Sick of Sappy Cards? Five Ideas for Valentine's Day (Dates Optional)

Each week, Newton Patch takes a look at its favorites around town in a top five list. Check back each week to see what what we recommend and give us your suggestions!

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Does the thought of Valentine's Day send you into a euphoria filled with jewelry, romantic cards, candy and roses?

Or, does it bring about an urge to stomp on romantic comedy DVDs and a sudden feeling of sickness in your stomach? You know, the kind of nausea you get after eating an entire heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Either way, Newton Patch has picked out its top spots for you to spend your Valentine's Day and Valentine's Day weekend...with or without him/her.

1. Catch a Flick at the 
   Couples option:  After a nice dinner, head on down to the theatre and cozy up to a film. While the theatre is featuring some mainstream films like Black Swan and True Grit, you can also try some new and different films like Biutiful, a Mexican film that has been nominated for two Oscars. (Check the cinema's website for show times.)
   Singles option: Sick of the sappy stuff? Inside Job is playing at the West Newton Theatre this weekend and has received a ton of a attention since its release. Load up on junk food and enjoy a nice film without having to worry about someone eating all your popcorn.
2. Nothing Like a Nice, Romantic Dinner...or Take-Out with Friends
   Couples option: Numerous restaurants in town are offering special Valentine's Day prix fixe menus, including , the , ,  and . Each restaurant has different tastes and styles, so pick what's best for you and your special date.
   Singles option: Nothing can beat a night of great take-out, friends and your favorite TV show or movie. Gather up your buddies and order a spread from the famous  in West Newton and pop in a good old-fashioned Clint Eastwood flick. If you don't feel like going out to pick up food, feel free to order a variety of delicious Asian dishes from  Thai restaurant, who will happily deliver to your door.
3. Sweets for Your Sweetie and Yourself
   Couples option: Start off your night (or weekend) of wooing with a box of sweets from a local bakery or candy shop.  announced yesterday via Facebook its Starlight Valentine's Day cookies are in. If you're looking for something more traditional, you can stop by for a box of chocolates or truffles at , which also carries gluten-free candy. 
   Singles option: While everyone else is fretting over a Valentine's Day gift, buy one for yourself. You can stop by Coffee Corner or Indulge! for your own special treat or you can call in to  and order a chocolate truffle torte or three-berry tart to satisfy your sweet tooth. The best part? You don't have to share.
4. Couples (or Singles) Treatment at La Residencia Spa
   Couples option:  After a stressful week at work, you and your partner deserve some time to relax and unwind before hitting your favorite romantic restaurant. La Residencia is offering a two-hour treatment called Tropical Retreat for Two, which includes a detoxifying kiwi body scrub and a 60-minute hot stone massage. Appointments are available for Feb. 11-14 and the package is $299. 
   Singles option: Stop stressing about not finding a date this year and treat yourself to something you really deserve. Forget about him/her for a bit during a La Petite Rose treatment -- which includes champagne, a rose facial and pedicure -- for $209. The Tropical Retreat treatment is also available in a one-person package for $149.
5. The Best Default Gift: Jewelery
   Couples option:  in Newton Highlands offers some beautiful handmade jewelery in a wide variety of prices. Surprise your sweetie with a unique, local piece of wearable art that will stand out from the run-of-the-mill diamond necklace.
   Singles option: Don't worry, he/she would have picked out something that doesn't look good on you, anyway. Bead and Pearl offers great jewelery-making classes on the weekends as well as all the tools you need to craft earrings, necklaces and bracelets on your own. Create something that fits your own taste and style.