Valentine's Day can be as hectic as the day after Christmas as sweethearts try to find that special gift.

The days preceding Valentine's Day are five times busier than Christmas or Easter for The Candy Cane, 128 W. College Ave., said employee Mark Preston (junior-art). He said the store's most popular items are heart-shaped boxes filled with assorted chocolates, stuffed animals and exotic-tasting coffee.

"A lot of guys come in and buy coffee for their girlfriends, so they don't eat a lot of chocolates," Preston said.

However, no matter how hectic and crowded candy stores get, customers say Cupid's spirits help them bear the pressure of searching for the perfect gift.

"The more time you put in looking for the right gift makes the day very special," said Beth Lenhart (senior-economics).

The bookkeeper at Tinderbox Gifts, 137 E. Beaver Ave., said no matter how stressful the atmosphere gets, the customers' main concern is buying quality gifts and candy.

"Godiva is our most popular and expensive gourmet chocolate. It makes a special present," Cathy Schaffer said. She added that Valentine's Day is the store's busiest day of the year.

"People are generally nice and patient during this time of year. However, they expect first-class service and quality candy," Preston said.

Lenhart said some think Valentine's Day brings out the best in the salespeople at specialized candy stores as well.

"Salespeople are especially friendly because they know that they will make a lot of money in candy sales," Lenhart said.