The only thing worse than forgetting to buy a Valentine's Day present is buying the same tired gifts year after year. Seriously, boys and girls, nobody ever needs to receive a Whitman's Sampler Heart again.
Thanks to this list of unique items from some of America's most creative entrepreneurs, it's not too late to save yourself.
Chocolate Whiskey, $20(01 of14)
Our old friends at Kings County Distillery have turned your-chocolate-in-my-peanut-butter into something way more aphrodisiacal (yes, that's a real word). They mixed their moonshine with fellow Brooklyn food scientists Mast Brothers' ground up chocolate husks and came up with the loving mixture to beat all. They say, "Serve neat as a dessert, or mix with coffee or sweet flavors in cocktails." We say, "Pour a glass and see what happens." Available for order if you act now at Astorwines.com or Heightschateau.com. (credit:Kings County Distillery)
His and Hers Crossword Pajamas, $120(02 of14)
The beauty of this Pajamagram.com gift is that it works for either the young, "let's forgo the dictionary and spell out s-e-x-y-y-t-i-m-e," couple or the old married, "let's spend all day in our lounging clothes with the Times puzzle and hope for the best" duo. (credit:Pajamagram.com)
Private Island In Wisconsin, $129,000(03 of14)
To be honest, we haven't spent a lot of time pricing these personal parcels of land out, but $129,000 for the 5.2-acre Big McGraw Island on a glorious Wisconsin lake seems, in a true Midwestern term, "reasonable." Pricey, for sure, but you don't have to worry about feeding your loved one, as the lake is stocked with "excellent pan fish, crappie, bass (5 pounders) and northern." All that and it's only $15,000 down! Just think of the remote nobody-will-ever-know-what-we're-doing-even-if-we-break-the-law possibilities! (credit:Private Islands Online)
One Night Stay In The Cupid Suite, $299.95(04 of14)
There is no more romantic place on Earth than the Cupid Suite at the Wildwood Inn in Florence, Ky. Opened in 1932, it was run by a dreamy hoofer by the name of Gene Kelly. If the God of Love and his two-person heart-shaped bathtub don't do it for you, can we tempt you with the Tennessee Cave, the Pirate Ship or the Happy Days? No? You are a Valentine's Scrooge. (credit:Wildwood Inn)
Sugar Glider, $155(05 of14)
You know what makes grown folk swoon? Adorable little animals. Nothing more adorable than a tiny marsupial that loves sweet stuff. Sugar Gliders are barely a foot long, and they're nocturnal, so besides fitting in your glove compartment, they can watch over the household. Seriously, would you look at that little fella'? Everybody now, Awwwwwwwww.....(Not available in CA, HI, AK, PA and MA because, apparently, those states hate cuteness.) (credit:sugarglidercare.org)
Buckaroo Wine Bottle Boot, $95(06 of14)
Flowin', flowin' flowin', keep that prosecco flowin'... It doesn't matter if you're a city slicker or have a home on the range, no better way to say "I love you, pardner" than with a wine bottle boot made from charcoal bullhide vamp. The best thing about artisan Kyle Rosfeld's shop, The Sandhills Boot Company, is that it's located in Valentine, Neb. Raise a glass to the postmark, lovers! (credit:The Sandhills Boot Company)
Hot Air Balloon, $24,500(07 of14)
Any common schlub can take his or her significant other for a simple ride in a hot air balloon. The truly committed take lessons, get a pilot's license, and buy their own hot air balloon to ride whenever the envelope is opened. (Balloonatic lingo!) The folks at FireFly Balloons in Statesville, N.C. aren't full of hot air -- they will get you up in the sky in no time. Start with the FireFly 6B, the smallest balloon, featuring a gorgeous 41-ft. high envelope. Soon, you'll both be on top of the world looking down on all the poor saps who don't own their own balloon. (credit:Flickr: Lucky e)
Personalized Magazine Cover, $12.95(08 of14)
You've got enough framed pictures. What you both need is to be on the cover of a magazine. Stop the presses! And then go to YourCover.com to design the magazine of your dreams. When selecting a cover image, just remember one thing: Celebs really aren't like us. They're always going to get coffee in their sweatpants. Look your best -- this thing is going to hang on your wall. (credit:yourcover.com)
Silicone Bendable Rose, $29.99(09 of14)
Real roses wilt and die. This little flower brings things to life. It doesn't need water, but it is waterproof. (credit:eden fantasys)
Pacific Northwest Circle Trip, $2,595(10 of14)
There's a reason all those great comedies from days gone by feature scenes on trains. There is no more romantic way to travel than in a vintage Pullman Sleeper car, which will be your home for 10 days as you ride the rails from Los Angeles, through wine country, into the Pacific Northwest, on into Montana's spectacular Glacier National Park, and back down Cali way. Each car has its own bed, closet and head, and includes breakfast and dinner between cities. Book now, and you may never have to buy another Valentine's present again. (credit:Pacific Sands)
Valentine's Pecan Kringle, $20.95(11 of14)
Cupcakes? Cakepops? Box of chocolates? (Yawn.) Tingle your sweetheart's taste buds with a delicious Pecan Kringle from O&H Danish Bakery. A Kringle is a Scandanavian pastry, and Racine, Wis., is the tasty epicenter. Once the treat is a hit -- and it will be, as it works for breakfast and dessert -- you might as well take care of future holidays by enrolling in the Kringle of the Month Club. (credit:O&H Danish Bakery)
Fancy Redneck Glasses, $50.85(12 of14)
It's always nice to crack a bottle of fine sparkling wine on Valentine's Day (we recommend the USA-aged Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc), but the fancy crystal flutes make the toasting seem so formal. It's a holiday -- it's supposed to be fun. This year, pour the bubbly into one of the Fancy Redneck glasses, part Mason jar, part stem, all awesome. The entire set comes in three sizes: Little Lulu, Ole' Red and Big Bubba Widemouth. Get 'er drunk. (credit:Fancy Redneck)
Box Of Chocolates Costume, $65(13 of14)
The festive folks at Boston Costume, the Hub's home for dressing up since 1965, say that this red-and-white cloth covered sandwich board will fit both men and women. We didn't ask if the unitard underneath was optional. That's for you and yours alone. Please remember, it's a rental. (credit:Boston Costume)
Restored Amusement Park Tunnel Of Love Car, $2,995(14 of14)
If you need something that's truly one-of-a-kind, then Retro Planet has you covered. This 1940s heart-shaped Tunnel of Love car is both great for making out while watching "The Notebook," and for giving your Sweet Baboo a Valentine's Day he or she will never forget. (credit:Retro Planet)
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