The Perfect Valentines Gift

1-800-Florals is a wonderful place to get a huge variety of fresh cut flowers, bouquets and gift baskets of fresh fruits and other yummies.

We found the classic sweetheart Valentine's gift at 1-800-Florals: A dozen roses in a bouquet with accents, a plush teddy bear, a box of chocolates and a mylar hearts balloon! A great sure bet.

They also have other combinations of Valentine's flowers, plush toys, candy, balloon bouquets and more.

Whatever perfect gift you end up getting for your Valentine, there is one thing that must accompany it... A Valentine's Card.

With a week and a half to go, and all the stores gearing up for a mad rush on the usual fresh-cut flowers, chocolate heart trays and plush bears, there is still time to find The Perfect Valentine's Gift.

I want to talk about travel today. I don't personally believe there is anything more memorable than a unique romantic getaway for just the two of you, away from the everyday distractions for a weekend, a week, or a wonderful 2 weeks away in an exotic, cosmopolitan or rustic destination. There is plenty of room to make it even more special for your Valentine by, for example, upgrading to Business or First Class, phoning ahead to the hotel or guest lodge and whispering in the concierge's ear, or checking into the Honeymoon suite. And why not? 

Some of the oldest tricks in the book for making your sweetheart melt into your arms on Valentine's Day are also some of the best!

Add a 'movie-tale' spin to Valentines (how many times have you seen your wife/girlfriend smiling at the romantic gestures in her favorite film?)

- spread red rose petals on the bedcovers, draw a bath (add a few petals here too!), light some candles and put on some soft, relaxing music.

- if you have a balcony or access to the a rooftop garden, go to town and set out a lovely dinner for two, complete with candles, lacy linens, champagne and YOU of course, dressed in the best clothes in your closet!

- take a roadtrip into the country and find a secluded spot to spread a picnic blanket out and lay down an exceptional array of treats and creature comforts like an umbrella (more for privacy than shade), a cooler, chilling a great bottle of something mellow and a book of poems that you can read to her as she lies, gazing at the clouds.

Now I don't generally suggest electronic goods as great Valentine gift ideas, but we recently came across a wonderful gift idea that can also be given as a pair (one for each partner). Fresh from Amazon themselves, the Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device.

Unusual, yes, but I think the idea of loading up a few romantic novels on the Kindle before giving it to your beloved bookworm is simply delightful!

BEACH Romance - sand, sea and relaxation!

White beaches; cool, clear water and an island adventure at you fingertips; what better way to get away from it all, unwind and spend some much-deserved time indulging in a little light island romance with your sweetheart?

Imagine escaping on a heavenly and romantic cruise to an exotic destination that will make this year's Valentine's Celebrations the best you've ever had and the one to measure all future plans against!

Whether it's the Caribbean or Hawaii, you are sure to find a package to suit you through Cruise Direct at prices that are affordable, turning your dream vacation into a reality.

With so many choices, you will be able to spoil the love of your life with a walk down a powder white beach, sipping cool cocktails at sunset on any one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you have ever seen.

I have been all over the world, and sampled all kinds of chocolate. I have tasted some incredibly delicious chocolates, but I have never, ever seen anything like these!

Just take a look at these mouth-watering examples of the hand-crafted bonbonerie that zChocolat produces (and you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to check out the Gift Baskets )...

Just Flowers don't sell... just flowers! They have a wonderful range of 'traditional' Valentines gifts. Here is a sampling...!

• Valentine Roses - Guys, you know these are an absolute must, don't you?
• Valentine Flowers - Just remember, though, that there are many other beautiful and thoughtful flower choices (besides the ever-faithful bouquet of roses!) that will show her just how much you love her!

Who doesn't love the delicious aroma of freshly brewed gourmet coffee? Coffee is one of the most sought after and desired beverages available today. You've heard the saying - 'GIVE ME COFFEE OR GIVE ME DEATH!", so why not surprise your coffee-loving sweetheart with THE yummiest wake-up drink they could possibly imagine by selecting from the awesome range of gourmet coffees available at BOCA JAVA?

If your loved one prefers the more delicate and sophisticated flavours of tea, a wonderful selection of gourmet teas is waiting to be discovered by tea-loving spirits everywhere!

Ok, we know. As much as we try to convince you that chocolates and candy are old news, there is really nothing better than a tray of decadent truffles, is there? If you agree, how about some of these delicious treats: