Yipes! It's Valentine's Day and you've forgotten to pick up a gift for that special someone. Don't panic — here are some ways to please your sweetheart and support the local economy, too!

Handmade Chocolates — Sure, you could pick up a Whitman's sampler at the Stop & Shop, but wouldn't your honey prefer some luscious handmade confections? Two chocolate emporiums we like: Richardson's Candy Kitchen on Routes 4 & 10 in Deerfield and Equi's on Avenue A in Turners Falls. Avoid the excess packaging of a heart-shaped box and Mother Earth will thank you, too!

Cards — Forget Hallmark. Buy your sweetie a card designed by a local artist. Look for cards with 100% post-consumer recycled content, tree-free cards, or cards without non-recyclable glossy layers or plastic attachments. Or make a card yourself. Too much trouble, you say? Send an e-card.

Flowers — Cut flowers are great, but they just don't last. Instead, visit a local greenhouse and pick out a potted flowering plant that will bring joy for more than a few days. But if you can't resist the grand gesture of a showy Valentine's bouquet, support one of the Valley's fine local florists.

Gift Basket — Make your own theme basket with things you can easily find at your local grocery store or co-op. Or buy one already made up (Atkins Farms Country Market is one good source).

Specialty Coffee — Nothing says love like a great cup of coffee (at least that's what we say!). Buy your Valentine a taste of the Valley's best from Javahut Roasters (Route 116 in Sunderland) or Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters (Shelburne Falls, locations in Northampton and Easthampton and at selected markets, including Foster's in Greenfield). Or try some fair trade coffee from Cooperative Coffee founding member Dean's Beans of New Salem, on the web at www.deansbeans.com. 

Pamper Your Valentine — Give a gift certificate for a massage, manicure, pedicure, hot tub or other purely extravagant indulgence. Or give your own "gift certificate" for special treatment on an evening of your sweetheart's choosing (use your imagination—I'm sure you can come up with something!)

Romantic Dinner — It may be hard to get reservations for tonight, but the Valley has no shortage of outstanding restaurants for that mood-setting meal. How about a weekend brunch? Or better still, why not make dinner for your sweetheart? It doesn't have to be fancy — it's definitely the thought that counts. And don't forget the candles!

Take in a Show — Treat your honey to some live theatre. On Friday and Saturday night (and next weekend as well) The West County Players are presenting Dylan Thomas' Under Milkwood in Memorial Hall Theater, 51 Bridge Street in Shelburne Falls. Contact Boswell's Books for tickets and info at 413-625-9362. And for something more musical, The Theatre Project presents Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, a play by Lanie Robertson and Danny Holgate starring Northampton's Kim Zombik. The production runs until March 17th at the Majestic Theatre, 131 West Elm Street, Springfield. Call 413-747-7797 for ticket info.

Hugs and Kisses — Don't have the cash to shower your Valentine with presents? Give hugs and kisses. They're free and always appreciated!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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