Gifts to wow your Valentine

GREER WYLDER

South Coast Plaza’s merchants offer great Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

Here’s a list of what to buy for her: at Cartier there are “Charms

de Cartier,” rose gold and white gold charms in the shape of a heart

that can be engraved ($1,480). David Yurman carries mixed signature

hearts charm bracelets ($1,650). Dooney & Bourke has heart-shaped key

rings, red handbags and wallets. Godiva Chocolatier has the

Valentine’s Day collection of delicious chocolates. Laundry by Shelli

Segal has an ice pink terry hoodie with matching terry bandeau.

Mikimoto has cultured Akoya pearls and a diamond angel pendant, set

in 18-karat white or yellow gold. Orrefors/Kosta Boda has “My Heart

Collection,” crystal heart vases, clocks or votives ($25 to $125).

Paul Frank has a “Love Triangle” collection with handbags, wallets

and planners in pink twill with silk-screen ($10 to $39), plus the

“Conversation hearts” collection, a string halter-top and brief

bikini with matching flip flops. Smith and Hawken has a True Love

Wreath, a brilliant red hue of tea tree blossoms woven into a heart

shape ($39). Stuart Weitzman has red patent-leather high heels and a

sexy matching bag. Wolford has limited edition Playboy tights and

stay-ups, celebrating 50 years of Playboy.

Gifts that are ideal for him include: at Dooney & Bourke, a red

leather wine carrier that holds two bottles ($220); Plaza Cutlery has

collector knives, pocket knives and money clips; Wolford carries

luxurious socks in cotton or wool/cotton blends.

Gifts that appeal to him or her include: At Brookstone, a red

heart-shaped Fom pillow has unique nylon and micro beads that provide

unbelievable comfort ($39); Christofle has an Amour giftware set, a

limited edition set comprised of small silver vase, silver heart

paperweight and small silver tray ($295); Crane & Co. Paper Makers

has heart-shaped glass paperweights ($28.50); Georgette Klinger Salon

has gift cards and baskets; Gianni Versace has Landmark watches,

available in stainless steel for him and her ($1,200).

Fashion Island merchants also offer great gift ideas for

Valentine’s Day. A few can be found at Robinsons-May. It has options

for everyone on your list: Mom, Dad, a favorite teacher, coworker or

a best friend. Gift experts say that “Mr. Wonderful” tops the list of

great gift ideas for 2004. This little guy is perfect for women who

have had enough of men. The cute doll spouts out endearing words that

every woman wants to hear. One example, “Honey, don’t go shopping

alone, let me go with you. I’d love to carry your bags.” He’s only

$14.99.

Initial frames make great gifts for family portraits ($14.99), as

do glass flower boxes that are a permanent botanical in a silver-tone

shadowbox frame ($19.99) or a Fossil watch, in the shape of a heart,

packaged in a heart-shaped tin ($65). Other great finds can be found

at Anthropologie, Cheri or Shabby Chic at Fashion Island.

Each store has an eclectic mix of candles, decorative items and

other special gifts. For exquisite Valentine’s Day gifts, stop by

Traditional Jewelers for a diamond necklace, platinum and diamond

ring or stud earrings. Classic timepieces also make memorable gifts.

For romantic gifts, visit L’Occitane, the Body Shop and Bath & Body

Works, which all have wonderful selections of scented soaps, lotions,

candles, massage oils and more. For bookworms, find the latest

bestsellers at Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

For a romantic Valentine’s Day at home, pick up a bottle of fine

wine or champagne at Beverage & More! It can help you select from

California’s largest selections of fine wine, beer, champagne and

spirits. An ideal gift for anyone is decadent chocolates from

Teuscher Chocolates & Cafe. Teuscher Chocolates are freshly made in

Switzerland, with only the finest and all-natural ingredients. Its

house specialty, the champagne truffle with a cream center of Dom

Perignon, makes a wonderful statement.

Gift certificates to Fashion Island’s nearly 200 stores and

restaurants always makes an appreciated gift. Call the Fashion Island

Concierge at (949) 721-2000 or visit https://www.

ShopFashionIsland.com.

PREPARE TO GET HITCHED

Throughout the month of February, future brides can find the best

resources for creating an ideal wedding at South Coast Plaza’s

wedding event.

The center will showcase the best in wedding fashions, beauty and

spa services, jewelry, fine invitations and stationery. There are

also retailers who provide home decor, table favors, attendant gifts

and registries. Participating retailers offer in-store events,

complimentary makeovers, trunk and informal modeling shows and even

provide champagne.

You can also enter to win prizes, valued at more than $20,000 at

the concierge desks, or at these shops: Black, Starr & Frost, Bodega

Chocolates, Bvlgari, Cartier, Dooney & Bourke, Everything But Water,

Judith Leiber, Loro Piana, Merle Norman, Mikimoto, A Nite on the

Town, Papyrus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Scandia Down, the Spa at South

Coast Plaza, Stuart Weitzman, Temple St. Clair, Van Cleef & Arpels,

and Wolford.

Don’t miss the special bridal display in the Jewel Court, in front

of Macy’s between the Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue wings. For a

complete listing of events, visit https://www.southcoastplaza.com or

call (714) 435-2000.

AND ...

Atkinson’s Men’s Clothing Store is wrapping up its storewide

clearance sale. Find good buys on traditional men’s apparel and

accessories. The store, at 3430 Via Lido in Newport Beach, is open

from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (949)

673-0653.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

[email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or by

fax at (949) 646-4170.