FOR HER

Women can never have too much jewelry, so consider this 14k white-gold custom ring with two-carat heart-shaped pink sapphire and diamonds for the special woman in your life. $3,000 at Treasures Custom Jewelers. (623) 486-7875 or treasuresforyou.com

It’s true that (most) women love chocolate, but not just the chocolate that comes in a box. Or in ice cream cartons, in fancy-restaurant desserts, and coating fresh strawberries. Chocolate facials are one of the many other delightful forms of chocolate, and Par Exsalonce is offering one such tempting treatment for Valentine’s Day. The antioxidant-rich chocolate smoothes and refines skin and is a wonderful stress reliever. At a special price of $120, but must be ordered by February 13. parexsalonceaz.com

FOR HIM

Treat your guy to some high-quality pampering at one of V’s Barbershop’s seven Valley locations. Yes, you could get him that much-needed haircut or a straightedge shave, but V’s also carries some top men’s grooming products, framed sports-themed artwork, and more. vbarbershop.com

Keep him on time with a Luminox EVO Navy SEALs Dive Watch from Cabela’s. It’s a handsome timepiece with highly scratch-resistant sapphire glass crystal—perfect for when he’s out working, playing, or hunting—and a stainless steel case that protects it from moisture to a depth of 660 feet—most desirable for when he takes you on that trip to the Caribbean….$549.99 or $649.99 (steel bracelet) at cabelas.com

FOR BOTH

For more personalized, individual gifts or those that are rare or hard to find, consider antiquing! The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall boasts over 600 antique dealers and features aisles filled with collectibles of every sort, from Depression glass to military items to Star Wars memorabilia. It’s the perfect place to shop for either men or women. (602) 942-0030 or brassarmadillo.com/phoenix

Exotic trips are a special way to celebrate love, and India is rich with romantic getaway spots, gorgeous architecture, festive traditions, vibrant dress, intimate dining, and sensual spices. It has more than the enchanting Taj Mahal to entice couples looking for a new and exciting experience. tourindia.com or india-unveiled.com

Perhaps you and your special someone would rather not stress over dinner reservations and would prefer a romantic evening in instead. Hire a personal chef for your Valentine’s Day meal! Private cooking lessons are also available and are an interactive culinary treat you might consider. chefdujour.com, seasoningsbyrex.com, azcustomcuisine.com, hireachef.com

FOR SINGLES

The single life is an exciting one! No pity gifts necessary. But if you wish to treat your single friend to something nice for Valentine’s Day, a gift certificate to his or her favorite store is a great option. It’s something they can take advantage of alone or with friends, and it gives them money they must spend on something fun, something they like, and something that makes them feel great about themselves!

Forget your own single status and pay a visit to those who are aware of their single status daily. Nursing homes and similar facilities are good places to consider, but you may know of someone in your community or your neighborhood who has lost his or her life partner and could use a little company on this particular day. Go together to a place or an event that was special to your friend and his or her partner, or create brand new adventures for yourselves. Everyone should feel important on Valentine’s Day, and making someone else have a good feeling is one of the greatest gifts you could give.

This top-grain leather armchair with table rock copper chenille fabric goes for $1,999 at Valerie’s Furniture and Accents. The suede pillow with silver-button conchos and leather detailing is a nice touch at $189. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

You spend one-third of your life sleeping, so it makes sense to sleep on a mattress that is not only supportive but also organic! Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI) mattresses are made with cruelty-free Eco-Wool, certified organic cotton, and 100-percent-natural rubber latex—all renewable, biodegradable sources that are grown, processed, and manufactured without toxic chemicals. Both natural rubber and innerspring options are available in a variety of firmness options. organicpedicbyomi.com

We’re transitioning out of winter, but we use hot water year-round, and Eternal Hybrid is an effective water-heating system that delivers hot water faster for multiple applications at once than do tankless units. It’s small, self-cleaning, and maintenance-free. eternalwaterheater.com

It’s about time you found a way that expresses you and reflects the style of your home when display your growing wine collection. EuroDream Kitchens and Design Gallery in Scottsdale will help you build your vision—take what’s in your mind’s eye and fit it in the space you have available in your home. (480) 998-0244 or eurodreamkitchens.com

If you like to cook, you may want to consider a Gaggenau appliance. Gaggenau innovators have secured three hundred patents and produce restaurant-grade appliances designed for your home. Some of their innovations have included the first-ever built-in oven, the first glass ceramic cooktop, and the first pyrolytic self-cleaning system. gaggenau.com/US_en/home.do

