NILES — Those who are searching for the perfect gift for their sweetheart, best friend or family member this Valentine’s Day will not have to look any further than downtown to find something special, delicious and affordable.  And for those looking to escape the barrage of pink and red hearts and kick back with a beer and steaming bowl of ramen, there’s a place for that too. Here is a compilation of Valentine’s Day gifts crafted by local businesses, events and deals.

Flowers 

When in doubt, a bouquet of flowers is always a solid Valentine’s gift. Flower Cart owner Phil Hurlbutt specializes in crafting bouquets with a personal touch.

“We can add personal things to an arrangement by enhancing it with butterflies, birds and maybe a special figurine,” Hurlbutt said. “We take the time to do things like that other flower shops won’t.”

Hurlbutt has owned and operated the Flower Cart for almost 39 years. The business owner said Valentine’s Day is the single busiest day of the year. 

Every Valentine’s Day, Hurlbutt arrives at the shop at 5:30 a.m. to put the finishing touches on flower arrangements and prepare for the onslaught of deliveries and last-minute shoppers, who will inevitably come pouring through the door.

So what’s the best time to place a flower order before the chaos? Hurlbutt advises that customers try to call at least one day in advance. He also suggested that people consider having flowers delivered the day before so that their loved one can begin enjoying the bouquet sooner and have more flexibility in their delivery times.

Hurlbutt encouraged customers looking to purchase flowers to support their local flower shop owners this Valentine’s Day season.

While roses are the most popular seller on Valentine’s Day, Hurlbutt encouraged customers to order a specialty design bouquet. Florists will also work with customers to craft a personalized bouquet. Hurlbutt said this sets the store apart from other big box shops. 

Peggy Maiers, a Flower Cart associate, echoed this sentiment.

“We have the most spectacular designers,” Maiers said. “[Phil] is very particular. He wants people to be satisfied. He is very careful with detail and constantly reminds us, detail, detail, detail.”

Customers who visit the flower shop can find more than bouquets and potted plants. They can also purchase jewelry, candy, stuffed animals and even clothing.

“We have it all,” Hurlbutt said. “I don’t think people realize all we have. You think flower shop and you think cut flowers, but we have all sorts of gifts.”

General prices at the Flower Cart range from $8.99 for a single rose in a vase to a $10.99 for carnations, to up to $150 to $200.

Flower arrangements can be purchased in store and online. The store can also handle out-of-state orders, which are made by contacting another flower shop.

Chocolate

With a variety of handmade chocolates and novelty items to choose from, there are plenty of Valentine’s Day gift choices available at Veni’s Sweet Shop.

“We have chocolate for everybody’s budget,” said Linda Swarcan, the general manager.

Customers can select from 32 different truffle varieties and an assortment of signature heart-shaped boxes. The boxes are so popular with customers, sometimes they will make it a tradition to reuse the same box.

A number of novelty items like chocolate covered oreos and Valentine’s Day pretzels are also available.

“We have stuff that is easy, fast, ready to go, and we also do a lot of hand packing, where people can choose the chocolates that they want,” Skarcan said. “We have got the basics like milk, chocolate, dark chocolate and liquid caramel. Seasonally we have red velvet.”

The heart-shaped boxes can be stuffed with up to 2 pounds of chocolate.

While Christmastime is the busiest season, Skwarcan said the week before Valentine’s Day sees the most foot traffic, outside of the Hunter Ice Festival. She encouraged customers coming in to purchase sweets for Valentine’s Day to try and do so before the holiday.

“Chocolate makes a great gift. Everybody loves chocolate,” Skwarcan said. “And it is always nice when the community shops local.”

Price ranges start at $1.99 for novelty items, $4.99 for boxes of chocolates and up.

Beer Lovers

For those wishing to celebrate the holiday by simply relaxing, Bryan Wiliiams, owner of the Brass Eye, a downtown bar, will be hosting a “Not Much of Anything” celebration, jam packed with solely sipping a beer and bowl of house-made ramen.

“I mean, you can bring your valentine here. We’re open, but there’s not going to be flowers and champagne specials. Ramen, Bao Buns, Cocktails, Beer,” Williams posted on Facebook.

He encouraged those looking for a place to kick back without the traditional fanfare to visit the bar.