This Valentine’s Day, Think Inside the Box ? of Delicious Cupcakes

Every Valentine's Day, an average of 65 percent of Americans give greeting cards, 38 percent give candy and 32 percent give flowers to that special someone.* This Valentine's Day, Starbucks is offering a way to think "inside the box"?of delicious cupcakes to offer all those special someones something new, special and delicious.

Beginning February 6, Starbucks customers can pre-order packages of two cupcakes to give to their sweethearts, co-workers, children, babysitters, friends, mail carriers and anyone else with a special place in their hearts. Simply place an order while grabbing a morning coffee anytime between Tuesday, Feb. 6 and Monday, Feb. 12, and a beautifully packaged Valentine's gift will be ready for pickup on Wednesday, Feb.14. Starbucks® cupcake gift packages include two cupcakes available in chocolate, vanilla or one of each neatly decorated and wrapped with love in a pink Valentine's Day package.

Valentine's Day is a holiday for procrastinators, as every year more than 50 percent of Americans purchase Valentine's Day cards within six days of Feb. 14.** This season, even for those who have forgotten to buy a card, don't have time to pick up flowers and don't think ordinary chocolates send the message, it's still easy to surprise that special someone with a gift that shows how much you care.

The cupcake craze is in full bloom with cupcake cafes opening across the country devoted to offering this American favorite. Express affection and appreciation with a gift box to show the important people in your life that they are truly the "icing on the cupcake." Starbucks® cupcakes are also the perfect complement to this winter's Cinnamon Dolce Latte and adorable Valentine's Day gifts such as mugs, decadent chocolates and those last minute Valentine's Day (and coffee-themed) Starbucks Cards.

*According to the United States Census Bureau (Feb. 7, 2006)

** Source: Hallmark Research