Valentine's treasures
Whether you're looking to strum the heart strings or just goose romance, here are 50 options to get you in the mood for love.
50. You give away your heart enough times. This Valentine's Day, why not the rest of your organs? Organ donor cards and information available at the New England Organ Bank, 1 Gateway Center, Suite 202, Newton, Mass. 02458. 617-244-8000 or neob.org.
49. You're soaking in it! The folks at Lush wouldn't have it any other way. The store is a testimony to how much fun you can have in the tub. On tap for her: four creamy-white, rose-scented, petal-kissed foaming bath hearts ($18.95). For him: a gift pack containing Sea Vegetable soap; a Big Blue Bath Ballistic (fizzing foaming bath ball); minty Freeze Shower gel and Ambrosia shaving cream, $25. 166 Newbury St., Boston. 617-375-5874 or lush.com.
48. Love a man in uniform? Then patrol Boston Public Library's latest lineup, the Boston Police Department's 150th Anniversary Exhibit. Through Feb. 27. Deferrari Hall, 700 Boylston St., Copley Square, Boston. 617-536-5400 or bpl.org.
47. Can't seem to collar a two-legged date? Unleash your affections on the four-legged kind. Boston shelters are filled with sweet, huggable creatures large and small just waiting for you. Boston MSPCA Animal Shelter, 350 South Huntington ve., Boston. 617-522-5055 or mspca.org, where you'll find locations for MSPCA shelters statewide.
46. All about the shoes Studded, ankle-strap platforms, mirror-platform sandals: If you're dating a foot fetishist, move your feet in the direction of Teddy's Shoes, where no heel is too high. 548 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-547-0443 or hiheelheaven.com.
45. Find out if love is in the cards for you. Or in the tea leaves, runes, or right palm of your hand. Among the offerings at the Original Tremont Tearoom are individual tarot card readings (30 minutes for $50) and Cosmic Compatibility readings (one hour, $100). 48 Winter St., 3d floor, Boston. 617-338-8100 or tremont-tearoom.com.
44. Have them eating out of your hand with anatomically correct chocolates. Sweet 'n' Nasty has all the parts in milk, dark, and white chocolate. 90A Mass. Ave., Boston. 617-266-7171 or sweet-n-nasty.com.
43. Just the sight of that pale-blue box tied with a white satin ribbon will have them screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!" For your arm candy, try the Tiffany Hearts bracelet for a trifling $27,000. Tiffany & Co., Copley Place, 100 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-353-0222 or tiffany.com.
42. Skip the bouquet and bring your buttercup to the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, otherwise known as the Glass Flowers exhibition. This collection of 3,000 faux blooms and plants, created by artisans Leopold Blaschka and his son Rudolph between 1867 and 1936, is breathtaking. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $7.50; seniors $6.00. 617-495-3045 or hmnh.oeb.harvard.edu.
41. For the love of reading, John Rehme, owner of We Think the World of You, a predominantly gay and lesbian bookstore, directs us to "Lust" by Geof Ryman, the tale of a scientist and his forays into carbon-copying and the search for love and happiness, and "The Music of Your Life," a collection of short stories by John Rowell, who has been described as the lovechild of Dorothy Parker and Truman Capote. 540 Tremont St., Boston. 617-574-5000 or wethinktheworldofyou.com
40. Get cooking with heart-shaped cake tins (8-by-7.5 inches, $4.50), spring-forms (10 inches, $12.50) and cookie cutters (individual and sets starting at 75 cents to $8.00) at Gadgets, 671 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-6800.
39. Customized pixie sticks. Where were these in second grade? Choose your own sweet-sour poison from a dozen fruit-flavored powders. Tubes measure 6 inches to 34 inches in length. $1.99-$5.99. Looking for a more mature gift? Send a Candy Gram to your baby, a crazy collection of ring pops, mini M&Ms, taffy, Pez, and more. Starts at $12.38. Sugar Heaven, 218 Newbury St., Boston. 617-266-6969.
38. Before you examine the contents of that heart-shaped box of chocolates, examine the contents of your heart with meditation. The Boston Shambhala Center offers classes, special programs, Under 30 Meditation, and an open house every Wednesday. 646 Brookline Ave., Brookline. 617-734-1498 or primordialdot.org.
