New York - February 11, 2002

The Valentine’s Day Hit List

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Valentine’s Day. Basking in unbridled romance? Or unbridled panic because it’s only three days away (slacker) and you’ve made no plan? No problem. DailyCandy might not know from love, but Valentine’s gifts? A piece of cake.

Herewith, the DailyCandy Hit List.

Flowers: Nix the roses, and go for Calla lilies. And think long-term: Have six buds delivered to your beloved every month. Spruce, 75 Greenwich Avenue (212-414-0588). Daffodils are another charmer, and we dig those from Flowerbud.com.

Dinner? Oh, dinner. If you don’t have reservations by now, we suggest ditching the dining-out idea. (Who’s crankier than the couple left standing at a restaurant bar?) Lose the clothes, and stay home. Pizza, beer, and, heck, strip poker. Poker kit available at Kirna Zabete, 96 Greene Street (212-941-9656), or online from agentprovocateur.com.

In the mood for mind games? Tuck into Susan Minot’s latest novel, Rapture. It recounts an afternoon two lovers spend in bed. (So that’s what they were thinking…)

Not ready for monogrammed towel sets? Please. Have a pair of panties embroidered with her initials. At Nisa, 250 Elizabeth Street (212-925-4772).

And while we’re working below the belt, he needs … silk boxers? Stop it — now. Nothing but Seize sur Vingt for him, or cufflinks.

Need some shaking up? A steamy bath may get his temperature rising.

Toss in Elsa Peretti’s Tiffany razor, and you’re golden.

Now, candy? Oh, candy! No chocolates are prettier than those from Richart Design et Chocolat, 7 East 55th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues (212-371-9369).

A box of pralines from Neuhaus, 922 Madison Avenue, between 73rd and 74th Streets (212-861-2800), or Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue, between 49th and 50th Streets (212-753-4000), never disappoints.

Thinking outside the box? (Our face was planted in one full of pralines, sorry.) Hit up Milo and Millie for delish candy loot.

Or get Uncle Zeke’s butterscotch chunks, “The Best Darn Candy You Ever Slung a Lip Over.” (There’s a tagline worth a thousand kisses.)

Still think that diamonds are a girl’s best friend? Honey, you’re living in the wrong economic market. Try a Sage necklace. Available at Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Avenue, at 56th Street (212-247-1100).

Attached or unattached, everyone should have something ten inches long and two inches thick: Like, um, Sharp’s flat-screen TV.

Speaking of which, what’s a good night without breakfast in bed? And what’s breakfast without the perfect toast? Available at Mxyplyzyk, 125 Greenwich Avenue, at 13th Street (212-989-4300).