Still in the hunt for a Valentine's Day gift for Tuesday? You're in good spending company.

Consumers are poised to splurge more on gifts for their loved ones this year, according to the National Retail Federation. The average person celebrating the holiday is expected to spend $126.03, up 8.5 percent over last year's $116.21. Total spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion, according to the federation's annual survey.

For small, family-owned businesses in particular, Valentine's Day is a big selling highlight in the middle of winter - midway between the December holidays and spring events like Easter and Mother's Day.

The holiday especially can mean busy times for small businesses specializing in three big gift choices: chocolates, cards and jewelry. Here's a look at what's selling at three local places:

The Secret Chocolatier

Handmade chocolates, cakes and treats

2935 Providence Road, Suite 104

What's hot? The 16-piece chocolate heart box for $32 is moving quickly, says partner Robin Ciordia. "Let's be realistic: The Christmas holidays are more planned and thought-through ahead of time. Valentine's is often last-minute, and customers don't want to pick. So we preset a box of some of our caramels and truffles that will please everyone."

Best value for tight budgets? Since everything in the shop is by the piece, a little box of goodies is still affordable. Dipped marshmallows and truffles go for a dollar or two. "We also offer the connoisseur a selection of some of the finest chocolate bars American artisans have to offer, and those can run from $5.50 to $13."

How big is Valentine's Day to your business? "The Christmas holidays and Valentine's run neck-and-neck. ... It is very important for us to do well," Ciordia said. "It helps ensure we have the operating capital for the year. There is always a palate for chocolate and confections, but these peaks help us tremendously."

Guliani's Fine Jewelry

9816 Rea Road, Suite B

What's hot? The Scott Kay blue topaz ring at $995 is one of the top sellers, owner Shanu G. Trehan says, along with the Artistry sterling silver satin-finished necklace ($255) and the triple-chain necklace ($215).

"Then we do have a few engagement rings sold during Valentine's Day," Trehan says. "You'd be surprised - many women also purchase cuff links during Valentine's Day for the men in their life."

Best value? A pair of cultured pearl stud earrings starting at $120.

How big is Valentine's Day to your business? "We find Christmas to be our biggest holiday, then Mother's Day, and third to be Valentine's Day. During Valentine's Day, men spend an average of $100 to $500. If their significant other has a birthday or anniversary in the same month, then they tend to spend a lot more and combine the Valentine's Day gift with her anniversary or birthday."

Paper Skyscraper

Gifts, greeting cards and stationery

330 East Boulevard

What's hot? For men, there are handmade wallets, iPad and iPhone covers, and wall-mounted bottle openers. For women, there's a clever jewelry holder called The Little Black Dress. "It hangs in your closet, is shaped like a dress, and has pockets on one side and Velcro loops on the other. It holds anything from rings and bracelets to long necklaces, all in view and all right in your closet," said co-owner Tim Hamilton.

Handmade Valentine's Day cards, some by local artists, are also popular. "This is an occasion where the card can be more important than the gift," Hamilton said.

Best value? That would be The Little Black Dress, for $19.95.

How big is Valentine's Day to your business? "Luckily we are busy year-round, but it is an important, fun and busy time for us," Hamilton said.