37. If you like your lover chiseled, visit the ancient Greek and Roman sculpture rooms at the Museum of Fine Arts. Buff marble bodies and fragments abound. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300 or mfa.org.
36. Don't let Hitchcock's "The Birds" deter you. Lovebirds make great pets. Buy them as singles or as a happy pair (just don't break up a couple). P. J. Pet Centre, Meadow Glen Mall, Medford. 781-306-9838.
35. Spend the day remembering a woman whose life symbolized the right to love who you should love regardless of social mores. Visit 19th-century spiritualist suffragette rebel and defaco free-love advocate Laura Cuppy Smith (Nee Hendrick) at her final resting place. Forest Hills Cemetery (Cypress Avenue, Section 12, Lot 2785), 95 Forest Hills Ave., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-0128 or foresthillstrust.org.
34. Skybar debuts a new monthly series, "Dark Sky," at tonight at 8. The multimedia happening features goth pop by Lucretia's Daggers and art by Jason Burrell. DJ Punketta Doilie spins. Formal or red-and-black attire. 18+. $6. 518 Somerville Ave., Somerville. 617-623-5223 or www.esporecords.com/skybar.
33. Why wait until Halloween to dress as a famous couple? Boston Costume has everything from Romeo and Juliet, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, bullfighter and bull, Canadian Mountie and horse, or large Bavarian gentleman and beer can. 69 Kneeland St., Boston. 617-482-1632 or bostoncostume.com.
32. For creative Romeos and Juliets, release your inner Hallmark with the Valentine DeLux Kit, includes decorative paper, fancy envelopes, and six lengths of ribbons. $32. Paper Source, 338 Boylston St., Boston. 617-536-3444 or papersource.com.
31. For a personalized memento de amour, skip the skywriting and surprise your significant o. with a handmade Valentine. Art Beat is open to your inspiration today and tomorrow 3 to 5 p.m. $12 per person. 212-A Mass. Ave., Arlington. 781-646-2200 or artbeatonline.org.
30. Your love may be forever, but a tattoo doesn't have to be. Let Henna Sue (Murad) work her ink magic on you. She can draw on you a simple one-inch heart motif for $10, or a simple design or picture you bring in (price varies). By appointment or walk in Friday or Saturday. Fresh Hair, 62 South St., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-6867.
29. Grolier Poetry Bookshop owner Louise Solano aims her gift arrow to the Everyman Series "Love Poems," a collection of passionate poems and "Love Speaks Its Name," a selection of gay-and-lesbian poems. Both books are beautifully bound with elegant ribbon markers. 6 Plympton St., Cambridge. 617-547-4648 or grolierpoetrybookshop.com.
28. Take your chocolate lover for the ride of her life on the Old Town Trolley Tour's Boston Chocolate Tour. Historic and delicious, this tour concludes at the Le Meridian's Chocolate Bar Buffet, where a mind-boggling host of chocolate concoctions awaits. Gift certificates available. 380 Dorchester Ave., Boston. 617-269-3626 or trollytours.com.
27. Let the boutique Grand Opening! fill the void in your sex education. And what better way to improve than with a class together. The curriculum runs from mild to wild. Gift certificates available. Grand Opening! Sexuality Boutique, 318 Harvard St., Suite 32, Brookline. 617-731-2626 or grandopening.com
26. Craft a token of your desire worthy of Aphrodite at Beadworks. Early Feb. 14 classes for those last-minute Cupids include Stringing Workshop (9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 167 Newbury St., Boston. 617-247-7227) and Wire Work technique (10:30 a.m. to noon, 23 Church St., Cambridge, Boston. 617-868-9777). Both $35; limit five students. Beadworksboston.com.
25. Valentine's Day inspires novelty underwear like no other holiday. Slip him a pair of black silk boxers dressed with red hearts by Intimo. $24. Macy's, 450 Washington St., Boston. 617-357-3000.
24. In this season of love, La Perla, purveyors of barely there must-haves, offers the Malizia line of sheerest ruffled tulle bra and thong accented with tiny ribbons and packaged in a discreet drawstring pouch. In red or black. $127. La Perla, 250 Boylston St., Boston. 617-423-5709.
