It’s Not Too Late to Pick Up Some Sweet Little--and Grandiose--Presents
Wondering what to bring to your darling for Valentine’s Day? These totable gifts, chosen for their novelty and, occasionally, their extravagance, might do the trick.
A passionate lover, she--or he? La Grande Passion, a 48-proof passion fruit liqueur comes in a heart-shaped tin for lovers and is available at liquor stores nationwide. You may be late for the telephone order gift service, 1-800-CHEERUP, which delivers anywhere in the United States within four to six days, or overnight for an additional charge. But keep it in mind for next time around.
Tie a valentine balloon bouquet ($30 to $600) to a heart-shaped Italian chocolate candy box ($20), stuffed animal ($10 to $500), flowers, a Nate ‘n’ Al’s (or anyone else’s) breakfast, or anything else you or David, who runs Balloon Bouquets of Southern California, can dream up. They’re at 7968 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Or call (213) 653-4062.
The balloon bouquet still leaves one hand free to carry The Ungame: The Game of Love. This is a Monopoly-like board game with a purpose: to learn about the feelings of the person you are playing with. A sort of winner-learn-all approach; $12.95 at Toys R Us and other toy stores.
Impress him with with a Firestone Vineyards 1985 Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon, a double gold medal winner at the 1986 California State Fair in Sacramento.
Anyone who appreciates eccentric extravagance might go for this one. If you call before 1 p.m. today you can get Northern Produce Mushrooms, Inc., to arrange delivery of a $380 Baccarat crystal bowl filled with fresh cherries or passion fruit by a trio of tuxedoed violinists playing and singing “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” The cost? $1,000. However, you can also order a beautifully arranged basket of fresh fruit or other produce (including baby vegetables) for $35 to $100. Call (213) 747-1226.
Ruby red grapefruit from Texas is in markets now. Serve it freshly squeezed, mix it with champagne, vodka or white wine or cut it up into segments as part of a salad.
A bouquet of heart-shaped cookies on a stem comes from Creative Cakery. You get lemon and chocolate for $2.50 apiece or $35 for a dozen. For larger appetites, try chocolate chip, carrot, lemon or banana butterscotch-chip bundt cake. Creative Cakery (636 Redondo Ave., Long Beach, (213) 438-2301) also carries lemon bars, pecan chews and chocolate mousse pies.
Cake lovers will adore receiving this fudgy chocolate layer cake, decorated with long-stemmed strawberry-frosted pink roses, that fits in a long flower box. The cake in the box is $50 plus delivery. A round version, delivered in a square, black lacquered box (6 inches in diameter), serves eight for $25. All cakes can be personalized. To order the cake for same-day delivery, call Judi Kaufman, Etiquette International, (818) 858-7787 before 1 p.m.