The following is a column by staff writer Carly Kocurek, compiled with the help of Elizabeth S., Sam Armstrong, and Shannon Roberts -- Ed Note

So, you've waited until the last minute to address the whole "Valentine's Day" situation. Trust me, I've been there. In fact, I'm there right now -- my grandmother will be getting a card from us sometime next week. (I'll put extra stickers on the envelope to make up for the delay, swear.) But I'm going to have to advise you to put the Hallmark bear down and back away -- not so slowly, as you might get sucked in by the resin picture frames.

In the spirit of giving, some fellow Austinists and I have compiled, in no particular order, a list of some of our favorite last-minute heart day gifts. Available locally and totally last minute. Heck, it's a step up from that drugstore box of chocolates.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries are so classic, you might even call them lame. But, it takes all kinds. Central Market has a whole fleet of employees churning out chocolate covered strawberries, though they're also available from local confectionary Lammes, and on order from Tiff's Treats and Amy's Ice Cream. Lammes also has classic boxed chocolates and other things of that nature, if you'd like to spread the love super old school.

If you'd prefer some chocolates with a kick, go looking for Vosges Haut-Chocolat, available at Whole Foods and Therapy. These legendary candies include such concoctions as the Black Pearl Bar, which incorporates ginger, wasabi and black sesame. Also advisable are Chocolove bars, which include classic love poetry printed inside the labels. They're available locally at Wheatsville Co-Op, Central Market and Whole Foods.

For the more activity oriented, reservations at this late date might be hard to come by, but Ballet Austin will be performing Twyla Tharp's The Golden Section, featuring the music of David Byrne, Thursday through Sunday. Tickets run from $17.50 to $65.00, and a pair makes a fine gift.

If you're looking for baubles, Storyville has beautiful pieces by British cult line Tatty Devine and quirky necklaces and barrettes by Jasmine Made.

Also, Factory People will be open until 6 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, and they'll be taking delivery orders 6 p.m. tonight, if you'd rather let your fingers do the walking.

And, for those of you who'd rather just cut to the chase already, a stop at 365 Days 365 Ways (2110 South Lamar) might be the way to go. Nothing says "I love you" like medical-grade silicone.