Sweethearts shopping for boxes of chocolate, stuffed animals and red roses in State College will not be disappointed. For those searching for less traditional Valentine's Day gifts, downtown might be the place to search for their perfect gifts, too.

One place to find original gifts, or even an original date, is 2000 Degrees, 202 W. College Ave.

At 2000 Degrees, people can make personal gifts, manager Gary Filkins said, adding that it's a lot more intimate than just buying something or sending a card.

There are a variety of items that can be painted to give to people, Filkins said. Many people stick to functional gifts, such as mugs or plates, he said. Many men also paint vases to put flowers in, Filkins added.

Painting at 2000 Degrees is a good date idea because it is fun, different and relaxing, Filkins said.

An advantage to spending a date at 2000 Degrees is leaving with a souvenir of the night, Filkins said.

"(People) actually end up walking away with something," he added.

Shoppers looking for other interesting gifts might find what they are looking for at Wild Side Pet Shop, 248 W. Hamilton Ave.

While many people come in looking for kittens as gifts, one original idea would be a gouramis, owner Doug Curtis said. Pink gouramis, also called "kissing fish" are pink in color and have a ritual in which they line up and actually kiss each other, Curtis said.

"Those are the cutest thing I've ever seen to give as Valentine's Day gifts," he added.

Curtis does warn that there can be a danger in the spontaneous buying of pets for gifts. Pets should be well thought out and should not be a surprise to the recipient, Curtis said.

Fish are generally a good idea, however, because they are usually low maintenance and do not require a lot of responsibility, he added.

Wild Side Pet Shop also sells vases with fish inside and plants on top that make interesting gifts, Curtis said.

Another downtown gift shop is Wild Card, 346 E. College Ave. Some very popular gifts that have been selling for Valentine's Day include handcuffs and Motion Lotion jelly, employee Jenny Hoey said.

Wild Card also sells traditional gifts, she added. Some of these include stuffed animals, cards and balloons, Hoey said.

If people are looking for a twist on a more traditional gift, Woodring's Floral Gardens, 145 S. Allen St., is a good place to look.

While one of the most popular sellers for Valentine's Day are red roses, spring flowers, such as lilies and tulips, are a great option for a gift, manager Stephanie Woodring said.

"There are a lot of beautiful things for people who don't want roses," she said.

For Woodring, the ideal gift would be a spring bouquet of "the best quality."

"It would be of things that are fresh, crisp, and healthy — things that would last a long time," she said.