Actress Rachel Leigh Cook designed this platinum necklace, with a top bid of $950 when last checked at www.sothebys.com. The auction of heart pendants designed by female celebrities will benefit a charity of the stars' choice.

Think beyond flowers and
candy for Valentine’s Day

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Star-Bulletin

There is no shortage of hearts for Valentine's Day. Here are a few gift suggestions in case you failed to plan ahead:

>> At The Rainbow Collection in Ala Moana Center, general manager and designer Karla Brom has designed a new limited-edition collection for the occasion. The "Anuenue o Ku'uipo" features an 18k white or yellow gold heart pendant, set with a rainbow of diamonds and sapphires. Brom says it's the perfect marriage of romance and dreams, and as unique as your love -- only 50 pieces will be made. The price, $425.

Meanwhile, Old Navy offers fun boxer shorts with hearts or devils for no more than $8.50.

>> If you and your baby are couch potatoes, here's an easy trick. Dial up Exquisite Basket Expressions at 735-9520 and order up a gift basket with all the fixings for a romantic picnic, such as salmon paté, rye crackers, brie or other cheeses, Valencia orange marmalade, sweet chocolate desserts, and even a smooth jazz CD. Prices of $25 and up depend on what you pick. Then choose a wine, wrap yourselves in a blanket and step outside for a look at the stars. We know, we know. You feel silly, right? Follow up with a couple of movie rentals: "A Walk to Remember" (bring tissues) for her, and one of those interchangeable action flicks for him.

>> If you've walked into Old Navy recently, you'll find hearts all around in the form of Valentine cami sets ($15.50) for her and boxers ($5.50 to $8.50) for him. There are even flannel sleep bottoms ($12.50 to $16.50) for those who like to lounge around (see item above). There are also heart soaps and lip glosses at $2.50 to $4.50 to spread a little love to someone who may not expect it, like that nice cashier or bank teller.

>> If your honey's the practical type, he or she may prefer a bright, shiny new tool box to heart-covered boxers. Check out Home Depot, City Mill or other home improvement stores for the latest gadgets. If you do get that tool box though, it would be nice to tuck something more frivolous/pretty/pricey inside.

Art enthusiasts will love crystal hearts from Baccarat at a little more than $100 apiece.

>> Crafters won't be able to resist the heart-shaped soap molds available at craft stores like Ben Franklin, along with glycerine soap, soap dyes and fragrance for creating homemade soaps. Of course, soap is no fun unless it's shared in the shower.

>> For the wildly romantic and impractical, Baccarat, the 250-year-old French crystal house, offers a smooth, sensuous puffed heart created from pure lead crystal, in clear, rose and the company's signature red colors -- the latter two colors achieved through a chemical reaction that occurs when 18k gold is added to the molten crystal. The difference is reflected in the cost -- $110 for the clear heart; $130 for the rose and red. Call Baccarat Ala Moana at 948-6688.

>> Pamper a loved one with a luxurious massage. Do it yourself with almond oil and essential oils available at health stores such as Down to Earth, or purchase a gift certificate from any of the spas that have popped up around the island. At Malama, An Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa, those who purchase a gift card or products worth $100 or more this month, will also receive gifts of a free lauhala box with a tealight candle and amenity sizes of Aveda's Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner, while supplies last.

>> If your true love is patient, it's not too late to place a bid on one-of-a-kind platinum heart pendants at www.sothebys.com. Hand-sketched by celebrities, each design reflects the personality and creativity of female celebrities for the Women with Heart program, which benefits a charity of the celebrity's choice. For Renee Zellweger and Courteney Cox-Arquette, it's UCLA's Friends of the Breast Program. For Charlize Theron, it's the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. For Britney Spears, it's the Britney Spears Foundation. Draw your own conclusions. When last checked, bids are as high as $2,500 for the various pendants. Last day to bid is Feb. 15.

>> This one is for the daring, and those over 18 (or your parents will kill us): If your sweetheart's been shopping for a tattoo, why not take the plunge together. His and her hearts on some secret part of the body are so romantic, so committed. Temporary tattoos have been suggested, but that just reads "flake."

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