Valentine’s day is just around the corner and while most people either love it or hate it we at PLRG think you should celebrate everyone you love in your life! Whether you have a honey or not you can still buy your best girls a little pick me up, send you parents some cupcakes, or even buy your pup a sassy new collar. So check out our gift guide below and get some ideas on what to buy your loved ones, or just treat yourself because you deserve it!

These LOVE earrings are adorable, modern, with just a hint of Valentine’s day. While they are almost identical to a  pair that is selling for $132, these are only $3.80! For that price you could pick up a pair for everyone at the office and still have money to spare.

This is for the lady in your life who has yet to meet her prince charming. This tongue in cheek gift will definitely bring a smile to any skeptic in your life. Just add water and watch as the frog magically turns into a prince. And, if you add more water the prince triples in size! ($8)

So remember when you were little and use to make checks for hugs out of construction paper? Well this is sorta like that but way more professional and a little more sexy. This check book comes complete with 30 IOUs and 30 UOMES which is bound to heat up your bedroom. What guy wouldn’t love getting these? ($9.95)

No Valentine’s day celebration is complete without something sweet and Molly’s Cupcakes is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth. Molly’s is said to have the best Red Velvet Cupcakes in all of Chicago according to Chicago Magazine. Not to mention they have center-filled cupcakes as well filled with ooy gooey goodness, drooling yet? ($12 for a dozen mini cupcakes)

Tights are hot right now with tons of patterns, textures, and colors to choose from. These sweet, sheer heart tights are adorable and are the perfect understated V-day look. You could pair with leather boots for an office ensemble and then throw on some sexy heels when you meet up with your Valentine for dinner. ($14)

Here is another sweet idea, perfect for couples. While not settle in for a cozy evening at home and indulge in some edible chocolate body icing? It’s a sweet treat you can both enjoy! ($15)

This is a great gift for anyone, because doesn’t everyone want kissable fresh breath? The Kiss-o-Meter is a compact bad breath detector that indicates if your breath is good enough for a smooch! It has five levels of kissing, ranging from kiss me to never. This way you’ll always be ready for a kiss. ($24)

Give Me Some Lip Valentine’s Day gift set will surely keep your lips looking pucker perfect for the holiday and beyond. The gift set includes 7 of Sephora’s most sought after shades in gorgeous hues of pink and red. Also the whole set is only $25 that values at $65, what a steal!

Layered, leather jewelery is another huge trend this season and with Spring just around the corner why not punch up your wardrobe with some color? The Cara Couture leather wrap bracelet comes in a variety of colors and is so versatile you could wear it as a bracelet, necklace, or even a headband. ($28)

This is Chicago, so the list would not be complete if the famed Lou Malnati’s heart shape pizza was not included. What says I love you more than a hot cheesy pizza in form of a heart?? Guys will surely scarf this down in a second, but don’t be fooled because any girl, if given a chance, will do the same! ($39.95)

Hint- My Pie serves one up too for cheap. Check it out here.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

(Marin Heller)

While many home purchases can be rather pricey…think couches, tables, beds…there are plenty of great budget-friendly home gift options for that Nate-Berkus want-to-be in your life! I visited two local home décor shops, Zella Brown in Bucktown/Wicker Park and Home Accents in Andersonville, and the best thing is both shops are currently having sales!!

Zella Brown
1444 North Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
(773)276-1746

This hip home boutique will sadly be closing at the end of December, but that means that everything in the store (excluding art) is currently 50% off!!!

For the friend whose a little bit rocker and idols Kara Mann (and my personal favorite, hint, hint to those who love me). Put several of these edgy pistol vases on your dining room table and get the holiday conversation started! ($34.50). They also have a single pistol wall hanging version for $19.50.

Got a boyfriend or brother who appreciates a great gag-gift? This old-school receiver plugs into your cell phone and is perfect for the joker in your life. Imagine glancing at someone in their car while they’re chatting away on their screaming yellow handset…priceless! But it will only cost you $22.25.

Do you have a friend who can never make up their mind about what pictures or art to hang? Or maybe a mom of a young child, whose stick people drawings must be hung up for the world to admire? These reusable wall frames are just the thing. Several different shapes and sizes in a single package. ($15)

Home Accents
5653 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60660
(773)989-6883
This store is a treasure trove for finishing decorative touches and is very affordable, made even more so because many items are currently 20% off!!

If you think the gun vase would be a bit too much for the slightly more traditional girlie-girl in your life, these gorgeous metallic, floral candle holders are perfect. At $9 they are priced just right so you have no excuse not to create a bouquet!

