STYLE: Chic Valentine's Day gifts for $100 or less

Valentine's Day is a made-up holiday. Much like Easter, which has become about gorging on milk chocolate rabbits, V-Day is a day of caloric excess. It's also a time for major gift anxiety. If you're in a new relationship, you worry about how much to spend and what to send. If you're just getting into a comfortable rhythm, you fret over how to wow. And married couples generally roll their eyes and say, "What do you want, honey?"

Well, here's my take. Yes, the day reeks of consumerism and Hallmark, in essence, has us all over a barrel. BUT, you needn't get your knickers or your boxers in a twist over what to bestow. Think fun. Think unique. Think "I am going to get lucky tonight." Just don't buy into all that crap about diamonds and red, silk neckties. The best way to celebrate Valentine's Day is to buy someone some flowers -- I send flowers to my husband at work because I am an equal opportunity lover -- and a wee something that says, "I appreciate you on this crazy, commercial holiday. Pass that 4-pound box of chocolates over here, baby." Here are a few gifts that won't disappoint if you've got the right partner:

John Derian decoupage plates and trays are known for their unique and eclectic images. This  one comes from a series known as Les Etoiles -- $75; johnderian.com.  For a more whimsical gift, check out the great woodblock prints by Hugo Guinness on Derian's website. Wes Anderson is
a fan of the artist's works.

Hate all that sentiment? So did Alfred Hitchcock, who never glorified love. Rather, he explored the entanglements that ensue when nutty, frigid women bewitch helpless men who can't resist a blonde in a tight pencil skirt.  This DVD box set -- with 14 films including "Marnie," "Psycho," "Vertigo" and other faves -- makes for a cozy movie marathon. Get it for $89.99 at Amazon.com.

Never underestimate the power of an ottoman. Men love to sprawl and this Moroccan pouf works perfectly for a stretch on the sofa.  It also makes for a great accent to any room. I love that it costs just $79.99 and makes you look like you traveled to Casablanca to get it. Go to authenticmorocco.com and see that it comes in more masculine colors.

Yes, it's raw meat. And who's going to appreciate opening butcher wrap to find a pair of bloody steaks? Clearly, you're going to cook these 7 oz. Prime filet mignons from Niman Ranch ($49.99) first and serve them with some scalloped potatoes and swiss chard -- or some such sides. The point is: cooking for anyone is freaking sexy and primal and always appreciated. Just rub these with olive oil and some sea salt and broil away.
I also adore the heart-shaped egg mold from fredflare.com, ($9) that makes eggs d'amore. Breakfast in bed after a morning romp? Yum.

Four pounds of See's chocolates in a red velvet heart will cost you a bit more at $118. But hey, who can resist enough chews and nougats to last a few weeks? Alas, the assortment is already sold out online at sees.com, but you can have one assembled at a local See's. The best part about this bonanza of sweets is that you can take just one bite out of every one of them and still be satisfied. Me? I would eat them in bed in a filmy, pink peignoir and pretend that I was Elizabeth Taylor.

Got any great suggestions for gifts? Share.

Comments

[Rick Evans]

Don't waste your money. $100 is $100 to much to waste on the most commercially SHALLOW day of the year.

[Rick Evans]

Don't waste your money. $100 is $100 to much to waste on the most commercially SHALLOW day of the year.

[Zurka]

I found a TERRIFIC and inexpensive gift that won't wilt in a week, or tarnish in two, it's the friendship stone (www.thefriendshipstone.com) perfect for anyone from you! It will stay with your friend and loved one forever, reminding them of you. Check it out! I also saw another cool thing on their site - you can send a "virtual friendship stone" for fun as well as having the real one.
They also have a valentine sale going on - 14% discount with the coupon code "Valentine"