Hardwood floors can be your home’s best feature, and Old World Floors installs high-quality hardwood, bamboo, cork, engineered wood, and laminate flooring products as well as accent stone veneers. Wood floors add value to your home, are easy to maintain, and provide a rich ambience that makes living in your home pleasant day in and day out. (480) 233-HARD or oldworldfloors.net

Summer is not too far off, and even with this cooler winter weather, the 100-plus-degree weather is not so distant a memory. One of the best ways to enjoy the Arizona is in the water—it’s about time you got your own custom-built swimming pool! Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas can build your pool to fit the size, shape, and style of your yard, and include decorative stonework, waterfalls, and streams to your taste and whim. (623) 587-8500 or tribalwaters.us

A 2010 trend in kitchen style is traditional (with contemporary a close second), and inset-door–style cabinets reflect that trend well. 101 Cabinets & Interiors supply and install these versatile, timeless cabinets, making your kitchen a sleek and inviting room you’ll enjoy spending time in. (602) 971-1715 or 101cabinets.com

By Cassaundra Brooks

For the exotic, beautiful, useful, and easy- (and cheap)-to-mail, check out Ten Thousand Villages. Consider this multistrand glass pendant necklace handcrafted by artisans in India, for $20; or this floral cutout lamp straight from Bangladesh, for $28; or for the uniquely unique, this dried-flower mistletoe ball beautifully crafted by hand in Lima, Peru, for $24. tenthousandvillages.com

Luxury Japanese-made PRPS denim makes a temporary stop in the Valley with the opening of Hub Holiday, a “pop-up” storefront joining sister shop Hub Clothing inside Scottsdale Fashion Square. Special one-time pricing means that you just might find a $500 pair of hand-woven, distressed, individually adorned jeans for an unheard-of $99. Open through the end of 2009. (480) 970-0707 or hubclothing.com

These Arizona-raised gourds, which range in size from nine to eighteen inches, were hand-painted by a local artist. The Hohokam-painted Batea measures twenty inches and is indicative of the fine local creations available at Valerie’s Furniture. They’re great for out-of-state family and friends desiring a taste of Arizona! $59–$129 and $79–$99, respectively. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

This one-of-a-kind ladies 18k white-gold ring with a rare 4.87ct purple sapphire accented with 1ct white diamonds and rare purple diamonds has special holiday pricing: $12,000 down to $8,000. At Treasures Custom Jewelers. (623) 486-7875 or treasuresforyou.com

The stress of the current economy paired with the stress of the holiday season means that your giftees will appreciate some pampering more than ever. It’s the perfect treat for anyone in your life who could use some relaxing treatments and special attention. Treat those on your list to a spa package from Par Exsalonce or give them a gift certificate so they can choose from an assortment of spa treatments and hair and nail services. (480) 860-0717 or parexsalonceaz.com

Give the children in your life a gift that will last them a lifetime. Kidpreneurs is a fun and interactive book that breaks down the concept of entrepreneurship for kids and helps them to turn their ideas and passions into money-making ventures! $12.95 at kidpreneurs.org

The gift of grooming comes with a gift certificate to V’s Barbershop, voted Best of the Valley by Phoenix Magazine seven times! And with seven Valley locations, your family and friends across the Valley can enjoy classic, old-fashioned barbering services like straightedge shaves, facials, and haircuts. It’s a guy thing! vbarbershop.com

Add some green to your holidays with a gift for the environmentally conscious on your gift-giving list. The Sierra Club recently launched a program in which people can sponsor a national park. Pick one in honor of your friend or family member, and he or she will be sent a certificate of protection and cute stuffed animal that represents the chosen park. Choose from Giant Sequoia, the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Acadia national parks. Sponsorships are available at different levels. sierraclub.org/wildplaces

Introduce your child to computers the safe way with a PeeWee PC. Not only are they fun and physically resilient, they come with built-in security features, time limits, Internet filters, and age-appropriate software packages. peeweepc.com

Dolce & Gabbana’s newest fragrance for gentleman, The One, is described with such adjectives as sensual and sophisticated. It is a spicy oriental fragrance with bright top notes of grapefruit and basil and morphs into ginger and orange blossom, leaving behind the scent of cedarwood and tobacco. dolcegabbana.com

Photos by Mark Susan
Saba’s Western Wear 
(480) 595-0959
sabaswesternwear.com

These Lucchese 1883s are made in the US of A and come complete with vintage distressed leather soles and sanded wingtips. $395

This Cripple Creek black-leather jacket sports studs on both sides and a leather cross on the back. $350

Try these on for size: black and white scalloped Hairon Belt for $95 or Spur Raul belt with studs and bling for $99.

