Stumped for Valentine Ideas? Meet Cupid's Little Helpers

Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions in which, no matter how much your loved one insists what you do (or don’t do) doesn’t matter, it really does.

But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton of money. In today’s economy, who can? But you can be thoughtful, such as making a Valentine’s card or writing a poem, or even serving breakfast in bed to your better half.

You also could be a bit creative. Sure, flowers and candy are nice, but is your spouse really going to remember that box of truffles forever, or even brag to your friends about how imaginative you were on that special day?

Time is running out, so here are six ideas, both traditional and innovative, thanks to the many small businesses and retail franchises in Fountain Valley.

1. Soothe those aching muscles with a relaxing massage. 

is offering a Valentine's special called “Cupid’s Arrow.” For $99, your partner will receive a 55-minute massage and a dozen roses. Or for $79, you can get the “Valentine's Massage,” a 55-minute massage with hot stone therapy. Thinking of making it a twosome? Elements also offers the “Expect Romance,” a 55-minute massage for couples for $150. Elements is located at 18303 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. Phone (715) 965-2700. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

2. Put a smile on your lover’s face with a custom cupcake.

Pinky’s Cupcakery has a variety of tasty cupcakes to choose from (my favorite is the whoppie pie with red velvet), but for Valentine's Day owner Vanessa Parker is offering Cake Pop Bouquets arranged in a decorative basket for $10 per dozen, along with whoppie pies shaped in hearts and many different Valentine flavored and themed cupcakes. The best buy is 2 for $5. Pinky’s is located at 17908 1/2 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley. Phone: (714) 965-3030. Hours 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

3. For fruit and chocolate lovers, try some chocolate-covered strawberries.

has always been big on Valentine’s Day and this year is no exception. The supermarket has cake pops for $1.99, assorted dipped white and chocolate strawberries ranging from $1.99-$12.99, candy bouquets for $19.99 and a heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie that can be personalized for $5.99. And for the meat lover in your life, they have heart-shaped rib eye steaks for $6.99 a pound. Albertsons has two locations in Fountain Valley: 18579 Brookhurst Street, (714) 963-7503, and 16601 Brookhurst St., (714) 531-0417. Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

4. Good deals can be found locally for gifts and flowers.

Lavender Memory Flowers & Gifts is offering Fountain Valley residents $10 off a dozen roses, bringing the cost to only $59.95. Lavender’s only offers Ecuadorian flowers, which owner Rhonda Settgast says will last much longer than Columbian roses. She also promises to add personalize “glam” to a variety of different vases that will make your Valentine's Day arrangement special. Lavender Memory is located at 18945 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley. Phone: (714) 964-8833, (800) 409-8977. Hours: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Feb. 13-13).

5. For the traditionalist, there are deals available for a dinner and movie.

is offering a three-course meal for couples that includes an appetizer, two entrees and a dessert to share for $26.99. Entrees include “Soul” Florentine, Chopped Steak Bordelaise and Chicken Madeira. Samples of three different kinds of red, white or sparking white flight wine are only $8. Afterwards, you can head a couple miles north on Brookhurst to Blockbuster Video to buy a romantic comedy. This store is closing February 19 so most movies now only cost $3.99. Mimi’s is located at 18461 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. Phone: (714) 964-2533. Hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Blockbuster is located at 16129 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. Phone: (714) 839-1805. Hours: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

6. For those who want to make a lasting impression, try getting a tattoo.

Atomic Age Tattoo is offering a fantastic deal on hearts or something closely related to Valentine's Day. Most tattoo businesses charge $100 an hour and a $60 minimum, but on February 13-14 Atomic is offering tattoo hearts for only $35. And of course, nothing says love like a heart tattooed on your (fill in the blank). Atomic Age is located at 16475 Harbor Blvd., Ste. B, Fountain Valley. Phone: (714) 839-0400. Hours 12 p.m.–10 p.m.