Valentine's Day gifts for the special person in your life

February 14 is right around the corner and now is the time to start thinking about what you will give your special someone. A holiday devoted to love and affection is a big day for all retailers, and many advertising campaigns focus on gifts that show people they are loved and appreciated.

Chocolates became trendy in the mid-19th century when the first chocolate bar was made by British company J.S. Fry & Sons by combining cacao powder with sugar and cacao butter to make a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Within a few years a competitor, Cadbury, introduced the first box of chocolates and is widely known as a symbol of Valentine's Day still today. It was called the "Fancy Box" and it didn't take long to become popular. Eventually, Cadbury saw the benefit of putting images of cupids and roses on the boxes. Cadbury even designed chocolate boxes in the shape of hearts that could be saved as mementos. Having already introduced a chocolate box, Richard Cadbury marketed the first Valentine's Day box in 1861. These chocolates soon became intertwined with Valentine's Day celebrations. Today, more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes holding 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold each year.

Did you know that Hershey began as a caramel maker? Then, in 1894 they experimented with covering the caramels in chocolate. Hershey would go on to develop one of the most successful brands of chocolate in the United States, which included the famous Hershey bar. In 1907, Hershey started production of tear-drop shaped "kisses." (The chocolates were given their unusual name because of the "smooching" noise made by the chocolate when being manufactured). Kisses candy treats soon became popular and made for affordable chocolate gifts on Valentine's Day.

I asked a few local bakers and candy makers what has been popular this year. I asked Rica Lindsey, who is a hairstylist by day and baker at night, what people are asking for the most these days. She said, "This year it is cocoa bombs. I do not know why they got so popular, but at Christmas they were all the rage and they have run into Valentine's Day. I have had requests for little heart shaped cakes with the XOXO and BFF and I love you, but the cocoa bombs are big for 2021." She was actually making them at the time I talked to her, with 200 to make before February 14. Rica sells out quickly, so you would need to contact her in advance to preorder for the holidays.

Caryn Lyles said she is doing a Valentine's box with cheesecake brownies, vanilla marshmallows, salted caramel turtles and champagne chocolate truffles. She currently utilizes Soirees kitchen. You can reach her on Facebook at Baked by Caryn Lyles.

Home baker, Katie Kelly, was asked what the number one thing she makes for Valentine's Day was. She said, "I make chocolate covered strawberries every year. They are my number one seller every year for Valentine's Day. So much that I usually don't offer anything else. This year hot chocolate bombs are also a very popular item. A lot of bakers also make personalized Valentine's Day cookies and/or DIY cookie kits. There is also a breakable heart that comes with a little wooden hammer. It is a large hollow chocolate heart filled with candy. You use the little hammer to break it open. Another is candy bar bouquets. They are made just like a bouquet of flowers, but you use candy bars instead of flowers." You can find her on Facebook at Kate's Kustom Kakes and Kreations.

Valentine's Day is not just about chocolate any more. It can be anything from candy baskets, to clothes to custom car air fresheners. What's important is that you get anything that associates the day with love.

For example, Rose Garden Florist, with locations in Paducah and Wickliffe, have treat baskets for anyone you have in mind. Not only can they make flower bouquets, but they can make all sort of baskets that will be perfect for a Valentine's Day gift. More and more companies are getting creative for holidays with candy baskets, not just bouquet of flowers. B&T Florist in LaCenter has lots of great gifts for anyone from flowers to home decorations. If you are looking for men's gifts, they have ornamental trucks, boxes of candy, tumblers and so much more. Of course, these florists also have beautiful flower arrangements available if you are looking for a traditional gift.

I have found a really neat idea that would be perfect for men, women and kids at From Me to You in LaCenter. It is custom car air fresheners. It is a great way to remember a moment in time. You can put any photo on it, so anytime the person gets into their vehicle, they will see it. I bought my daughter one with her dogs' picture on it and she loves it. Just because it is a clothing boutique doesn't mean they don't have one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone. They have super unique Valentine's Day gifts as well as clothing, happy wax, jewelry and so much more.

The Giving Tree in LaCenter has a new array of clothes. They remodel each year, just to refresh and renew the store. Owner, Christy Webster said, "It's important to be able to step back and see where you can make changes to better the customer experience or "flow" of the boutique." They have women's clothing ranging in sizes S- 3X, accessories, gifts and gift certificates, which would be great Valentine's Day gifts.

The Dazzling Dalmatian, located in Ledbetter, can make custom tumblers and t-shirts. Owner Chelsea Cunningham said she enjoys making tumblers to see the look on her customers faces when they just fall in love with their new purchase.

Of course, the best ways to show your appreciation for your loved ones can't be bought. It's not the items we give, but the love we show. Nothing can top gratitude, patience, support and love. When it comes to the tangible though, (and we all like tangible) a great gift of candy, flowers, clothes, cakes or cocoa bombs just make it a special day for a special person in your life.