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In the run-up to Valentine's Day, the Viva offices have been bombarded with rose-coloured soaps, perfumes, candles, naughty knickers and a tonne of other romantic paraphernalia.
However, possibly the most useful piece of information that has crossed the desks of women seeking something for a significant masculine other are the findings of a recent Bendon survey.
Turns out that more than two-thirds of local chaps like to try and get a little bit buff if they're planning to get lucky and almost half of them will buy new knickers in preparation for a big date on Valentine's Day. So they do care!
The survey into what lies beneath, conducted late last year with almost 500 men responding, also found that fitted trunks were the most popular style of boys' undie with cotton boxers second most popular.
So there you go, ladies - forget those horrible satiny numbers with cartoon characters on them. Now you know what to get your fella if he's not into roses or aftershave.
For heart's sake
Wear your heart not only on your sleeve but on your coin purse, your luggage tags, your compact mirror and even your key ring. Dunedin-based accessories specialist Tamsin Cooper has had such loving motifs hand-embroidered and beaded on silk taffeta.
To buy these cute and colourful gifts, which start at around $13, or to find a stockist near you, see Cooper's website.
Literary lovers
Bookseller to the nation, Whitcoulls, has some suggestions for Valentine's Day reading tomorrow.
Animal lovers will like Snog: A Puppy's Guide to Love with loads of original and captivating pictures of puppies. Awww!
For those who prefer something less hairy, there's MeWe: Love, Humanity and Us. Apparently "the MeWe series celebrates in words and stunning photographs the universal bond of humanity and love that is inspired by some of the 20th century's most remarkable humanitarians".
And finally, for those who fancy a bit of chick lit there's Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella, which tells the story of a woman who has lost three years of her memory.
For stockists call 0800 155 662.
A cup of rosy tea
If all that romance has you in need of a cup of tea and a lie down, then you may be wanting some Rosebud Romance tea. Based on a premium oolong tea - which involves tea leaves that didn't oxidise as fully as black tea, resulting in a more fragrant or flowery flavour - this concoction also contains whole dried, pink roses.
It's been specially mixed up for romantic tea-lovers by herbalist and naturopath Leanne Pratt of aaah! Nourishing Tea in the Elliott Stables, central Auckland. It costs $17.50 for 50g or comes as part of a gift set.
See the website, or phone (09) 377 8962 for more.
Bath time
Linden Leaves makes a moisturising lotion called In Love Again all year round but possibly the best looking Valentine's Day gift by the Kiwi beauty company is its Memories body oil. The clear bottles contain rather beautiful roses grown in the South Island and dried, and you can use the hand-made, blended oil straight, massaged directly on to skin, or put some in a steamy bath - dare we say it - for two!
A bottle costs $36. Go to lindenleaves.com
Love talk
If you're not going to reject the consumerist nature of Valentine's Day, or go all crafty and make your own, then it may be worth paying a visit to boutique stationer, kikki.K. They've assembled a dinky collection of decorative notepads, heart-shaped paper clips, cards and even some revoltingly cute items like Love Coupons ($9.95) and the Love Conversation Starter game ($14.95). The latter consists of a box of tiny laminated, decorated cards with thought-provokers such as "your greatest talent is ..." and "I knew I loved you when ...".
See the website for more information.
Fancy pants
Various local lingerie firms will be touting for your loved one's business today.
Fayreform has some lovely, lacy looks and Bendon has the widest variety, from Spanish-inspired spicy colours to elegant basics.
For stockists of the latter two brands, call 0800 Bendon (0800 236 366) for your nearest retailer.
And then for those with a bigger budget, possibly fanciest of all are the delicious offerings from Valisere, complete with Swarovski crystal detailing.
Call 0508 415 415 for stockists.
For photos of these and more Viva Valentine's Day gift ideas, click on the link to the right.
Stockists:
aaah! Nourishing Tea (09) 377 8962
Bendon 0800 236 366
Emporio U (09) 356 6985
Fabric (09) 366 4528
Fast and loose (09) 309 9063
Harvest (09) 376 3107
Iko Iko (09) 358 0220
Miss Crabb (09) 361 3322
Partridge Jewellers (09) 309 8925
Peter Alexander (09) 307 8261
Republic (09) 361 1137
Savour & Devour (09) 361 2631 (Cake orders taken today - 13.02.08)
Sugar Brown's Bakeshop (09) 360 0593
The Vault (09) 622 1420
Unity Books (09) 307 0731
Valisere 0508 415 415
Whitcoulls 0800 155 662
World Beauty (09) 377 0647
Zambesi (09) 303 1701
