Everything a woman needs for St Valentine's Day

By KATE FOREMAN

When I got married I assumed all my Valentine's Day worries would be over. Never again, I naively assumed, would I be empty handed on February 14.

Unfortunately, this was news to my husband - apparently it doesn't count for married people.

So when asked to compile my dream list of what I would like to receive on St Val's I naturally leapt at the opportunity.

A girl likes nothing better than to wake up to fresh flowers so I began my search by scouring the net for local online florists.

At the Florist Shop I found a pretty seasonal flower bouquet for $50 (plus $8 delivery charge), while Flowers for New Zealand offered a romantic bouquet for $70 (plus $12 delivery), although with a recommended two days from delivery to order you may have missed the boat for this year.

If you need something in a hurry it looked possible to order a basket of goodies today from A Taste of New Zealand which offered overnight delivery and a huge range of sweet and savoury treats.

Every woman needs a bit of pampering and Beauty Direct had an overwhelming product range of bath foams, perfumes and body lotions.

Even I wasn't sure what some of the products were for, and your average bloke would be scratching his head so I would recommend just checking out the gift packs.

If the bank balance will allow it, a visit to the Jewellery Village will reveal exquisite rings, watches and chains.

Some of the diamond rings are showstoppers with price tags to match, but a stunning 9ct blue topaz and diamond ring cost only $139.

For a one-stop shop, try New Zealand Gifts Mall, an online shopping mall with links to beauty, fashion, kiwiana and foodie sites.

For example "Pavané Design" offers a sumptuous possum fur bedspread for a mere $1200. Apparently possums eat 20,000 tons of native vegetation a night so buy without guilt.

Chocolates are the great Valentine's Day standby, but the number of online outlets is limited. The Warehouse site has a meagre choice but it does offer the cheapest delivery at $7.

At the other end of the scale, de Spa Chocolatier, which can be found by revisiting New Zealand Gifts Mall, has an irresistible selection of hand made chocolates that cost so much that I'm sure eating them would involve no calories at all.

If you've left this too late and are going to be in the dog box check out www.valentines.day.co.nz, which has jokes, ideas, e-cards and all you need to save face.

If it all goes swimmingly and you're inclined to take your relationship to the next level try out Live Wed where you can get a virtual marriage in minutes.

The best thing about this is that if it doesn't work out then just get a virtual divorce.

Links:

The Florist Shop

Flowers for New Zealand

A Taste of New Zealand

Beauty Direct

The Jewellery Village

The Warehouse

Valentine's Day.co.nz

Live Wed