23. Looking to get lost in someone else's affairs? Evonne Wetzner, indie-film diva and owner of the Video Underground has hand-picked a selection of "Tragic and Twisted Love Stories." They include "The Apartment" with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine and "All That Heaven Allows" by the king of '50s melodramas, filmmaker Douglas Sirk. Modern malcontents might enjoy "Disco Pigs" directed by James Sheridan's daughter Kirsten and "The Piano Teacher," which Wetzner describes as a French version of "The Secretary." 389 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617-522-4949.
22. Johnny D's and Four Piece Suit help you celebrate Valentine's Day in style. The lively combo is a fave around these parts, sure to put a spark in your heart. 17 Holland St., Somerville. 617-776-2004 or johnnydsuptown.com.
21. Looking for a knight in shining armor? Copley Flair answers your prayer with a collection of pocket-sized, pewter versions. Get an extra for a friend - they're small and just $1. Copley Flair, 583 Boylston St., Boston. 617-247-1648.
20. If you're lovers of rock 'n' roll, book a tour of the Hatch Show Prints' Posters at the National Heritage Museum. Brothers Charles and Herbert Hatch started a letterpress print shop in Nashville in 1879 that cranked out bills and posters for some of music's biggest names, from Elvis Presley to Pearl Jam. 33 Marrett Road, Rte. 2A, Lexington. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Handicapped accessible. 781-861-6559 or www.monh.org.
19. Melt a cold, cold heart with a scrumptious heart-shaped ice-cream cake. JP Licks makes them with chocolate chip ice cream or, as a special Valentine's Day version, which has strawberry and chocolate inside, dark chocolate ice cream outside. Or customize your own cake (48 hours notice required; no additional charge for inscription). $11.95. Available at all JP Licks locations: 4 College Ave., Somerville, 617-666-5079; 451 Mass. Ave., Arlington, 781-648-4360; 311A Harvard St., Brookline, 617-738-8252; 352 Newbury St., Boston, 617-236-1666; 46 Langley Road, Newton, 617-244-0666; 661 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, 617-325-1516; 659 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-6740.
18. Bach's Cantata BWV 49 ("I go in search of thee with longing") and other passionate musical offerings are the hot ticket this Valentine's Day weekend inspired by the Handel and Haydn Society. Catch this and other love duets tomorrow at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. 617-266-3605 or handelandhaydn.org.
17. "Valentine's Day: Soft Lights and Sweet Music," the folks at the MFA know what it takes to spark romance. Join Nancy Armstrong, soprano; Robert Honeysucker, baritone; Daniel Stepner, electric violin; Laura Jeppesen, electric gamba; for a memorable night of music by American tunesmiths Jerome and Kern. Avenue of the Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-369-3395 or tickets.mfa.org.
16. To hell with Atkins: Seduce him with a heart-shaped snack cake from Diane's Bakery. Small cakes in chocolate or yellow enrobed with chocolate sell for 95 cents each. 9 Poplar St., Roslindale. 617-323-1877.
15. No better place to pucker up than on a lip-shaped sofa. Zoe Home offers this cheeky item designed by David Limpino. The custom-made sofa comes in a variety of sizes and styles, starting at $2,300. 279 Newbury St., Boston. 617-375-9135 or zoehome.com.
14. Wings of desire? Flap 'em if you got 'em. And they have them at Dorothy's Boutique, feathery appendages in small ($18.00) and large ($29.99). 190 Mass. Ave., Boston. 617-262-9255 or www.Dorothysboutique.com.
13. Find mutual rejuvenation with Partner Yoga for Valentine's Day at Baptiste Power Yoga Institute. Definitely not your mother's downward facing dog, this combination of hatha yoga and basic partner acrobatics allows for stability, support, and balance. No experience required. Bring your partner or find one here. Tomorrow from 7:30-9:30 p.m. $50 per couple, $25 individual. Saturday 1-4 p.m., $70 per couple, $30 individual. Both sessions for $100 per couple, $50 individual. 139 Columbus Ave., Boston. 617-423-9642 or 2000 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-661-9642. www.baronbaptiste.com.