Valerie’s Furniture & Accents
(480) 483-3327
valeriesfurniture.com‎

This Mad Cow leather settee with acid-washed cowhide has natural nail-head trim and a vintage leather seat. $6,499
Hairon hide cowboy-cutout pillow with silver conchos and leather fringe, made by a local artist. $259

This red rustic copper cabinet by a local artist is solid alder with copper doors, copper nail head, and carved-rope trim. $929

Feeling patriotic? This leather executive office chair swivels and tilts, boldly displaying stars and stripes and accented with dollar coin and nail head trim, complete with rolling wheels. As you may have guessed—made in the USA! $5,089

By Alana Stroud
Samsung Reclaim from Sprint

Made up of 80 percent recyclable materials and sporting a fabulously green appearance, this cell phone does everything you need it to, from texting to getting directions. The Reclaim has a sliding keyboard and one-touch access to ecofriendly applications, as well as a 2.0 megapixel camera. (623) 587-9350 or eprowireless.com

Reusable Water Bottles

It’s no secret that bottled water uses a lot of plastic and fills up landfills quickly. Americans would do better to purchase their own refillable, reusable water bottles and fill them with filtered tap water. Not only will this save you money, but it will also help save the Earth! (888) 507-SIGG or mysigg.com

Green Sunscreen

Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals and scents that wash off and contaminate the pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans that we swim in. You may not think it’s that harmful, but recent studies have shown that it is. Sunscreens with natural ingredients are free of chemicals, environmentally friendly, and safe for all ages. Prices vary depending on bottle size. (866) 535-1610 or greenboatstuff.com

Biodegradable Plant Pots

Gardening has never been easier, or more ecofriendly! Is your plant starting to outgrow its pot? Simply plant the whole thing in the ground and let it go. Biodegradable pots are decorative, easy to move around, come in sizes up to 24 inches wide, and weigh as little as five pounds! Prices vary by size. (888) 281-9337 or greenhousemegastore.com

Oxygenics Showerheads

Go green in the shower and save up to 30 percent of water and energy without losing the water pressure by using an Oxygenics showerhead. With four different spray types that change with the touch of a button, the Oxygenics showerhead is also handheld for maximum water coverage. (800) 344-3242 or oxygenics.com

Henckel Knives

Quality kitchen gadgets are necessary for creating gourmet meals. This ten-piece block set of steel ergonomic knives includes all you need to chop, carve, and slice your way to culinary perfection. $945 at jahenckels.com

Charlotte Thomas Bedding

We (supposedly) spend a third of our lives sleeping, so why not sleep in style on the best bedding? Charlotte Thomas’s Bespoke collection is interwoven with 22-karat gold thread and backed with Indian silk. A pillowcase goes for $2,350, while a king-size duvet cover costs $12,760. charlottethomas.co.uk

27,000 Square-Foot Estate

A single-family home this size offers plenty of space for privacy! Enjoy seven bedrooms, nine and a half baths, pool and Jacuzzi, indoor tennis court, and two detached guest homes on a ten-plus acre lot in Scottsdale, all for the fair price of $15,900,000. frankaazami.com

Microsoft Surface

Love your iPhone and wish you had something larger that could do the same stuff? Enter Microsoft Surface, a digitally interactive touch-table with a 30-inch display that can connect with other networks, printers, and more all by the stroke of a finger. Currently only available for commercial purchase. Begins at $12,500. microsoft.com/SURFACE

Ravenscroft Pianos

If you’re serious about your music, you’ll want a Ravenscroft. Pianos like Model 275, base price $280,000, are all handcrafted and can even be customized to your specific sound and cabinet style. All materials are imported from around the world and assembled in their state-of-the-art Scottsdale facility. spreemanpianoinnovations.com

Private Jet

Tired of bustling airports and conforming to a preset schedule? Bombardier SkyJet will set you free with the use of their SkyJet membership, which allows you to charter a private plane at your leisure. You need give only twelve hours notice and a $100,000 deposit using your SkyJet card. skyjet.com

Fancy Frames

These gold and wood frames are layered in white gold, boast six diamonds on each end piece and another eleven diamonds on the bridge, and have temples made from buffalo horn. $1,700 at Optical Gallery Arizona. (623) 362-8642 or opticalgalleryaz.com

Custom Pool

This peaceful paradise by Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas offers a resort-style atmosphere with the privacy of home. A raised spa with an overflowing water feature pours into the pool, a lovely grotto feature adds tranquility to the whole backyard escape, and the large barbecue/kitchen area for cooking is topped with a Ramada/Cabana providing much-needed shade from the heat. $160,000. (623) 587-8500 or tribalwaters.us

