Love is in the air

As cupid starts to fire his annual arrows the incurable romantics among us are scouring the shops for that extra special present for our loved one.

Forget the other 364 days in the year February 14 is, to many couples, one of the most important dates on the calendar.

We all know that it is not what you buy but the thought that counts and a box of chocolates or bunch of flowers will be just as well received as something more exotic.

But if you are looking for something a bit different, help is at hand and we are not just talking about the male members of the population here.

It is an ideal opportunity for us women to ensure our men are in no doubt about how we feel.

I have done the hard work for you and gathered together a collection of goodies designed to give cupid a little nudge and your other half a huge smile.

Some are more traditional, others a little different, but now you do not have an excuse. I have found the gifts -- all you have to do is get shopping. UNDERWEAR is a perennial favourite with women -- and their men -- and those clever designers for supermarket chain Tesco have come up with two fantastic heart-design lingerie sets, named quite appropriately Love Hearts, just perfect for this special day.

Available in red and pink, or black and pink this lacy, embroidered mesh underwear features an underwired bra (£9.99) or a balcony bra (£11.99) with high-leg or thong briefs (both £4.99).

They are pretty enough to appeal to women and sexy enough to set your man's pulse racing and have the added advantage of being at a very affordable price.

Both bras are available in sizes 34A to 38DD and are stocked at the new Tesco in Horwich. Flowers are a safe bet if you are not sure what to buy, and red roses are the traditional favourite. Morrisons has a lovely bouquet of six roses for just £2.69, 12 can be picked up for only £4.99 and a luxury bouquet of a dozen is available at £9.99. Marks and Spencer has a super range of Valentine's Day gifts for men and women. Love Bubbles (£10) is a little teddy and mini bottle of Cava in a gift bag. If your Valentine has a sweet tooth there is a delightful Little Bag of Love (£1.99) filled with milk chocolate and caramel hearts, or why not take a look at the Sequin Heart Box (£3.99), which is a beautiful keepsake filled with delicious plain chocolate hearts with passion fruit flavoured centres. For the true chocoholic you cannot go wrong with the Swiss Love Hearts (£4.99). If it is a fun gift you are looking for then look no further than the cute Love Heart Sweetie Doll (purely for the girls of course). There are eight characters to collect and each sports a love heart message including "Be Mine" which changes to "Sweet Heart" and "Naughty" which swaps to "Nice". They retail at £6.99 and are available at Tesco and Woolworth's, or by mail order on 0121 355 6200. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year Coty's L'Aimant is a shining example of one of the world's most enduring, romantic and best-selling self-selection fragrances of all time. It might not be ultra-trendy but it smells good.

It is available in three sizes, (£6.95, £9.95, £13.95) and there is also a wide variety of products in the L'Aimant range including skin perfume, talc, and body spray. Look out for it in Boots. The internet is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to shops, particularly for busy people who find popping into town at worst an impossibility, at best a chore.

Look at the memorisethis.com/valentine webside for some great ideas. The Lovers Food Hamper (£39.95), includes luscious Scottish oak smoked salmon, a bottle of champagne and passion fruit white chocolate truffles.

If your partner is a dedicated follower of fashion, and money is no object, then she is sure to adore the silk designer handbag. It is a gorgeous raspberry colour, is sprinkled with semi-precious crystals, and costs £120. Laura Ashley has some inspirational ideas for romantic gifts for her. Sparkling jewellery, fragrant candles and tea lights are all available in store. But the pretty antique-style photograph frames are my personal favourites. They cost between £20 and £30, and are both attractive and practical. They are available at the Trafford Centre branch, or ring 0870 5622116 for stockists. HANDMADE bath and body product company Lush has designed some delightful treats for Valentine's Day.

Try Stupid Cupid (£2.75), a luxury bubble bar treat with added sparkle and Flirt by Name, Flirt by Nature (£1.80), a bath ball which fizzes in the water and contains a message on top. Also worth a look are the chocolate treats which smell good enough to eat but are designed to be used as a massage bar for the skin. Black Magic (£2.95) is topped with a single red rose petal, After 8.30 (£2.85) is peppermint scented and Choco La La (£2.65) is made with violet leaf oil. Lush products are available by mail order. Ring 01202 668 545.

Meanwhile at WH Smith there are several books which would be ideal for a February 14 gift. The Love Potions cocktail book (£6.99) has hints and tips to make the ultimate love cocktail or what about the Love Hearts book, filled with love messages and romance and it costs just £2.50. Do not forget the card. WH Smith has more than 500 to choose from.

Boots has come up with some great ideas for Valentine's Day. Try the Botanics Time for Passion massage oil (£6.90) which is a luxurious blend of pure geranium, black pepper and jasmine essential oils in a moisturising oil base, or what about a creamy, sensual, bath float which when floated under running water creates a rich, moisturising scented foam and costs £5. If you are looking for something rather less romantic and more wacky and wild, then look no further than the Old Git, or Old Tart wines, available at local supermarkets, including Sainsbury's and Tesco, and priced at around the £3.99 mark. They are described as "fruity little numbers" and should add some humour to the day.