Columnist Muriel Stevens: Many gift choices for your valentine

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 | 9:13 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@lasvegassun.com or 259-4080.

Still pondering what to buy your special someone for Valentine's Day? Relax. There are so many things to buy or do on this special day. Of course, this year Valentine's Day falls on a Monday, so you might want to observe it the weekend before.

Don't despair if all you can think of is a gift of chocolate. Karen Thomson of Ethel M Chocolates says, "For Ethel M there is no busier day of the year." To keep up with the demands of Valentine's Day, the Ethel M Chocolates factory will be producing its special chocolates at a rate of 2,000 pounds each day in preparation for the big day. Just think about it: That's more than 3 million individual pieces that will be sold -- most on that single day!

The Ethel M shops and the Valentine's Day 2000 catalog are filled with gift suggestions for any Valentines. Ethel M's traditional heart-shaped boxes of candy are beautifully designed and make fine keepsakes long after the candy is gone. For a catalog, stop by any store. Mail orders can be made by calling 800-438-4356 or through the Ethel M website -- www.ethelm.com. So many scrumptious choices.

Bulgari for a valentine: Check out the dazzling collection of bibelots and luxurious gifts at Bulgari in the Forum Shops at Caesars. There are many surprisingly affordable items as well as the exquisite "Sky's the limit" original design jewelry pieces. Bulgari now features a number of home accessories such as the lovely Rosa Innamorata (Rose in Love) decorative plate ($75). This stylish porcelain plate features a delicate rose that runs along the center of the dish embracing a bamboo shoot, a promise of future joy.

The new Bulgari B.zero 1 yellow-and-white gold rings for men and women ($580-$900) are typically Bulgari, a fusion between traditional and innovation. Bulgari seven-fold silk ties ($180) come in a wide color range. Stylish, contemporary men will find these ties are the perfect accessory. For the ultimate man's gift check out Bulgari's Chrono watch ($5,500). Available with a leather or a bracelet strap.

Budget woes?: It's the thought that counts, so don't fret if your budget is smaller than your valentine list. Invite your favorite person for coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the newest Krispy Kreme location in Green Valley (9791 S. Eastern). While the sweet taste of a hot-from-the-oven glazed doughnut is tickling the taste buds, add a little more romance with a Tic Tac Valentine's Day gift box, a colorful, limited edition five-pack ($2.49). The red Tic Tacs are flavored with cinnamon "to spice things up," and fresh mint, "to cool things down." Follow up this romantic interlude by reading the recipient an original poem. Doughnuts, Tic Tacs and thou? Why not.

More ideas: Think up a host of ideas to please any valentine, be it a relative, friend, co-worker or neighbor. Everyone appreciates being remembered, no matter what the occasion. Home-baked goodies, tickets to a movie, even a recycled CD or book. Making a contribution to a favorite charity is a gift that will make both recipient and donor feel good.

And don't forget the kids. Even the little ones appreciate a valentine, especially one they can hold or eat. Add a few hugs and kisses. They like those, too.