BY JILL WHALEN
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and area businesses have gift ideas for your loved ones.
There are traditional offerings such as flowers, jewelry and special dinners, and nontraditional ones like gift certificates for a massage.
At Fellin’s Jewelers in Hazleton, owner Andrea Kosko displayed some of the store’s sparklers.
“We have a very special combination gift,” she said. “It is an infinity heart necklace that comes with an everlasting rose. They are real roses that are preserved through a series of various interesting steps over time.”
Kosko said the roses come in all colors, and are lacquered and trimmed in gold.
“We also have really, really cute diamond earrings that contain a series of small diamonds. The diamonds are arranged in the shape of a flower,” she said.
The downtown jewelry store had been selling its unique fragrance, Heliotrope, for more than 50 years. It’s a best seller.
“This year we have something new — Heliotrope body balm,” she said. “Everybody is washing their hands a million times a day (because of COVID-19), and this lotion is very silky and luxurious.”
Jennifer Barnesevitch and her crew at Smith Floral in West Hazleton are getting ready for one of their busiest days.
“This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday so that kind of changes things for us,” she said.
But the shop will be open for last-minute shoppers, and employees will be delivering flowers.
“Roses are probably our biggest seller but we certainly do carry a variety of all kinds of flowers,” Barnesevitch said.
Red roses signify love or romance, while yellow means friendship and white mean innocence.
“I encourage people to get whatever they like. If you like roses or you like a certain color, that is what is important,” she said. “We do mixed designs. Some people like sunflowers or tulips, and hydrangea are popular.”
The Degenhart Chiropractic Health Center offers gift certificates for massages.
“There is something very soothing and magical when our licensed massage therapist place their hands on someone,” said Dr. John Degenhart. “Maybe they’re tight from a accident, shoveling snow, or tension from COVID-19 fears. It is a perfect way to say ‘you are special.’ ”
Degenhart said there are different types of massages, which range from relaxing full-body massages to specialized sessions.
“Many people have found that once they received a massage they continue to come back on a regular basis as an investment in their health,” Degenhart said.
Four Blooms restaurant in Drums will offer a special menu from 4 to 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Among the featured specials are triple lobster tails, filet mignon and salmon Wellington.
The restaurant will add special appetizers, soups and desserts to its menu, too. Select dishes from the menu will be available Friday and Saturday evening.
Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3592
