Detroit-Inspired Valentine's Gift #4

Still need a Valentine's day present for your sweetie? Given that tomorrow is the big day, you're running out of time.

But if you live or work in Detroit, you're in luck: with the convenience of the many stores centrally located at the Renaissance Center, shopping for presents just got a whole lot easier.

Packed with unique gift ideas for all ages and budgets, the shops at the RenCen are the ideal destination to find the perfect something for that special someone this Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few of my top picks from this unique and convenient Detroit venue:

Pure Detroit: Your gal or female friend is sure to love one of Motor City Handbags' sassy seatbelt purses, which run from $104 for a bag and $75 for a wallet. Other favorite show-your-Detroit-pride picks include a Detroit Love T-Shirt for $20, an “I Heart Detroit” mug for $7.99 and a Cadillac seatbelt for $22.

Bon Bons Candy and Godiva Chocolatier: This store has it all, from an extensive collection of Godiva® chocolates to sweet treats fit for the bedroom. A great choice is the chocolate Loverboy or Lovergirl -- a man or woman made of delicious dark chocolate! These delectable treats will fulfill your every desire, plus they’re sweet and won't ever cheat. At just $9.95 each, the price is sweet, too.

Pangborn Design Collection: Designed by Detroit’s own Dominic Pangborn, the vivid-colored scarves and ties at this RenCen shop are a great gift for the man who likes to stand out in a crowd. Created from 100 percent silk and are available in an array of eye-catching colors and patterns, Pangborn's catchy creations range from $65-$85.

Cherylynn’s Gold Crown Hallmark: Cherylynn’s Hallmark turns traditional items like mugs and baseballs into heart-warming gifts for the coffee or baseball aficionado in your life. Grey’s Anatomy's “McDreamy” is the inspiration behind the catchy pink and red words etched on the McHottie and McSteamy mugs, which run for $7.50 each. And what Detroit Tigers fan wouldn’t appreciate an “MVP of My Heart” baseball ($10) to remind him just how special he is? Other options here include candles, stuffed animals, crystal and specialty jewelry. Whatever you do, make sure to get a Valentine's Day card for your sweetie while you're here, too.

None of those gifts suit your fancy? Other options at the Shops at the RenCen include Ashley's Flowers (Level 1, Tower 100 or in the Millender Center), Costa D'Oro Jewelers (Level 2, Millender Center) and Scentsations Fragrance & Crystal Boutique (Level A, GM Wintergarten).

Through February 14, the Ren Cen shops are offering free wrapping at the Gift Wrapping Station, located in the GM Wintergarden. When turned into the station, a single Ren Cen Shop receipt of at least $25 entitles you to a box of Godiva Chocolates.

The Shops at the Ren Cen are open daily from 10 am - 6 pm.

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Detroit-Inspired Valentine's Gift #3

Still trying to come up with a cool Detroit Valentine's Day gift? Here's one for all you married folks: surprise your spouse by renewing your vows, and then taking in the global smash hit, Mamma Mia! It all happens on February 14 at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit's New Center area.

Based on the songs of ABBA, this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship focuses on a daughter's quest to uncover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding night.

Renew your vows and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a second honeymoon, which includes a one-night stay and breakfast at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, dinner for two at Mario's in Detroit and a ladies' diamond anniversary band.

To sign up to renew your vows before the 8 pm V-Day performance, call 248-651-4858.

Mamma Mia! opens at the Fisher Theatre tonight and runs through Sunday, February 24. Tickets range from $26.50 - $66.50 and can be purchased online here.

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Detroit-Inspired Valentine's Gift #2

Looking for a unique Valentine's gift that you can share with your sweetie?

Sign up for the Vegan Valentine's Class or the Valentine's Day Massage Class at the Detroit Evolution Laboratory.

On Saturday, February 9 Angela will take class participants step-by-step through a full vegan dinner meal, from appetizer to dessert. It's a great way to surprise your special valentine in your life with a romantic and delicious vegan dinner. Or, come to the class as a couple and re-create the beautiful meal together in the comfort of your own home. The Vegan Valentine's Class runs from 3-7 pm and is $50 per person. There are only three spots left, so register today by calling 313.316.1411 or emailing the Lab at info@detroitevolution.com.

If you can't make it to the Vegan class, consider signing up for the Valentine's Day Massage Class, where -- for $100 per couple -- you'll share the power of touch with your partner in a fun, hands-on two-hour session. Lab-owners Gregg and Angela will spend about 30 minutes on massage techniques and health concerns, and will then guide you through a 40-minute full body session on your partner. Next, you'll get on the table and experience the same session. Sound like something you'd be interested in? This class is filling up quickly -- there's only room for two more couples -- so call or email the Lab asap to reserve your spot. The class runs from 7:30-9:30 pm on Thursday, February 14.

The Detroit Evolution Laboratory is a unique Eastern Market space dedicated to the health, joy and liberation of all Detroiters. My first lab experience was just last week when I tasted one of the best sandwiches I have ever had - Angela's B.L.A.T. It was so good that I haven't stopped talking about it since!

Food is just one part of the Lab, though; inside their historic space, Angela and Gregg offer yoga and cooking classes, massage sessions and free movie nights. Visit Detroit Evolution Laboratory on the Web for more information.

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Detroit-inspired Valentine's Gift Idea #1

In the spirit of the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday that is fast approaching, Girl in the D will be doing some posts in the next few weeks on possible gifts to get your sweetie this V-Day. Each gift will be Detroit-themed, made in Detroit, or have some Detroit significance behind it.

Thanks to Elena Maria for passing along the idea for the first gift post -- a jewelry and candle party in southwest Detroit.

From 5 - 8 pm on Thursday, January 31, head over to southwest Detroit's awesome Mexicantown Mercado for a pre-Valentine's Day preview party at the mercado's The Jewelry Center, Maya's Jewelry, Mexi-Candle Gift Shop, Mexicantown CDC Store and Cafe con Leche coffee house.

Featuring unique jewelry creations, soy-oil candles, flowers and handmade Mexican terracotta, you're sure to find something for all the women in your life at this event. If you're not familiar with the stores mentioned, the Jewelry Center is known for silver and gold from Mexico, Italy and Los Angeles, while Maya's Jewelry sells silver from Mexico. The Mexi-Candle Gift Shop specializes in candles and other small gifts.

In addition to great shopping, enjoy door prizes, appetizers and beverages, and enter for a chance to win a $150 gift basket.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, please call 313.963.9999.

The Mexicantown International Welcome Center & Mercado is located at 2826 Bagley (at 21st Street) in southwest Detroit.

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