According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend close to $13.70 billion dollars on Valentine's Day presents and cards this year. Robyn Freedman Spizman, author of “Make It Memorable,” shares some gift suggestions guaranteed to arrive to your loved one faster than Cupid's arrow.
Bounce Greetings is a fun new company with a kickin' alternative to flowers, cards and cookies — a personalized greeting ball! Each Bounce Greetings ball has a bouncy message and is hand-delivered by the mailman. $10 (includes S&H), www.bouncegreetings.com, (877) WE-BOUNCE or (877) 932-6862
Try T-shirts with irreverent phrases such as “Secretary of Transportation,” “Whine? No. Wine? Yes,” and “I need a playdate” from Planet Mom. They are embroidered on 100 percent cotton apparel in a variety of colors and styles. Also offered are pants, hats and nighties as well as boxer-briefs and hats for men, all stylishly embroidered with one of many funny lines. Shirts range from $32 to $39 plus shipping, www.PlanetMomTShirts.com
A thermal “Stick Figure” insulated lunch bag is great for hot or cold meals with zipper top closure in purple or royal blue or Velcro top closure in red or royal blue. Girls' bags feature the dress-up design and boys' bags, the sports design. Graphic includes food dream bubble, pencil border and character. Lead-free interior. Must be ordered by end of day Feb. 8 for Valentine's Day delivery. $38; delivery fee, $8.75, www.TheStationeryStudio.comThe fashion-forward jewelry designer, Alex Woo, has brought the excitement and thrill of Las Vegas directly to you with her brand-new Vegas Collection of necklaces and charm bracelets. Inspired by the high-class luxury of the casino world, these delicate playing-card icons make a bold and lucky statement. The necklaces are available in silver, yellow gold, rose gold and even diamonds. Ranging from $100-$400, these distinctive necklaces can be worn on a chain or a leather cord. Other necklaces also available in silver, gold and diamonds, ranging from $200-$1,000. Hands down, the Alex Woo Vegas collection is the best and most glamorous way to beat the house! Drew Barrymore and Lindsay Lohan are huge fans. www.alexwoo.com
Solomon's Gourmet Cookies offers a variety of Cookie of the Month Club options, including favorites such as chocolate mint brownie, turtle bar and banana bar. 18-count box for 3 months, $61; for 6 months, $121 and 12 months, $230 (plus shipping and handling). Orders taken by Friday, Feb. 10 are guaranteed delivery by Valentine's Day with appropriate shipping. Personalized cards are available and will be included in your shipment. Cookies are certified Kosher Dairy. 773-384-8575, www.solomonscookies.com
Junior's New York Cheesecake Cherry Heart is the perfect way to say “I love you” this Valentine's Day. This heavenly cheesecake, made by Junior's of Brooklyn — the bakers of the “world's most fabulous cheesecake,” is topped with swirls of cherry glaze. The cheesecake sits on a base of chocolate cake and cherry pie filling, with the sides decorated with heart-patterned sponge cake. The cake is 2" tall and 9" in diameter and serves up to 16. $38 plus S&H, www.juniorscheesecake.com
Chew Chic Squeaky Toys are a must-have for hipster hounds and pampered pooches! If both pup and parent are slaves to fashion, consider a black “Jimmy Chew” squeaky toy, a “Chewy Vuitton” squeaky purse or a kitschy “Sniffany & Co” squeaky gift box. Furry fashionistas will also love the ulti-mutt chew experience of the “Bark Jacobs” Shoe Chew and the “Kate Spayed” squeaky purse toy. (All, $11 to $14.) The Mutt-ini Cocktail Dog Bowl makes for swank service after a “ruff” day. This raised dog bowl comes with a darling olive squeaky toy, matching placemat and, best of all, it allows for ergonomically correct dining. ($35 plus S&H) www.muttropolis.com, 1-888-MUTTS99
Design-her Gals is an innovative online company with an interactive process for you to create online personalized recipe or memory boxes that look like your favorite gal pals in the form of a sassy illustration — right down to eye and hair color, hairstyle, designer outfits and fashionable and fun accessories! The personalized pleather box retails for $40 and can be complemented with your Gal on matching recipe cards, gift tags, note cards and memo paper ($45) or gift stickers and address labels ($40). Shipping and handling is separate. All orders placed by Sunday, Feb. 12 will be guaranteed to arrive by Valentine's Day (extra shipping charges may apply depending on the day ordered). Ten percent of all proceeds go to the Gal to Gal Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to stage four breast cancer patients. The Gals can even wear the pink ribbon on their outfits. www.designhergals.com
The Love Potion is a fresh and funky floral cocktail that makes the perfect statement for a fun Valentine's Day. Stunning roses, carnations and cushion poms fill this oversized margarita glass in the richest shades of red, pink and white, arranged to look like an old-fashioned ice cream soda. This oversized arrangement measures more than 12 inches tall. It is available by calling 1-800-FLOWERS or visiting online, now through Feb. 13 for delivery in time for Valentine's Day. $59.99 (plus $10.99 shipping and handling), www.1800flowers.com