Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2012

Mould your own

Instead of boring heart-shaped chocs, get original and make your own using ice-cube trays. Kooky company Fred and Friends produce some crazy trays that will be sure to amaze your Valentine and ensure some tasty afters. Our pick is the one in the shape of Big Chap from Alien—and an accompanying one with the alien eggs, too (pictured). But you can also nab other themed ice trays from Kotobukiya stores, such as Batman and Superman ones, and there are rumors of a February launch for UFOs, Space Invaders, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, and more…

Alien ice tray, ¥1,050, available from Kotobukiya

Secret sweets

For a bargain basement chocolate gift bound to raise a few smiles, check out Chocolate Stadium, where you can snap up chocolates in comedy packaging for as little as ¥198 each. Grab your valentine sugar fix in various forms including soy-sauce and energy-drink bottles, and cup noodles. Chocs in faux medicine packages should not be given to those with poor eyesight, or confusion might result in a Valentine’s Day laxative overdose. The Stadium offers other uncommon chocolate goods, such as chocolate bath salt, chocolate-covered squid, and chocolate curry.

From ¥198, available from www.chocolatestadium.com

Giveaway

From the people who brought you the last Metropolis x adidas promotion, comes… the new Metropolis x adidas promotion! This time, win yourself a pair of brand-new adizero Takumi trainers, designed in collaboration with Japanese master shoe craftsman Hitoshi Mimura. The shoes’ dual-sprint sole system is created to absorb shock and maintain your stability. Win a pair (worth ¥13,650) by emailing the origin of the name “adidas” to giveaways@metropolis.co.jp.

Available from adidas retail outlets. More info here.