Mackerel Sky
For more modern gifts ranging from clothes to glass hearts; look to Mackerel Sky (211 M.A.C. Ave.) in East Lansing. It bills itself as "a gallery of contemporary craft" and you'll likely find something to fit any taste.
What to look for: "We do a lot of jewelry for Valentine's Day and a lot of ceramics. We have some personal items too, like scarves and garments. I think our No. 1 would be jewelry. We sell all kinds of jewelry at Valentine's Day and we have a wide variety of styles, prices and items." —Tom Dufelmeier, owner.
October Moon
To find a great mixture of scents and accessories for a special someone (or yourself) take time to browse around October Moon (119 East Grand River Ave.) in Old Town, Lansing. Put simply, you'll find something worth buying.
What to look for: "The neck pillows and the wraps are great paired with a lotion or perfume and you can put them in the microwave or freezer when it gets warmer out. I think for Valentine's Day they should get something they can pamper themselves with, so maybe a nice robe with a candle or bubble bath." —Andrea Tuck, Sales Associate.
Fabiano's Candies
Bottom line: Valentine's Day means candy. For a great selection of chocolate and other sugary fare, head to the family owned Fabiano's Candies (1427 E. Michigan Ave).
What to look for: We do have a selection of different size heart boxes from around $3.50 all the way up to $195 - which is seven pounds of candy. The majority of the people know who they're giving it to, so they'll pick out their own special pieces of candy to put in the heart, although you're more than welcome to come in and have one of the boxes we've already made up. It's however you want to do it ... it's whatever you want." —Steve Blair, owner.
La Bodega
For those looking to give a gift that stands out for being unique, fashionable and socioeconomically conscious, stop in to one of East Lansing's best kept secrets: La Bodega (619 East Grand River).
What to look for: "We sell really exotic beaded jewelry and everything is one of a kind. Usually we don't have doubles of anything so any necklace you pick up is going to be handmade. It's unique and it's fair trade so you're supporting a good cause." —Kayla Holcomb, manager
Hyacinth House
One can't go wrong on Valentine's Day with flowers. Try Hyacinth House (1800 S. Pennsylvania) in Lansing. It has a great selection as well as fantastic arrangements. Keep in mind, it not only is what you get, but how it's presented.
What to look for: Try the "Heart and Soul." This arrangement features "a heart made entirely of red carnations nestled in a cloud of baby's breath and ferns and presented in a tall red vase adorned with a pretty ribbon."
Michigania
For those feeling the Michigan spirit, there are few places more Michigan focused than the appropriately named Michigania (112 Washington Square) in Lansing. It offers a wide variety of Michigan produced — and themed — goods.
What to look for: There are few things that say Valentine's Day better than chocolate covered cherries. Or, if you're looking for something to keep the cold away, try any number of the cocoas and teas. Lastly, one can't go wrong with a gift basket.
