Love Your Local Businesses This Valentine's Day

It’s the thought that counts, they say. But on Valentine’s Day, the gift counts too.

Our gift guide should help you make sure your gift really does count. An added bonus: It will keep you out of the mall and shopping locally as you search for the perfect way to express how you feel.

And while we've broken our suggestions into categories, you'll find there's plenty of crossover--flowers and chocolate aren't just for the ladies, you know.

Flowers: In Weston, Leiby’s Garden Shop offers the traditional dozen roses and many other holiday arrangements and also newer customer favorites like orchid plants.  in Sudbury offers elegant floral arrangements and in Acton carries an array of long-lasting fresh flowers and staff will also help you put together a custom arrangement. And in Wayland, will stay open a bit later on the big day, until 7, to accommodate last-minute flower purchases.

Gifts for her: In Weston, the offers a wide array of ladies’ gifts, including Magnabilities, jewelry with interchangeable inserts that make options practically endless, Vera Bradley handbags and accoutrements, and much more. in Sudbury and Acton sells a large variety of women’s gifts including bath and beauty sets and jewelry, and you can't go wrong with Snoozies—cozy slippers she won’t want to take off, ever (trust us on that). And in Acton, perennial holiday shopping favorite is offering customers who purchase $150 or more of Pandora jewelry a free Pandora Heart jewelry box, now through Feb. 14.

Gifts for him: If you're looking for something original, in Sudbury offers an array of cufflinks and pins. You’ll also find themed mugs and frames at locations; to fill those mugs, stop in at in Wayland and Acton for its newest offering, Blonde Roast, or any of its perennial favorites. A gift card to in Weston can help keep him caffeinated on the go. And for the sports buff, in Wayland also buys and sells vintage sports cards. Is there a special card your guy has been waiting for?

Gifts for the little ones: Valentines aren’t only for grownups. Both area Paper Store locations offer a large selection of toys and crafts to commemorate the occasion, and in Acton, always displays its holiday books in the children’s section, typically offering books on any given holiday for a variety of ages. Looking for an unusual gift? Maybe your child would like a small pet, like a fish—in Acton has a wide selection.

Gifts for anyone: If you like the idea of a gift that keeps on giving, stop in at , a nonprofit store staffed by volunteers that sells handmade crafts, collectibles and other unique items from an historic train station, all to support local charities. And for the gardener, in Wayland offers quirky, unique gifts as well as useful items for the home and garden.

Chocolate: Ah, what the day is really about for many of us. Acton just opened two chocolate shops within the past few months so there’s no limit to the seratonin-induced pleasures you can give. offers a wide array of chocolate gifts, including a three-, six-, or nine-month “Fudge of the Month” club, while sells a selection of handmade truffles, toffee, chocolate-dipped pretzels and candy gifts for any price point. And for those who can’t get to those locations, in Wayland always carries exotic chocolates and candies—stop by to see what's in stock.

If you have your own ideas for local gifts, tell us in the comments.