TIFFIN, Ohio — It's that time of year again to start thinking about Valentine's Day gifts.
For the better part of a decade, Simply Susan's and its hand-dipped chocolate strawberries have been a staple of the rejuvenated downtown Tiffin.
The local demand for the treats has grown every year, especially during Christmas, Mother's Day and, of course, Valentine's Day.
"I come in every morning, and every strawberry is dipped by me that day," Owner Susan Wilkinson said. "We never sell strawberries that are a day old. When I leave here at closing time, I take them with me and I go and surprise people."
Wilkinson said for her small boutique, Valentine's Day is the third biggest holiday for local gift items after Christmas and Mother's Day.
Buying your sweetheart a gift from a local shop instead of a big box store will always feel more special, she said.
"When you come into a small store and you purchase strawberries, a necklace, anything from a small store; you are literally doing business with the person behind the counter," she said. "When you come in and we say thank you, it's coming from the owner of that establishment."
Simply Susan's is currently taking Valentine's Day orders for the strawberries, while also offering plenty of other gift options as well.
Wilkinson also partnered with Tiffin-based glass artist Ryan Poignon to offer a bundled deal for strawberries, gift certificates to each store and a hand-blown glass heart pendant.
"Right now we have them on both of our websites," Poignon said. You can purchase it, we'll give you a pickup date and you come right down to Susan's and get those fresh strawberries and a beautiful piece of handmade glass for your sweetheart."
Wilkinson said those interested in gift options should place their orders sooner rather than later.
"We do order extras, we will have some the day of," she said. "But, you know, it could take the first three men to walk in and they're all gone."
Simply Susan's is usually Thursday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but will be open every day for the week of Valentine's Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.