Show Some Love on Valentine's Day by Buying Local

You’ve still got time to execute a Valentine’s Day plan for the loved ones in your life – and you don't even have to leave the city to do so.

Stumped on where to start? The holiday is typically associated with heart-festooned greeting cards, flowers, chocolates and jewelry, so let’s start there ...

Cards, gifts and chocolates

Valentine greeting cards and boxed chocolates can be found in just about any drug, grocery or discount store. But if it's unique you're looking for, head to downtown Kent.

offers an array of specialty chocolate concoctions, while the new creates unusual, sumptuous dessert items daily. Does your love simply love popcorn? Don't forget about , the new speciality popcorn store in Acorn Alley II.

Many downtown retailers carry unusual lines of greeting cards and gift items to suit all types of personalities. Check out , , and .

Looking for cards that are religious in nature? Then head to , located not far from downtown Kent.

Flowers

You could pick up flowers at the grocery store, but your loved one might appreciate a fresher bouquet or arrangement from or .

There's still time to order bouquets for delivery – if you hurry! But, if you wait until the last minute, most floral shops prepare holiday-themed arrangements to keep on hand for last-minute shoppers.

Jewelry

Stores such as McKay Bricker, Empire and The Works carry some jewelry items and offers vintage and antique pieces. Kent stores that specialize in bling include the new in Acorn Alley and .

Gifts, Gift Cards

Most every retailer mentioned here offers gift certificates for those who simply can’t make up their mind or would rather let their loved one choose the best gift. And is offering a gift card it touts as a great present.

Think outside the heart-shaped box and buy a gift card – or a tangible gift – at places such as hair salons, arts and crafts stores, fitness facilities, garden centers, health food stores and coffee shops.

Meaningful Valentine's Day gift ideas can crop up at stores not typically associated with the holiday of love. , for example, is giving customers a free Valentine's Day gift box with the purchase of three pairs of socks.

All of those places are in Kent Patch's handy "Places" section.

Dining

Kent is home to myriad restaurants offering just about every type of food imaginable – from tried-and-true American favorites to international cuisine such as Mexican, Chinese, Thai and Mediterranean.

Check out the Food & Dining category of Patch's Places section to consider eateries you haven’t yet tried.

Does your sweetie like spicy foods or pastas? Search "Mexican" or "Italian" in the Places section. Prefer all-American pizza and burgers? Those places can be found in the directory too.

Every business in Kent has a Patch Places listing, so have fun searching ... you may find a new restaurant or business!

Happy Valentine's Day!