Social - February 2003

Last-minute loves lists

Gift ideas for the 11th-hour

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

February 14, 2003 - Sweethearts are giving and receiving a variety of gifts in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Big, red hearts filled with chocolates, vases of long-stemmed roses, greeting cards with sentimental messages, balloons, gift certificates, jewelry … gifts abound.

But there’s always someone who waits until the last minute. It’s Friday afternoon — have you bought that special someone a gift?

If procrastination is your biggest character flaw, here are some helpful hints for finding the perfect, last minute Valentine’s Day gift:

Flowers are a Valentine’s Day staple. Floral fanciers might get a last minute bouquet delivered to their honeys.

Florists at Drum’s Florist & Gifts in Lincolnton say the cutoff for delivery orders was this morning. But anyone seeking balloons, flowers, stuffed animals and the like can still stop by the shop before 5 p.m.

“Anybody can come in, but it’ll be a mad house,” said Lynne Millwood of Drum’s Florist.

Fingers Florist will take orders for delivery late in the day.

“I could deliver all day, but I couldn’t promise a certain time,” said Faye Cook, owner of Fingers Florist.

Fingers opened at the crack of dawn this morning and will deliver flowers, balloons, plants and candy until the job is done.

For the quick grab, Lincoln’s Hallmark Shoppe is open until 5:30 tonight. Their miniature kissing bears have already sold out, but there’s a full stock of greeting cards, balloons and stuffed animals.

Kenda Gilbert, sales representative, says there is a typical 5 p.m. Valentine’s Day shopper.

“Normally the guys are the ones that wait until the last minute,” she says. “They’ll come in around 5.”

Lincolnton’s Wal-Mart offers an endless supply of heart-shaped goodies and cuddly stuffed animals. Several aisles have been set up for the special occasion, and many unconventional gifts are also available — from the coveted Dremmel to diamond earrings and watches.

Wal-Mart closes at 11 tonight.

For the extreme procrastinator, there’s always a last minute resort.

Bi-Lo is open 24-hours. Just in case you’re heading over to see your sweetie in the 11th-hour, the around-the-clock grocery story has a selection of flowers, cakes, candies and wine.

Several gas stations in the area also serve the last minute shopper. The choices are limited if you’re looking for a traditional gift. The gas station shopper can chose from heart-shaped boxes of candy, flowers, Sweethearts candy and oversized greeting cards.

For the open-minded Valentine, there’s always a wide selection of lighters, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and NASCAR paraphernalia.

The last-minute Valentine’s Day shopper may pull it off, but planning ahead can often yield a more thoughtful gift.

“My advice would be not to wait,” Millwood said.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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