the cards) and make sure you throw away the receipt. She’ll never know.