Jewelry for the home Cabinet hardware provides the finishing touch and can add the same spark of color and style that your fashion accessories do. Pictured are from the Bella Forma collection (forged solid brass) in the polished-nickel finish with black scrolls. Cup pulls are $23.95 each, and the knobs are $17.95 each. Available through 101 Cabinets & Interiors. (602) 971-1715 or 101cabinets.com

Barbecue This twelve-by-eight-inch barbecue with a floating table from R&R Evergreen is covered with stacked stone, with travertine tile. It will run on special for $7,999 for a limited time. (602) 505-0263 or rreverclear.com

Lighting at its finest The Lilium Lamp with hand-painted leather shade in colors of bronze, greens, and gold makes a great addition to your living quarters. New selections also available. (480) 656-0635 or casapaloma.net

Get some shade The Arizona sun can be brutal, and shade is a favorite place for Arizonans. AZ Shade specializes in the highest-quality custom-designed shade structures, all made with durable cloth fabrics. These custom shades can be professionally installed for both residential and commercial uses and are available in a range of attractive colors. Prices vary. (623) 670-3292 or azshade.com

Glass for the shower Custom-made frameless glass shower doors in shapes and sizes that accommodate your unique bathroom design give your bathroom a look like no other. Midwest Glass is a great place for these original bathroom additions and carries most finishes that match your fixtures as well. Prices vary. (480) 990-1360 or midwestglassaz.com

By Cassaundra Brooks

Sports

As this issue prints, our very own Arizona Cardinals battle the Pittsburgh Steelers for the coveted Super Bowl rings and all the glory the bowl bestows. They’ve made history this season, and what better time than now to set your Cardinal-crazed stud or sweetie up for next season? Call (602) 379-0102 or visit azcardinals.com to purchase season tickets or see about special ticket packages.

Pets

Why not add to the family this Valentine’s Day? The Valley is filled with canine companions and feline friends in need of families, and adopting a pet can be a joint venture for couples. Make sure the rest of the household is onboard with a new pet, and then go as a couple or family to visit local shelters and societies from which to choose your new friend. Check out our featured animals on page 90 or contact the Arizona Animal Welfare League at (602) 273-6852 or aawl.org and look into bringing home a fuzzy friend for Valentine’s Day.

Trips

People are staying a little closer to home and budgeting more, and that means some great deals are beginning to pop up to encourage travel. Romantic cruises are reasonably priced right now, whether you fancy a short three-day or weeklong cruise out of LA or a longer cruise to popular places like the Caribbean. The cost of nonstop flights to Hawaii has dropped as well. Of course, romantic excursions out of the country to warm tropical islands, snow-covered European cities, and summery Australia and similar hot spots are always a lovely choice. Contact Elan Travel at (623) 561-1111 or elantravel.com to explore your options.

Art

Artwork is a nice addition to any home, and with the selection of quaint galleries and art festivals in the Valley and surrounding areas, picking up a beautiful painting or intricate sculpture for your significant other is easy. This romantic gesture affords opportunity to showcase how well you know your girl—or guy—and to give her—or him—a well-thought-out, personalized gift.

Jewelry

Jewelry is not always a fail-safe option for the special woman in your life—make certain you have an idea of what she typically likes—but jewelry is timeless, and almost every woman likes shiny, glittery body ornaments! Hearts are a classic symbol of love and a good reminder of a special Valentine’s Day. Consider these or other heart-shaped pieces from Cornelis Hollander: 18K white-gold ring with 1.76-carat pink sapphire and diamonds for $14,735, silver bracelet with ruby charm for $390, or stingray bangle with sterling silver and black diamonds for $670. (480) 423-5000 or cornelishollander.com

Beer

Perhaps your favorite guy is a beer connoisseur. Members of the Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club receive lightly distributed, hard-to-find microbrewed beer each month, and have the option of ordering their favorites at discounted prices. Four types of membership are available; members also receive the Brew Harvest Review newsletter with information about breweries and featured beers. beermonthclub.com

By Cassaundra Brooks
Photography by Mark Susan

Mesa’s Enmar Hardwood Flooring offers a design must-have for every Arizona home: reclaimed floors. The company culls the aged timbers from buildings left behind by the country’s pioneers. Prices vary. (480) 497-1633 or enmarflooring.com

Go for some rustic “green” with this “Dixie” demi wall table, made from reclaimed teak from northern Thailand, with a top formed from a solid wheel and legs made from an old wagon wheel hub. $369 at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