12. The Harvard Krokodiloes, Harvard University's oldest a cappella singing group, performs popular music from the 1920s through the '60s. Founded at the Hasty Pudding Club in 1946, the 12 tux-clad undergrads sing jazz, swing, ballads, and rock from America's Golden Age. Joining them are the ladies of Radcliffe's Pitches. Kroks & Pitches: Valentine's Day Concert, tomorrow at 8 p.m. Tickets $12, students and seniors $8. Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-496-2222.
11. Nothing says "I love you" like an enormous bottle of bubbly. Piper Heidsieck N.V. Brut, 12 liters for $600. Available at Martignetti Liquors, 1650 Soldiers Field Road Ext., Brighton. 617-782-3700.
10. Think you can give Cupid some competition? Try your aim at Archery USA. A real bull's-eye of a dating activity. Hourly rates for one adult $10, half-hour $5, all-day pass also available. Equipment rental includes recurve bow, arrows, and armguard. Tuesday to Friday 1-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday (Family Day) 1-6 p.m. 606 Providence Highway, Dedham. 781-320-3606 or archeryusa.com. 9. Sheila Rae, owner of Eros Boutique, suggests a light coating of chocolate to turn your Valentine into a box of sweets. Kama Sutra makes a luscious brush-on chocolate kit, (milk, dark, and white), complete with soft brush and exotic packaging. $42. 581A Tremont St., Boston. 617-425-0345 or erosboutique.com.
8. Strengthen your heart muscle and help adults with developmental disorders by buying handmade Valentine's Day cards at Gateway Gallery and Crafts Store. Proceeds from the one-of-a-kind items benefit the program to fund special art classes. Cards range in price from 95 cents to $3. 60 Harvard St., Brookline. 617-734-1577 or gatewayarts.org. 7. If you want to rekindle romance, try the flaming drinks at Chau Chow City. The Flaming Lamborghini, a super-charged, blue concoction, makes its way into the glass (and their heart) with a fiery wake. 81 Essex St., Boston. 617-426-6266.
6. A bicycle built for two guarantees that you'll both arrive at the same time. And what better way to burn off those chocolate kisses? Tandem bikes start at around $800. Harris Cyclery, 1353 Washington St., West Newton. 617-244-9772 or harriscyclery.com.
5. Art lovers, check out Valentine's paintings by Carly Weaver at ZuZu! on Sunday. Plus, Jonny Spaceman plays "Love Songs for Theremin, " and karaoke with the Big Digits. 474 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-864-3278 ext. 237 or mideastclub.com.
4. Flaunt what you've got, but if what you got needs a little soft lighting and some props, let boudoir and glamour photographer Daphne Weld Nichols help improve your image in the eyes of someone you love. Book ahead for an appointment; her warm style and gift for capturing the best and sexiest you have to offer is well-known. 9 Windsor St., Arlington. 781-641-2100 or fantasyphotography.com.
3. DogSpa in Beverly is planning a Valentine's Day party that will make you sit up and bark, maybe even beg. Along with complimentary goody bags, trainer and behaviorist Karen Fischer will fill you in on the do's and dont's of housebreaking, jumping, and nipping (this is for the dogs!). Saturday from 3-6 p.m. Commodore Plaza, Rte. 1A North, Beverly. 978-922-9227 or www.DogSpa.net.
2. This one's good for the heart every day of the year: volunteer opportunities at Women's Lunch Place, a day shelter that offers poor and homeless women and their children food, friends, and resources. There are many ways to get involved: by donating much needed supplies such as food and clothing; helping prepare meals; or doing clerical work. 67 Newbury St., Boston. 617-267-1722 or womenslunchplace.org, where volunteer applications are available.
1. The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel knows what to do to get her all choked up. Let the drink do all the talking with the Engaging Martini, a passionate mix of Finlandia vodka and a dash of vermouth plus a sparkling garnish that's sure to capture her eye and heart: a Lovefire diamond engagement ring from Alpha Omega Jewelers. Toast to the promise of a lifetime together, then retire to a deluxe one-bedroom suite at the Copley Plaza where champagne, chocolate, flowers, and more await you. This extraordinary experience also includes dinner for two in the hotel's famed Oak Room. Only $12,750. 138 St. James Ave., Boston. Call 617-267-5300, ext. 1546. 