The National Retail Federation is predicting that Americans will spend $1.5 billion on candy for Valentine's Day gifts in 2012.

That's a lot of candy! I'm sure there are some other SWEET treats on your list. Just remember, Share the Love this weekend and shop local businesses for your SWEETS Here are a few local suggestions for your Valentine's Day goodies.

A local florist will insure that you get exactly what you order! No need to call 1-800-FLOWERS when you can deal directly with a friendly, smiling person!

A local greenhouse nursery can provide you with a variety of plants and flowers that will "bloom" all year - just like your love! How about an assortment of flower seed packets just in time for spring planting, a little red garden shovel, pink gardening gloves and a note...My heart GROWS fonder everyday!

Breakfast, lunch or dinner out is always a good idea - that way your LOVE won't get stuck doing the cooking and cleanup! A variety of local restaurants will be happy to serve you this weekend - give a local business some LOVE!

SWEET treats are always a welcome gift - heart shaped donuts, heart shaped cakes, pink frosted cupcakes and heart shaped chocolates are treats everyone LOVES - and there are plenty of local "sweet treat" businesses around!

The ulitmate SWEET treat - chocolate diamonds, red hot rubies, or smokin' topaz - be a Valentine's Day Hero!

Don't forget the Valentine's Day party supplies - decorations, balloons, cards and more!

A hot stone massage will warm your SWEETIE up - consider a gift certificate for a massage!

A red HOT manicure and pedicure is so needed right now, and a fresh new hair style for spring - stop by any of our local salons for a gift certificate.

Give the gift of a healthy HEART - with a membership to the gym - a gift that gives all year long!

A photo of your LOVED ones can be captured by local photographers and expertly matted and framed by a local frame gallery.

Okay, those are my suggestions for this weekend - do you have any to add?