While some may find a balloon-carrying baboon on their doorstep this Valentine's Day, those who are not careful may find black roses instead.

Despite the fact that Valentine's Day is traditionally the time to say, "I love you," gifts are available to send to those you hate.

People can send black roses to others upon request, "if they want to spend the money," said Mary Ivicic, co-owner of Belle Garden Florals, 116 S. Spring St. in Bellefonte.

"Usually, though there aren't many requests, maybe one," Ivicic added.

However, determined people can find other ways to torment the ones they love to hate.

"If you know someone who is trying to lose weight and you hate them, then send them truffles," said Sarah Songer, the owner of The Candy Cane, 128 W. College Ave. and The Candy Shop, 352 E. College Ave.

Wild Card, 346 E. College Ave., is selling Valentine's Day toilet paper to give to people who irritate you. They also have a gold-toned letter opener with a heart at the top.

While the letter opener may not seem like something to give someone you dislike, Doug Weaver, manager of the store said: "It depends on how you use it."

For the more traditional at heart, local stores offer new ways to express holiday sentiments.

Truly Yours, 250 E. Beaver Ave. will send a singing baboon, lion, monkey or bird to a loved one's door on Valentine's Day.

People in complete animal costume will deliver a bouquet consisting of eight latex balloons along with one mylar balloon imprinted with the greeting you wish to convey. The package costs $22.95. Truly Yours also has non-costumed deliveries for $14.

The Nittany Knights Chorus is sponsoring a similar extravagant offer. For $20, a barbershop quartet will sing to that special person.

Transfer Junction, 411-413 E. Calder Way, has two new products -- both involving pictures of your loved one. Bring in a personal picture and for $19.99 the store will make an 11x17 poster.

Or if you want to be close to your sweetheart all the time, you can get his or her picture printed on your T-shirt. The shirts come in almost any color, including black, which comes with a white background. The shirt costs $18.99.

Perhaps the newest gift this year is the Crdl's Heart, which is a red heart-shaped magnet base with silver miniature hearts that can be shaped. The heart can be found for about $18 at Wild Card.

Hallmark stores also are now offering a new novelty -- the Valentine Bear. The bear is $3.95 with a $10 purchase and can hold objects in its paws. There is also a drawing for a larger bear to be given away on Valentine's Day.

For the sweet tooth, the Candy Cane has chocolate roses and the Candy Shop has giant peanut butter cups.

Sugar-free candy is also popular, but candy store owner Songer warns that while the candy is sugar-free, it is not low in calories.

"It depends on what people are looking for," she said.

However, despite all the new innovations, traditional gifts such as plush animals, flowers and mugs can still be found on the shelves.

Some floral arrangements may be more expensive this year due to winter frosts in Florida. However, the nip in the bud has not stopped local florists from offering a wide selection of flowers arrangements.

Belle Garden Florists sells three-foot mylar balloons with a teddy bear inside. The bear is wearing a tuxedo and has a bouquet in one hand and a box of candy in the other.

The Bud Vase, 107 E. Beaver Ave. is offering the Snoopy Love Bouquet. The bouquet consists of a stuffed Snoopy doll sitting on his doghouse filled with flowers.