Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • February 11, 2009 For Your (ARA) Valentine’s Day inspires some of the most expensive and luxurious gifts. Keep in mind that many wonderful gifts can be purchased even on a limited budget. Luxurious does not necessarily mean expensive, and with some creativity you can give lavish gifts. Some of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts are jewelry, gourmet food, and personal indulgences. Many couples pop the cork on a celebratory bottle of champagne, but domestic sparkling whites or an Italian Prosecco offer luxury for less. A heart-shaped box filled with chocolate is almost cliché. When it comes to chocolate, it is quality, not quantity, that counts. A small box of gourmet chocolates in trendy flavors like curry, cardamom, black pepper, red wine, and goat cheese will make much more of an impact than a big box of generic chocolates with mystery filling. If your Valentine wants to try something different, try a small tin of caramels with sea salt. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but a piece of classic and stunning pearl jewelry for Valentine’s Day is an affordable, unexpected and appreciated surprise. Freshwater pearl earrings or bracelets give a high-end look for a budget price and you can celebrate the colors of the holiday with a gorgeous pink or lavender cultured freshwater Valentine’s Day luxury for less Provided by Corbis pearl necklace. A candlelit, gourmet dinner for two at home scores points for thoughtfulness. Either break out the cookbook and make recipes from scratch, or have a three or four course feast delivered to your door. Time is the ultimate luxury. Giving the gift of your undivided attention for an entire weekend, running a relaxing bubble bath, or giving a foot massage is the best and most heartfelt gift of all. Remember that putting some thought into your gift and thinking ahead truly shows you care.