Going to dinner at the boyfriend’s parents for the holidays? Instead of the usual wine or wreath, why not consider these unusual lattice work vases? Create a perfect centerpiece-ready look, by buying inexpensive ornaments (red and green for Christmas and blue for Hanukah) and filling them up, as shown. You will be sure to get brownie points for creativity! ($27 and $21)

If you can’t actually be there to snuggle up with your loved ones this holiday season, gift them one (or many) of these cuddly, and chic, throw pillows to cheer them up. They carry an array of colors to suite anyone’s style and are just $32 a pop!

(Katie Rogulski)

For the Party Girl in your life, anything to make her night out either more convenient, more fun or that will bring her more of the spotlight you know she loves will make for a great holiday gift. Think of sparkle, sheen and altogether chic items for this lady about town. If it makes you smile then most likely it will do the same for her.

Hanky Panky Low-Rise Thong, Nordstrom ($18.00/each)
While this might seem like an intimate gift, let us assure you (if you don’t already know) Hanky Panky thongs are a girl’s best friend. We’ve heard them described as the best thing since sliced bread. Seriously. For some reason, these one-size-fits-all panty are the best on the market. Something in the stretchy lace makes them stay put, stay comfortable and they don’t show through clothes in the least. The latter is a key ingredient in putting together the perfect outfit for a night out, and the party girl will definitely appreciate it.

Stud Handle Shoulder Bag, Forever 21 ($19.80)
The professional partier knows that when it comes to outerwear and handbags for a night out, less is more. Being hands-free means less worries (for some, less chance of losing things) and more freedom to be the social butterfly she was meant to be. This over the shoulder studded bag from Forever 21 is the perfect size and style for almost any occasion, and the deep burgundy color is great for this Fall/Winter season.

Martini Glass Chillers, Sur La Table (set of 4, $20.00)
Your fun friend knows that often times, the party starts at home…and every so often, stays there. Help spice up her home party scene with these unique martini glasses that are chillers at the same time. Between sips, martinis stay super cold as they rest on ice in the base glass. They can also double as appetizer servers - think shrimp cocktail or even ice cream.

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, Sephora.com ($24.00)
Your party girl doesn’t cease to amaze you. She can dance for hours in 4-inch heels, drink with the best of them and somehow make it to work on time the next day without any evidence of the late night you know she had. While we can’t explain the first two feats, we have a feeling dry shampoo might be involved in her post-party/pre-work routine. We’ve actually been raving about Naturia for years at PLRG. The miracle dry shampoo cleanses hair in seconds and smells delicious. The spray absorbs any oil or impurities on the hair and replaces it with softness from essential oils peppermint, caraway and basil. Key point: less time getting ready in the morning = more sleep time.

Infiniti “You Style” Curling & Straightening Iron, Ulta ($29.99, now on sale)
To curl or to straighten? That is often the question your party girl ponders before a night out. If you know repetition bores her, this might be the perfect gift. The Infiniti flat iron’s curved edge allows the user to add curls or waves to hair with a simple flick of the wrist, plus it saves precious bathroom space by acting as a 2-in-1 tool.

A la Card 2010 Restaurant Deck ($30.00)
This is not just any deck of cards. Instead, local founders Natasha Liberman & Stacie Green created a year-long excuse to eat at some of the best restaurants in town - everything from casual (Manny’s Deli) to high end (Aigre Doux) that come from 25 different neighborhoods in Chicago. Each of the deck’s 52 cards contains information about the restaurant and also acts as a $10 gift certificate to that restaurant. Eat out just 3 times during the year and you’ve already made your money back. Added bonus - most likely your friend will share the fun with you.

Short Rope Chain Necklace, Ann Taylor Loft ($44.50, click link for image)
An edgy statement necklace like one is one of our favorite fashions hitting stores everywhere (at accessible prices) this season. This one in particular mixes materials to create a rocker feel without losing refinement because of the great CZs lining the neckline. Your lady can pair with a t-shirt and jeans to spice up her look, or with a simple black dress for a night out in the city.

Michael Kors “Very Hollywood” Eau de Parfum ($45.00 - $85.00, various sizes)
Michael Kors urges buyers to “Make every day worthy of a standing ovation” with his newest scent on the market, Very Hollywood. Besides the catchy name and tag line that describe your fab friend almost too well, this perfume is actually really lovely, and stays put. Notes of gardenia and mandarin come through without being too floral or bold.

Trio Exclusif De Vernis Gift Set, Chanel ($65.00, set of 3)
Indulge your celebratory sister with this ultra-chic trio of nail polish from every girl’s love, Chanel. All three colors are just gorgeous and will surely be a go-to fashion accessory for any affair: Allegoria (sweet nude pink), Trapeze (shimmery grey) and Tulipe Noir (deep purple/black). The cute case makes it easy to take the trio along for the ride. Bonus: Now through 12/16/09, get free shipping and free gift wrap on all chanel.com purchases.

