As Valentine's Day approaches, the pressure is on to find that perfect gift for that special someone who is in your life. Whether your gift is of the easily consumable variety (like a box chocolates) or something a bit more lasting (say jewelry for instance), it's best that you get thinking about your purchase in order to avoid the thoughtless last minute acquisition.

CHOCOLATES & CANDIES
It may seem cliché, but giving your sweetie a box of chocolates for Valentine's Days is still a most acceptable manner in which to show your love. And while there may be a bit of a protest from those who are obsessed with their weight and waist line, the fact that this is the middle of winter and not summer swimsuit season, significantly ameliorates the intensity of the complaint.

House of Fine Chocolates | 3109 N Broadway | 773.525.5700 | www.houseoffinechocolates.com
This Lakeview institution has been around since 1945 and has been serving a wide variety of delectable delights to long-time customers as well as all the newbies that move into the neighborhood. While House of Fine Chocolates makes great pastries, cakes, and cookies, it's the chocolates - Truffles, non parails, and assorted other varieties - that keep the clientele coming back for more.

bon bon Chicago | 5410 N Clark St | 773.784.9882 | www.bonbonchicago.com
This wonderful Andersonville outpost is run by a mother-and-daughter team who specialize in handmade creations of French and Belgium couverature. (Couverature is the name given to the highest quality of chocolate; so we're not talking Hershey here.) As well they use the finest spices, liquors and other ingredients. For a playful touch during Valentine's, a box of their Karma Sutra chocolates, with pieces shaped like the risqué pictures from the book, make for a perfect gift and let's your partner know exactly what they expect to be doing later that night.

Windy City Sweets | 3308 N Broadway |773.477.6100 | www.windycitysweets.com
This is without a doubt one of the most fun places in which to shop in Boystown with its large selection of chocolates and an offering of candies of seemingly every variety imaginable. While the friendly staff is more than willing to help craft a custom Valentine's gift box for your lover, you may just want to head over to Windy City Sweets as part of your date and truly experience what it feels like to be a kid in a candy shop.

If you are trying to shy away from caloric Valentine's Day gifts but don't know exactly what to get, there are several great retail shops filled with unique items that are sure to please the object of your affections.

Cupid's Treasures | 3519 N Halsted St | 773.348.3884
While some have dubbed it the "Wal-Mart of sex shops", Cupid's really does offer a much more comprehensive selection of gifts, including apparel and other non-sex oriented items. From the practical to the wild and fantastical, Cupid's is sure to have a gift that will be deemed perfect upon receipt. And now it's open 24 hours, so you can shop when it's most convenient for you.

Manifold | 2850 N Clark St | 773.525.2929 | www.manifoldstore.com
This unique shop specializes in providing stylish items used on a daily basis by men, including skin care products, fashion accessories (belts, watches and wallets), and home furnishing items. Home products include candles and soaps with masculine scents and the skin products include items geared specifically toward the unique needs of African-American men (such as the Smart Shave line for dealing with razor bumps).

GreenSky | 5357 N Ashland Ave | 773.275.1911 | www.greenskycompany.com
Tucked away on the corner of Ashland & Balmoral in Andersonville, GreenSky specializes in eco-friendly products that "have a story." Unique artisan one-of-a-kind products include pieces of art; handmade tiles and ceramics; specialty soaps and lotions; jewelry; candles, and a whole lot more. If your partner is "green," then they will surely appreciate a gift from here.

The Pleasure Chest | 3436 N Lincoln Ave | 773.525.7151 | www.thepleasurechest.com
Despite its location in the refined West Lakeview neighborhood, Pleasure Chest still offers its customers a wide and wild selection of sex toys and other adult-oriented products. Referred to as the "Saks 5th Avenue" of adult stores, Pleasure Chest products include unique high-end items such as dildos molded from the penises of famous porn starts such as Jeff Stryker, Eric Hanson, and Bam. (I guess these particular gifts are appropriate if your lover is a size queen and you just personally don't have the size.)

LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME
While a tangible good is often presented as a Valentine's Day gift, an actual service may be what your significant other really wants. So give them a tangible gift certificate for facial and massage services (without the "happy ending") at one of the local day spas that have sprouted up in the city during recent years.

SIR Spa | 5151 N Clark St | 773.271.7000 | www.sirspa.com
Dedicated to the needs of men of all types, this attractive and well-appointed 4,500 square foot day spa in SoFo (South of Foster) features an array of services including hair removal, body wraps and scrubs, and massages. "The Monarch" package includes a Swedish massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure for only $200. Your man will assuredly appreciate this gift.

Spacio | 2706 N Halsted St | 773.244.6500 | www.spaciospa.com
This Lakeview day spa, one of the first on the north side to cater to men as well as women,
complements traditional spa services (massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures) with medically based treatments, including microdermabrasion and cosmetic injectables. Spacio also has a unique relationship with Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Associates, allowing it to transcend the usual spa experience. At Spacio you can get rid of the knots in your muscles as well as the lines in your face.