Will this be another year of shopping for Valentine’s Day at the last moment? If so, do not worry; you likely are not alone. Fortunately for last-minute planners, there are a variety of local shops and businesses that can get procrastinators Valentine’s-ready in a pinch. Oklahoma Gazette breaks down several options for a perfect date.

Photos Ben Luschen and provided

Oklahoma City Ballet

405-848-8637

Sorry; Netflix and chill just isn’t going to cut it for a Valentine’s date. Take the day to enjoy city life with your significant other. This year, Oklahoma City Ballet delivers the perfect date-night treat with its highly anticipated original production of The Little Mermaid. This is a world-premiere ballet choreographed by artistic director Robert Mills and adapted from the timeless story by Hans Christian Andersen. Shows start 8 p.m. Feb. 16-17 and 2 p.m. Feb. 18. All performances are at Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. Tickets are $15-$65.

Freeman’s Liquor Mart

405-524-8031

To properly wine and dine someone, you’re going to need a good bottle of fermented grapes. Thankfully, Freeman’s Liquor Mart not only carries a versatile selection of wines, but a knowledgeable staff that can point you in the right direction given your tastes and needs. And while wine is typically considered the most romantic form of liquid ethanol, Freeman’s is not here to judge couples who prefer to crush a six-pack together or sip their way through a fancy Scotch. Find their official Facebook page for more information.

Splurge/Baskets of Love

facebook.com/splurgebasketsoflove

405-789-9020

The Splurge / Baskets of Love hybrid near the campus of Southern Nazarene University works with customers to package together baskets full of goodies to fit any of your loved ones. By custom order, employees can put together decorative baskets of stuffed animals, cards, candy and other snacks. While most baskets are custom-fit to the recipient’s tastes and the purchaser’s budget, Baskets of Love also tries to assemble prepackaged baskets for customers who would rather grab them and go. The Bethany family-owned business has been assembling gift baskets for more than 20 years and knows a thing or two about putting together a memorable holiday gift.

Smash Bangles

smashbangles.com

405-628-7621

This new Paseo Arts District shop is close to being a one-stop Valentine’s Day destination. Smash Bangles owner Cindy Cornelson sells gorgeous and colorful handmade jewelry made by herself and other vendors. But in addition to fine necklaces and wristbands, shoppers can also pick up some exquisite chocolates for their lover. Evangeline’s Hand Made Chocolates are made with local ingredients and sold in the shop.

Apple Tree Chocolate

appletreechocolate.com

405-310-3959

How about some sweets for your sweetie? They say the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but we have found that the caramel, turtle and candy-covered apples at Norman’s Apple Tree Chocolate easily transcend all gender considerations. For Valentine’s Day, Apple Tree sells boxes of chocolate-dipped strawberries and other specially assembled gift packages. In addition to berries and its trademark apples, the shop also offers a great selection of decadent truffles, fudge and cake dots year-round.

Tony Foss Flowers

tonyfossflowers.com

405-843-4119

Does a rose by any other name smell as sweet? We can’t say for sure, but we do know the name of the local business to go to for red roses around Valentine’s Day. Tony Foss Flowers always includes roses in its signature tropical arrangements for the holiday. Stop by the shop to take in some natural beauty and Foss or another employee will help you pick out a great-looking bouquet for your beau.

Print headline: OKG Shop; Aisle of love