SPLURGE

Flip Mino Camcorder, theflip.com ($149.99 - $229.00)
Odds are, your party girl loves to document her social life - on facebook, twitter perhaps and for sure on her camera. Reviewing pics from the night before is one of the best parts of going out, isn’t it? This splurge pick is totally worth the price - the Flip Mino is a pocket-sized camcorder that “captures 60 minutes of high-quality video on 2GB of built-in memory”. What we love more than that is how easy it is to view, edit and share the videos - either by email or instantly uploading to Facebook, MySpace or YouTube. This tiny (and totally cute) camera easily allows you to add music, titles and edits to your clips. Bonus: unlimited email/video sharing is included in the price.

(Noelle Provencial)

Much to our pleasant surprise, the men in our life have been extra good this year. All year long they were wowing us with romantic, home-cooked meals and helping us makes sense of piles of receipts for our taxes- we really are luck girls, aren’t we? Whether it’s your dad, your bro, your BF or some other special dude, this year make sure they know you appreciate them by giving them a gift that fits their style…

For the GQ Guy

BOSS Striped Scarf, Nordstrom.com
Even if your guy’s the strong, silent type it doesn’t mean he doesn’t get chilly in the winter. Hook him up with this sleek, virgin wool scarf and he’ll look as hot as he feels!
($55)

Digital Timeframe Watch, Diesel
If he’s the type to worry if he has on the latest kicks or always knows about a band “before anyone else even knew they existed” than we are gonna guess he’ll like this watch. A perfect blend of modern technology and of-the-moment late 80’s/early 90’s styling, his look will be right on time.
($85)

For the Metro Man

Kiehl’s Men’s Refueling Kit, Bloomingdales.com

Whether your man could be named Metrosexual of the year, or he’s clueless about grooming, this kit from Kiehl’s will make his morning routine a breeze. Complete with face wash, moisturizer, shaving cream and a body bar he’ll be looking good enough to meet your parents in no time!
($28.50)

11 Ounce Turkish Terry Calf-Length Robe
We’re not saying it’s gross that your BF pours his coffee in the buff- you thought of that all on your own. Rather than offend your nudie boy-toy, gift him this sumptuous robe, monogrammed and all. He’ll stay nice and toasty on cold winter mornings and you’ll instantly improve your view.
($59.95, $5 extra for Monogramming)

For the Emeril Wannabe

Wusthof Gourmet Santoku Knife, Sur La Table
Ok, so we know it doesn’t seem very exciting, but if your guy loves to cook, apparently he is gonna go crazy for this knife. Though we’re not really up on our knife brands, but this is supposed to be one of the best! At Sur La Table the “starter set” of Wusthof Knives is $500 on sale right now, so you can see that this all-purpose knife is kitchen luxury at a bargain price.
(Was $59.95, Now $49.95)

Cooked or Be Cooked Wii Game, CookorBeCooked.com
The perfect gift for the guy’s guy, who’s also a foodie at heart. With this cooking inspired video game, he can experience the thrill of competition, plus learn a new recipe or technique all without any of the messy clean-up!
($39)

For the Boss Man

n.a.p. Travel Flight Kit, Brookstone
Make sure your hard-working man is comfy, even when you can’t be around. This travel pillow is made of Brookstone’s exclusive NapSoft material, which makes it uber soft and plush. Once he settles in, he can slip on the eye mask and forget all about the extra cash he just dropped on his extra piece of luggage.
($30.00)

Liquid Lunch Martini Set, HomeWetBar.com
Your guy works hard, so he could probably use a stiff drink, or at least a good laugh. This aptly named martini set is playful, but will also come in really handy for holiday cocktails or a romantic night alone.
($42.95)

For the Party Guy

Backyard Beverage Cooler, Frontgate.com
If your guy is convinced that “building a bar” will up “up the re-sale value” of his place, maybe this will head him off at the pass. An oh-so-modern side/cocktail table that pops open to reveal a beverage cooler, it’s practically a party on demand. Though it does is its best double duty outdoors, the cooler could even come in handy at a holiday party (appropriate floor covering recommended).
(Was $79.50, Now $59.50)

Fanning Sandal, Reef
Our favorite gifts always seem to be the ones in the “party guy” category. This is not just a pair of totally comfortable Reef sandals, they also double as the tool your party guy needs most- a bottle opener. Hey, if he doesn’t have to remember the bottle opener, he’ll be a little more likely to remember things that matter, like closing out his tab at the bar.
($40-$60)

(Lacey Brenly)