This Bradington & Young chair is named “The Cameron,” and would be a comfortable, stylish addition to any Western home. The pillow, decorated with bone, beads, and fringe, is the perfect accent. $2,519 and $259, respectively, at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Cows beware: This tri-color Buckley sofa sports classic cowhide, along with a barn-wood finish, nailhead trim, and top-grain leather. Pillows are included in its $4,199 price tag. The horn-legged cowhide stool is sold separately for a bargain-price of $199. At Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Store your wine in this classy Western wine bar with cowhide accents, a solid walnut slab top, and hickory legs. $2,759 at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Fittingly named “The Barb,” this lamp of hand-forged iron was created by a Tucson artist and is accompanied by a metal shade with mica reproduction inserts and a turquoise finial. $399 and $299, respectively, at Valerie’s Furniture & Accents. (480) 483-3327 or valeriesfurniture.com

Slip into some lizard with these unique Dan Post “Gunshot” boots, made from lizard skin and denim. $295 at Saba’s. (480) 595-0959 or sabas.com

Whether riding, walking, or dancing, these Ariat “Gem Baby” boots, sporting beautiful brown and blue leather, complete your ensemble nicely. $119 at Saba’s. (480) 595-0959 or sabas.com

Fringe fanatics can show off in this Cripple Creek leather jacket with metal buttons and beautiful embroidery. $220 at Saba’s. (480) 595-0959 or sabas.com

By Alana Stroud

In-Home Infrared Sauna

Enjoy the convenience of your own personal heated haven, with technology that helps to relieve pain, remove toxins in the body, and reduce cellulite. Takes roughly 30 minutes to assemble and installs permanently. Never share a sauna at the gym again! $2,199 and up. (480) 767-6800 or ActiveForever.com

Hermes Kelly Watch

The Hermes Kelly, a delicate gold-plated padlock watch that swings from a calfskin strap, combines functionality and style with unique design. Several colors to choose from. $1,625. (800) 441-4488, option 1, or hermes.com

I-I Mod .050 Sunglasses

Made of one hundred percent carbon fiber, these handmade sunglasses have an assertive look, yet are shapely and have a unisex design that appeals to both men and women. Several colors to choose from. $1,325. italiaindependent.com

SmartHome Automation System

Want a house that will arm the security system, lock your doors, and adjust the A/C for the night, all by itself? Then a SmartHome Automation system is for you! Living in comfort and safety will never be easier. May cost upward of $80,000. (602) 904-2400 or hitekguru.org

Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 253 mph. The Veyron features a W16 engine—sixteen cylinders in four banks of four cylinders! $1,700,000. bugatti.com

Box of Chocolates

Le Chocolat features a selection of gourmet chocolates as well as an arrangement of magnificent jewelry, including a priceless collection of natural yellow and blue diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires from the personal vaults of Simon’s of Simons Jewelers. $1,500,000. (800) 767-3371 or simonsjewelers.com 

Tequila

Platinum and White Gold tequila bottle with liquor made out of 100 percent blue agave liquid and aged for six years. The Platinum bottle rings up at $225,000, while the company also sells the Gold and Platinum bottle for $150,000 and the Silver and Gold bottle for $25,000. most-expensive-cognac.com

Tea Bag by Boodles

Boodles jewelers made a diamond teabag to celebrate the 75th birthday of British tea company PG Tips. The teabag was handcrafted using 280 diamonds and is valued at around $14,000. +44 (0)20 7437 5050 or boodles.co.uk/index.html

Echelon Synthetic Lawns and Putting Greens

Premium synthetic lawns and putting greens for the homeowner who is looking for a lush green lawn year-round or to improve his or her game without the hassle of mowing or a costly water bill. A complete warranty package available. Lawns start at $8 per square foot installed and putting greens at $11 per square foot installed. (602) 615-0328 or echelongreens.com

CC Glass Design by Cline’s Natural Stone

Hand-cut, one of a kind, and made to order according to client’s specifications, these decorative tile inserts are must-haves. Due to custom nature, there are no standard shapes or colors available. Tiles generally measure from two by two inches to six by six inches. $15.00–$200.00 per tile. (623) 516-1516 or clinesnaturalstone.com

100 Percent Electric Torque

Changing the face of the electric car forever, the 2008 Tesla Roadster is an incredible breakthrough with its provocative styling and a 0–60 of 3.9 seconds! One hundred percent electric, the Roadster will go 220 thrilling miles on one charge. Reserve yours today! $109,000. (310) 473-8337 or teslamotors.com