Jewellery tops gift wishlist

Brian McGillivray of Rotorua Gift and Jewellery Centre said Valentine's Day was his third busiest holiday behind Christmas and Mother's Day.

Soft toys might not be every male's ideal Valentine's Day gift, but that's exactly what some Rotorua men will be getting today.

In a recent Colmar Brunton survey 26 per cent of Kiwi women rated jewellery as their preferred Valentine's gift followed by flowers (16 per cent). Men on the other hand would appreciate a holiday/trip overseas (10 per cent), love and affection (9 per cent) or a car (8 per cent).

Rotorua Florist's Pamela Jenkins said her store had been busy since Saturday and the "young men were flocking in" buying gift baskets or arranging deliveries.

It's not just been the men shopping though. "There's been a reasonably good balance this year. The girls have been in choosing special things," she said. "They tend to be [buying their men] a single flower and a soft toy - but one they like."

Nor has it just been the younger generation.

"You do get the older bracket, they tend to go for a really nice bunch rather than the red roses."

She said roses, traditionally the day's favourite flower, were expected to sell out today.

Extra staff will be on deck and while it was hard work it was also a fun time to be a florist, she said.

"You get carried away with the pleasure and looks on their faces - the people doing the deliveries get that."

Brian McGillivray of Rotorua Gift and Jewellery Centre said Valentine's Day was his third busiest holiday behind Christmas and Mother's Day.

He said in his experience many left buying Valentine's Day jewellery to the last minute. "Men particularly. They're easy to serve, they're in such a hurry, as long as they have got something."

Restaurants are also gearing up for a big night, with many offering special Valentine's menus and entertainment.

One of those is Rotorua cafe Be Rude Not To which has decided to open for dinner for the first time tonight.

Part-owner Phill Swinton said the cafe, which opened in December, got an evening license so it could open on special occasions.

"We want to be involved in all sorts of things that happen."

He said there had already been quite a few bookings for the three-course set menu dinner and he expected more to be made today

Mr Swinton said the cafe was also planning Valentine's themed muffins and baking for its daytime customers. And it won't just be the singletons left to do the work - Mr Swinton said all his staff were looking forward to the festivities.