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Read about what's happening on the Sunshine Coast for Valentine's Day 2010.

FOR those of us who've been shot by Cupid's arrow, Valentines Day is a chance to show the ones we love just how much they mean to us. It's never too early to start planning Valentine's Day, after all it's the most romantic day of the year.

So spritz that perfume, grab that bottle of champagne, slip into some lingerie and get ready for Valentines Day 2009.

Valentine's Day Cards

Nothing says "I love you" more than a Valentine's Day card. Quite literally.

The tradition of giving hand written love notes back in the 19th century has eventually given way to greeting cards. Around a billion Valentine's Day cards are sent on February 14 every year in the US alone, making it the second biggest day for greeting cards, behind Christmas.

Whether it be by letter or card, put that pen to paper and let the one you love know how important they are. They'll appreciate it and you'll feel good too.

Gifts for Her

Perfume - Women love to be pampered and perfume is a great way to show the woman in your life how much you care.
Ask her what fragrance she likes before you rush off to the department store. But if you're going for the element of surprise, popular choices for 2009 are Eternity for Women by Calvin Klein,  Light Blue from Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Hot Perfume By Ralph Lauren. One to keep an eye out for is the new Bill Blass due out in February. Couture 8 was inspired by a red floral dress in Blass's autumn collection.

Perfume Connection is selling 50ml bottles of Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana for $89. Visit their website for inspiration.

Lingerie - Like Madonna sings "satin sheets are very romantic", so too is sexy silky lingerie.
For all thing naughty checkout lingerie.com.au for a full range of sexy, sensual nightwear for her.

Flowers - Nothing is more traditional than giving flowers this Valentine's Day. There's plenty of choices too.

But if you're wanting to impress, red roses are always a safe bet. Roses Only is selling half-a-dozen red roses for $69 online in metro areas, or try your local florist for personal service and advice.



Chocolates - Chocolate not only tastes great but it's also a natural aphrodisiac, perfect for Valentine's Day. Darrell Lea do a range of specialty hampers for all different occassions including Valentines Day.

Jewellery -  As they say "Diamonds are a girl's best friend". If you want to splurge on your favourite girl why not show it with some bling.

It doesn't necessarily have to be a ring; you can say "I love you" with earrings, bracelets, watches, or even a necklace.

Nothing says love quite like Canturi jewellery, especially these Double diamond drop earings (pictured).


Gifts for Him

Cologne - If your man likes to smell good, cologne is your first stop this Valentine's Day.

Nothing's better than having your man arrive home smelling fresh and vibrant. Checkout these popular fragrances for men - Aqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, Homme by Joop and Chrome by Azzaro.

The price for Joop Homme (pictured) starts at $49 at Perfume Connection. Checkout the Perfume Connection website for more details.



Jewellery - Whether your man likes to wear jewellery or not, watches are always a perfect gift on Valentine's Day. Rings are also a popular gift for your man, like this sterling silver Tiffany & Co ring from the Atlas range. Prices start from $300.
Checkout the Tiffany & Co website for more details, styles and ranges.
 

Boxer shorts - While he might not be into frilly red underwear, he'll love a good pair of satin boxer shorts. Particularly if they're covered in bright red love hearts. And if he doesn't want to wear them, then you can wear them for him. You can grab a pair of 100% cotton boxers for around $35. Why not try Peter Alexander stores.



Anything sporty - We all know that food is the way to a man's heart but so too is sport! Why not give your man something sporty this Valentine's Day.

Perhaps a voucher for a day on the greens, a new football or even tickets to that next big match. If your man's in to the AFL why not get your hands on Grand Final tickets for the big game in September or plan a trip to the Melbourne Cup. Freecall Sportsnetholidays on 1300 888 858 to register for the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final.


Weird and Wacky Valentine's Day gifts

These days you can pretty much find anything for every occasion. That's why we've compiled a list of the weird, wacky and quirky gifts you can buy your loved one this Valentine's Day.

Emergency G-strings - Packaged up neatly into a little heart shaped, vaccuum sealed pouch, these cheeky gifts are ideal for throwing in your handbag. Coolgifts.com.au has them $6.95 a pair.

Necco Sweethearts Cologne -  If you love the taste of those little conversation love heart shaped lollies, then you'll love a new range of colognes inspired by them.

There are three different fragrances- 'Call Me', 'Love Me' and 'Be My Valentine'.


USB Fragrance Oil Burner - Fire and technology don't usually go together, but this little innovation combines both.

Simply plug it into the computers USB port and watch it burn away while you're browsing through eHarmony profiles.



A Loving Toast - This easy-to-use toast stamper lets your Valentine know you love them before they've even stepped out of bed in the morning.

Cook up some toast and a fresh glass of juice and deliver breakfast in bed while you can watch them eat those three little words instead of saying them yourself.




Book About Bad Boyfriends - Give her a copy of 50 Boyfriends Worse Than Yours and show her that you're better than her ex-boyfriends, by comparing yourself to the other 50 types of men who lie, cheat and backstab.





Valentine's Day on a Budget

It doesn't have to cost you and arm and a leg to show the one you love how you feel about them.
Here are  some simple, but romantic tips for watching your wallet this Valentine's Day.

• Visit your favourite winery and try out the free samples.

• Grab a basket, a blanket, pillows and head along to your favourite park or botanical gardens. Don't forget the strawberries, chocolate and a cheeky little bottle of champagne.

• Jump in the car and take a leisurely drive out of town. Don't forget to turn off your mobile phones.

• Make a good old fashioned mix tape full of songs that have meaning to you as a couple.

• Make some home made vouchers for your partner that are redeemable for massages or other treats.

Thinking about a romantic getaway? Here are some great Valentine's Day ideas from ourbrisbane.com.

Want to know more?

Valentine's Day: A brief history

Romacing the TV: movies for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day in Toowoomba 2009

Valentine's Day on the Sunshine Coast 2009