After-Valentine markdowns are getting serious! At 70% discounts, buying a few items at retail can make sense and save dollars -- especially when you just want a few things here and there to add a bit of variety to your gift basket inventory.

This adorable 18-inch cheetah is a good bargain at $2.99. To make it work in every day baskets, all I had to do was snip off the hot pink love pillow. Paired with tropical rain-forest themed spa gifts, the cheetah can anchor a great “Wild About You” birthday, get well, thank you -- virtually any ocasion. Watch for the completed gift basket. I’ll give you a quick preview in a couple of days.