Patch's Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine’s Day—it’s a holiday that some of us love to hate.

Sure, you can chalk it up as an evil marketing scheme devised by the executives at Hallmark and Hershey, but the reality is, if you’re sharing your life with a significant other, there’s no coasting through Feb. 14.

Here are a few gift ideas to keep you sailing smoothly:

In Rockville:

Try a night out on the town (square). Restaurants in Rockville Town Square are offering Valentine’s Day deals, including a romantic dinner and live jazz at Oro Pomodoro, a “Season of Love” menu at Thai Pavilion and a four-course tapas meal at . Cap off the night with .

Click here for more on these and other deals.

For Him:

Take Him Out to the Game
You could buy tickets to see an opera at , but he’s not going to appreciate that nearly as much as a night watching his favorite team. And D.C. definitely isn’t lacking for sports franchises to choose from. Whether you score him seats to see the Caps, the Nats or the Wizards - you’ll be earning major points.

Dine Like a “Top Chef” Judge
If your man fantasizes about replacing Tom Colicchio on “Top Chef,” count yourself lucky to be living in the D.C. metro region. Top Chef All Stars runner-up Mike Isabella is soon, but until then, you can make reservations at Graffiato in Chinatown. For a more budget friendly option, check out Spike Mendelsohn’s Good Stuff Eatery or We, The Pizza on Capitol Hill. To go all out, book an overnight stay in Frederick, Md. and make plans to wine and dine him at Volt, the acclaimed outpost of Top Chef Season 6 finalist Bryan Voltaggio.

Golf Package
It may be February, but it’s felt more like April outside these days. Help him take advantage of this moderate weather by booking a tee time at a local golf course, like in Rockville or . If he needs a refresher, buy a gift certificate for a package of lessons. in Gaithersburg would be a great place to start for new clubs or lesson suggestions.

For Her:

Spa day gift card
A day at the spa (heck, even a run-of-the-mill manicure and pedicure) is pretty hard to beat. Start with these . Check out Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa in for package prices. in Germantown also has great options and a variety of price points.

A new twist on office delivery
If you want to get a little more creative this year, why not have cupcakes (instead of flowers) sent to her office. Not only will she love you, her co-workers will think you’re the best ever!
Lucky you, the metro area definitely doesn’t lack for cupcake bakeries. And to sweeten the deal, some of them even deliver. In Rockville, check out or . If she works out-of-town try in Bethesda or in Silver Spring for details and Valentine’s Day specials.

A little common sense
When it comes down to it, ladies are usually pretty easy to please on Valentine’s Day. A nice greeting card, a box of chocolates, maybe even some jewelry, usually fits the bill. Be sure to check out Patch’s “Places” Directory for all the information you need to find local florists and more.