Last-Minute Valentine's Gifts

Feb. 13, 2006 — -- Valentine's Day is Tuesday, and if you've left your romantic purchases until the last minute, never fear. Dave Zinczenko, editor of Men's Health magazine, has some gift ideas for under $50 that you can get today online, in the department store, even at the supermarket.

The Origins of Comforting, Body Wrap, $35

Zinczenko: Good for men. They can be pampered without feeling like a girly-man. It's also good for bosses, teachers, anyone who is hard to buy for. You can get it at department stores and online. This is a body wrap that you can heat up and put on the part of the body that needs a little TLC.

Fortune Tee, $22 to $39

Zinczenko: This is great for the hard-to-buy-for person. It's a generic, nonthreatening, lighthearted gift, also for someone who has everything. You can get it at department stores, novelty boutiques and online. The tees are wearable takes on fortune cookies that come in cute "takeout" containers -- perfect for a girlfriend, best friend, mom (or mom-to-be), husband (they have men's styles), wife, daughter or co-worker. (www.fortunetees.com)

Tiffany's Jewelry, prices vary

Tiffany's is something that every woman is going to love, and it doesn't have to break the bank. Some pieces come with a price tag as low as $100. If you order today, the gift will arrive by noon on Valentine's Day.

Jones Soda Pack, $9.99

Zinczenko: It's something simple and easy for someone who likes music or even a new couple. It's two bottles of soda, Chapstick, and three CDs of Sony BMG music artists. You can get it at the supermarket or online.

The Gift of Zero, any amount you want

Zinczenko: This is an online purchase. With a few clicks of a mouse, you can log onto the fund's carbon zero calculator to determine your carbon dioxide footprint (based on your home energy use and travel by car and plane). The calculator will determine the number of trees that need to be planted in order to "zero out" your emission footprint for the year.

With a small donation, just $2 a tree, the conservation fund will plant your trees in one of our go zero forests,helping fight global warming and creating new habitat for wildlife across the nation.

Movie Lover Basket, any amount you want

Zinczenko: This is great for people who don't want to spend a lot of money and people who need to get something on the way home from work. You can get them at drugstores or supermarkets or Wal-Mart or Blockbuster. Fill a basket with microwave popcorn and assorted candies and your Valentine's favorite DVDs.

Personalized Jewelry, any amount you want

Zinczenko: This is a great project for dads or baby sitters to do with the kids the night before. What mom or aunt wouldn't love some homemade jewelry? You can hit the craft stores, Wal-Mart or bead stores. These are very popular, and every community has one. You can pick the person's favorite color or pet for inspiration.