Valentine's Gifts: New Approaches

Laurie Hibberd With A Fresh Spin On Traditional Gifts

(CBS)  The National Retail Federation's 2005 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey found that the average consumer will spend $97.27 on Valentine's Day. In all, 2005 Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $13.19 billion.

Greeting cards are the most popular Valentine's Day item, with two-thirds of consumers planning to buy at least one card for the holiday. That was followed by nearly half of all consumers intending to give candy or treat themselves to an evening out.

More than half of men -- 57.8 percent – say they'll buy flowers and almost one-in-five plans to purchase jewelry for Valentine's Day.

But if you're still wondering what to get your special someone, The Early Show contributor Laurie Hibberd has a fresh spin on some traditional gifts, in Tuesday's "Trend Report."

The descriptions are provided by the retailer or manufacturer.

FLOWERS

"I LOVE YOU" ROSE PLANTS: Perhaps this first gift is best for the strong silent types. Tthese "I Love You" roses are the perfect romantic way to tell your Valentine how you truly feel. There are three 4 3/4" square ceramic pots that spell out "I Love You" when joined together. Each pot has mini red roses-planted inside -- the traditional flower of love. The pots are chocolate colored on the outside, pink on the inside. Exclusively from redenvelope.com; $65.00.

CHOCOLATES & CANDY

CHOCOLATE BODY PRODUCTS

PHILISOPHY CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM 3-in-1: Sinfully rich, this emollient shampoo, conditioner, and body wash is "choc" full of skin and hair loving vitamins laced with a yummy, creamy chocolate scent. Available at sephora.com; $16
CHOCOLATE & VANILLA MILK COW SOAPS: Luxurious "couture" soaps from Gianna Rose Atelier come in whimsical cow shapes that not only look scrumptious, but make you feel like you are pampering your insides as well as your outside. Available in chocolate and vanilla at GiannaRose.com; $22.25
ORIGINS COCOA THERAPY SET: The Origins line includes products such as Cocoa Therapy Total Body Treat -- a seductively smooth salve with body-benefiting ingredients that instantly transforms into chocolate silk with just a sweep of your fingertips, $28.50. Cocoa Therapy Body Butter deeply nourishes with pure cocoa and helps fortify the skin's youthful appearance with vitamins and minerals, $27.50. Available at Origins retail stores or online at origins.com.

CHOCOLATE FLAVORED CIGARS: These are perfect for cigar lovers with a sweet tooth. Crafted in the Dominican Republic, they're hand-rolled with aged, premium long-filler and infused with a light hint of flavor. The cigars are smooth, mild and long lasting-perfect when one indulgence just isn't enough. Each box contains 10 cigars; choose chocolate or vanilla. From redenvelope.com; Regular $45, Sale $16.99

PERFUMES

PRADA FRAGRANCE: Prada is well known for its impeccable and trend setting styles. Its signature fragrance is no exception. Made from sandalwood oil, patchouli, labdanum resin and benzoin, which exudes a vanilla-like aroma, Prada fragrance is a unique and timeless scent embodying classic femininity with a modern sensibility. Available at Sephora stores or at sephora.com ; 2.7 oz Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray $95.

LOVE'S BABY SOFT: You may remember this from growing up as your first perfume. Well, Love's Baby Soft is back again, in a big way. This classic sweet scent is a fun retro way to express your love this Valentines Day. It's fun, flirty and romantic. Available at drugstores and mass merchants nationwide. Love's Baby Soft 1.75 oz. Cologne Spray; $15.

FOM SWEETIE HEART PILLOW: This heart-shaped pillow is perfect for everyone, especially your kids. With its shimmery material, thousands of cushiony micro-beads in a stretchy nylon shell, it's a completely irresistible sensation that's lovable and fun. Available in red, deep purple and hot pink. brookstone.com ; $25.00

LINGERIE

SILK & LACE CAMISOLES: Lingerie-like camisoles that look too good to stay in the bedroom. Pair these trendy silk and lace tops with almost anything for day and evening looks. Camis come with adjustable straps in an assortment of flirty color combinations. Available at Henri Bendel, 1-800-HBENDEL; $128.00

FLEUR DE LIS SEQUIN TANK: Tank top with gold sequin heart decal available in pink, kelly green and red. Celebrities Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson own these tanks. Available at shopintuition.com; Infant size-$24.00, Adult size-$38.00

JEWELRY

CARTIER BABY TRINITY BRACELET: Baby Trinity Bracelet is a new twist on Cartier's 1918 signature design. It's the mini-version of the classic trinity ring symbolizing friendship, love and fidelity. Silk bracelet cords available in a variety of colors, including pink and red. At Cartier Stores; $350.00

CARTIER TRINITY RING: The Trinity Ring was created by Cartier in 1918, and is still one of the most recognized designs today. It's a classic Cartier design representing the three stages of a relationship-yellow gold for friendship, rose gold for love and white gold for fidelity. $750.00

HELEN FICALORA GOLD CHARMS: These specialty charms come in pink, yellow or white gold. They are available in various designs such as heart cutouts, xoxo, love and initials. Moms can wear their children's initials or their husbands. These were featured over a year ago but are still hot! Pink Gold Heart Charm, $95, Yellow Gold "xoxo" Charm, $85, and White Gold "love"charm,$95.00. 1-16" twist gold chain retails for $120. Go to helenficalora.com or call 1-877-754-2676.

GRAND BAND MONEY HOLDER: This money holder is ideal for keeping currency and credit cards neatly in place. An engraveable sterling silver bar is presented on an expandable black rubber band. Measures 9mm wide and 4-inches round. A great gift idea! Perfect for your boyfriend or husband on Valentine's Day. $45; available at diamond.com

ACCESSORIES

SMITTEN MITTEN: The smitten is a red heart-shaped uni-mitten made of warm plush polar fleece. This cute and cozy winter accessory can make your next stroll with your honey a whole lot more romantic. Perfect as a Valentine's Day gift! $10.95 smitten.com

FOR KIDS

LARGE BEADED FLOWER RINGS: Make sure you have a fresh manicure so you can show off these beautiful elastic beaded rings. Play dress up with your girlfriends if you can bear to share these fun baubles. Great for all ages. Set of 6. $32.00; Available at plumparty.com

HEART ETCH-A-SKETCH: Etch a message to your valentine using the heart-shaped etch-a-sketch. It's a fun and unique way to tell someone how much you care. Kids can create their message and write back and forth on the screen with their valentine or friends. $5.99; world-of-toys.com