Really last-minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Valentine's Day is here and you don't want to head home tonight empty handed. There are several spots that offer plenty of easy inspiration for Valentine's Day gifting.

Here's a look at some of the places you might want to direct yourself to if you are still in the market for a gift.

>> The best places to dine in Dayton on Valentine’s Day

Artisan's 

Town and Country Shopping Center, 300 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering 

937-293-7022 | www.facebook.com/Artisans.Kettering 

The online reviews of this store says it all:

"Artisan's is truly a great place to shop. No matter the occasion I know when I want something unique and cool I can find something there! I would love to see the shop expand to other cities. You guys have something going there!"

"My friend and I were there recently. I never leave empty handed. We both agree it is one of the "happiest" shops to visit."

"My favorite store around ! Definitely my go to for birthday gifts"

And then there's this one that simply sums it up, "This place is my zen."

This is a great spot to head to when shopping for your wife, girlfriend, mom, sister, grandma or any other lady in your life. From clothes, to jewelry, to bags, to home decor to scents, this is a spot that offers options galore.

>> Events to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2018 in Dayton

The Flower Shoppe 

2316 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood 

937-224-7673 | www.theflowershoppe.com 

Back in the day flower shops offered exactly what they were billed to offer — plants and flowers.

But today's flower shops have taken it to the next level and there's no better example of that than The Flower Shoppe that relocated from Brown Street to the Shops of Oakwood.

Owner Mark Brueninghaus has an incredible eye, not just for beautiful flower arrangements, but for home decor and gift merchandising. His new store gives him the perfect canvas and more space to show off his many talents.

He's not alone, other local florists offer other merchandise to peruse while you are in to get your blooms, though none on the level that The Flower Shoppe has raised the bar to.

>> The most romantic restaurants in Dayton

Heart Mercantile 

504 E. Fifth St., Dayton 

937-938-5828 | www.heartmercantile.com 

This hipster boutique in the heart of the Oregon District has plenty of handmade goods, clothing, jewelry and gifts to fit the bill. It’s a great stop whether you are shopping for a man or a woman and their name kind of screams for a Valentine's Day shopping stop. They do a great job posting to social media, so if you haven't been and want a taste, visit them on Facebook or Instagram to see more. This is a business that doesn't take itself seriously, has humor in spades and all of that comes together to make shopping a whole lot of fun.

>> Keep the love local with these Valentine’s Day gift ideas

Luna Gifts & Botanicals 

261 Wayne Ave., Dayton 

937-608-9525 | lunadayton.com 

The sister store to Heart Mercantile, Luna Gifts & Botanicals opened just over a year ago with the same savvy owners at the helm who had a vision. With a nice selection of plants at the front of the store and soft goods, home decor, paper goods and more throughout the back half, Luna strikes a nice tone and presents a variety of inventory that compliments itself well.

Madame Delluc Artisan Chocolatier 

2510 Far Hills Ave. (Ohio 48) in the Shops of Oakwood 

937-356-8890 | www.francoiseimports.com

There's a lot of buzz around the chocolate that Oakwood's Madame Delluc Artisan Chocolatier shop carries, and for good reason. It's fabulous. The chocolates it carries that are handmade in Brussels, Belgium are intoxicatingly delicious and beautiful to behold. They are decadent and heavenly and are sure to bring more sweetness to any and all Valentine's Day celebrations — especially for the chocolate lover in your life.

The best part is you can shop for most of this online with a $25 purchase or more at www.francoiseimports.com and get it shipped to you or you can shop and have it ready for pick-up.

>> The best wine and chocolate pairings

Michelle's Macarons 

https://michellesmacarons.com | www.facebook.com/michellesmacarons

You're probably not going to have time to head to New Bremen, Ohio where Michelle's Macarons is located, but the good news is you can head to several local shops to purchase them. Stores that carry her fantastic creations include Flourish Cake Co. in Vandalia, Cake, Hope and Love in Beavercreek and Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Company in Troy. Her February Flavors are raspberry cheesecake and scotcharoo. She posts recipes on her blog — https://michellesmacarons.com — which is an interesting read, but do yourself a favor and find your way to the real thing when you can. Also note that she makes customized macarons for parties and weddings.

>> 5 last-minute, low-budget Valentine’s Day gift ideas

About the Author