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Community Corner

Nine Local Gifts for Your Valentine

We've got gift ideas—all can be found in San Juan Capistrano—for pet lovers, romantics, history buffs and more.

Think outside of the heart-shaped box this year. While Valentine’s Day favorites such as chocolate and champagne will never go out of style, San Juan Capistrano stores have something for every sweetheart—man, woman and pet.

Here are some ideas to stimulate your thinking.

1. THE WHIMSICAL-HEARTED

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Give your valentine 50 wishes with Flying Wish Paper. For a spiritual touch, hearts carved from jasper, labradorite, fossils, or rose quartz (symbol of love) are solid choices. Prices: Flying Wish Paper, $15.95, carved hearts $49 to $375 at Tushita Heaven, 31781 Camino Capistrano (below Ruby’s).  For more information, call 949-542-7970.

2. THE HISTORY BUFF

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Remember a special year you’ve shared with the person you love by purchasing a copy of an old Life magazine. Price: $25 to $42 (years 1937 to 1972) at The Old Antique Barn, 31792 Camino Capistrano. For more information, call 949-493-9144.

3. THE RUGGED BUT WELL-GROOMED MAN

Pamper him with an old-fashioned shave, complete with hot-towel face treatment.  The salon is connected to , so beer and shots of tequila are welcome as part of the full shave experience. Price: $15 to $25 at Hair of the Dog, 31786 Camino Capistrano. For more information, call 949-488-8254.

4. THE ROMANTIC

Conjure up a Casablanca mood worthy of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman at Rick’s Café. Take in a movie and have champagne and dinner at Orange County's only movie house with a restaurant. Price: Tickets $8.50 to $11.50, Café $6 to $13 at the Regency Theatre, 26762 Verdugo St. For more information, call  949-661-3456.

5. THE HIP GUY WITH A JOHNNY DEPP EDGE 

Think vintage with ties from the 1940s and 1950s. It may just be your father’s tie, but everything old is new again. Price: $6 to $12.95 at , 31792 Camino Capistrano. For more information, call 949-493-9144.

6.  THE GARDENER

Brighten your Valentine’s Day with a bouquet of colorful shrooms (mushrooms).  Price: $19.99 at the Armstrong Garden Center, 32382 Del Obispo. For more information, call 949-661-6666.

7.  THE OLD FASHIONED GIRL 

Lavender, lace and tea cozies can warm a heart. English teapots are among the romantic items sold on Los Rios Street. Price: $39 at the Teahouse on Los Rios, 31731 Los Rios St. For more information, call 949-443-3914.

8. THE JEWELRY LOVER

Women and some men can’t resist a beautiful gemstone or custom-designed bracelets, pendants or rings by such artists as Kelly Charveaux and David Rosales.  Zia Jewelry is having a sale on such pieces through Feb. 14. Prices of jewelry pictured $300 to $11,195 (heart-shaped pendant $696, men’s ring $297, men’s bracelet $789, fancy yellow heart-shaped diamond ring $11,195 at Zia, 31761 Camino Capistrano. For more information, call 949-493-1322.

9. THE PET LOVER

Dogs are valentines, too. A pampered spa visit for your best friend can include a simple bath or a blueberry “facial” massages and creative styling heart paints. Price: Bath and facial $30 to $45 at Zuri Pet Spa, 31105 Rancho Viejo Rd., Suite C3 in Marbella Plaza. For more information, call 949-429-7222.

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