Struggling to know what your Valentine might want on Saturday? Let Viva's collection of gift ideas guide you...
KEY POINTS:
Coffee & Bites
Susie Theodorou, Murdoch Books, $35
Gilmore Girls character Lorelei was once asked if she liked coffee, eloquently answering, "only with my oxygen". We know there are many of you out there who feel the same way. Whether it be that first morning cup of
coffee that helps pump life back through your veins, or a lunchtime flat white with friends at a cafe, there is something undeniable about the power of the coffee bean. Susie Theodorou's book explains everything from bean types to brewing know-how, so you can get the best out of your coffee-making. She also offers delicious recipes for perfect coffee accompaniments, from chocolate morning toast to after-dinner truffles. A great addition to any coffee-lover's kitchen.
Happy Spirit Magical Nights fragrance by Chopard
Wear your heart on your sleeve, with this unashamedly romantic perfume. A fruity, floral blend Chopard's Happy Spirit Magical Nights in the purple heart-shaped bottle has a rich, warm oriental vanilla aroma and is priced at $99. Another heart-festooned bottle holds Yves St Laurent's Young Sexy Lovely - girlishly sweet in its pink collector edition bottle. From leading department stores and pharmacies. For more scent gift ideas, click here.
Ambrosia pink slip from Elle Macpherson's Boudoir range
Gentlemen, if you're wanting to buy lingerie for your other half this Valentine's Day, we suggest something cute and elegant like this ambrosia pink slip from Elle Macpherson's Boudoir range. It will speak to her girlish side, and it doesn't scream sex-on-a-stick so it won't make you look so, ahem, desperate to get some. Or, ladies, just buy it for yourself. The gorgeous delicate slip is made of silk chiffon and French stretch leavers lace, and is an indulgent $250.
Valentine's Day cupcakes from Dellows Kitchen
Cupcakes are the universal food of love. We may have just made that up, but then again, how could anyone resist one of these sweet chocolate cupcakes? The special Valentine's Day cupcakes have been made by Dellows Kitchen, and we have it on good authority that as well as looking pretty, they taste divine. $4.50 each from Dellows Kitchen, ph (09) 378 6156.
Narcisco Rodriguez For Her boxed set
A perfume and a purse spray, that's what we call a good buy. Narcisco Rodriguez For Her has a special Valentine's Day boxed set of its popular powdery floral eau de toilette out now in its signature black glass bottle (50ml) witha 7.5ml travel vial. It's a great time to be checking out those limited edition offers. This one costs $135 and is available from Smith & Caughey and Farmers stores at St Lukes, Albany, Hamilton and Lambton Quay.
Janis J bag from Mercy Whimp
Fringing is big news this season, with Vogue dedicating two pages to the detail in their recent issue. With both relaxed folky and tough girl associations, we can see the appeal. It's everywhere from Gucci to Jil Sander to Gareth Pugh. But if fringed clothing is too busy for you this leather fringed handbag is a good compromise. We like its folky charm, and fittingly it's called the Janis J bag. $429 from new local accessories designer Mercy Whimp.
MORE GIFT IDEAS
Emma Green candle
$49, from Smith & Caughey, ph (09) 377 4770.
Agent Provocateur massage oil
Available in Tuberose & Rose Passion, $115, from Jamie, ph (09) 361 4000.
Heart jewellery box
$35, from Romantique, ph (09) 480 2232.
I love you, vintage pull out card
$10 from Romantique, ph (09) 480 2232.
Fondue set
$89, by Habitat at Nest, ph (09) 361 5555.
Red 'Lazy Girl' special edition recliner
Fabric: silk suede (very durable and stain friendly fabric), $2600, available from FMD Fiona McLeod Design, ph (09) 378 1818.
Mimi Venezia's Valentine's range Venetian-style glass heart bracelet
All beads are handmade in the Venetian Glass Lampwork tradition. Exclusive pieces from the exotic and detailed to the bright and chunky. $47.90 from Gusto & Grace, ph (09) 524 5766.
Cristal d'Arques Paris Longchamp Folies wine glasses
In response to the current revival of the Baroque style, Longchamp Folies enhances and lights up its famous facet-cut lead crystal classic design. Available in black and red. Set of four gift box, $99, from The Coolstore, ph (09) 378 4528.
Individual miniature handmade book
This one features a quote by Rumi, created by artist Liz Constable, from $40, from Book Art Studios, ph (09) 817 5189.
Iconic digital retro Timex 80
Gold metal with a crystal screen, water resistant, $99.95, from The Coolstore, ph (09) 378 4528.
Is that so Kid featuring Angelica Huston, photographed by the revolutionary Vogue photographer David Bailey
This irresistible volume chronicles the duo's fiery photographic collaboration, $125, from Jamie, ph (09) 361 4000.
Music for cocktail lovers by Nathan Haines
$30, from Jamie, ph (09) 361 4000.
LINGERIE OPTIONS
Passionata pale pink and black lace bra
$119.90, from Smith & Caughey, ph (09) 377 4770.
Little Minx pale pink bow knickers
$30, from The Pyjama Co, ph (09) 377 5351.
La Perla red lace bra and Brazilian brief
$425 and $290 respectively, from The Silk Drawer, ph (09) 358 5544.
La Perla Black Label black lace bra and G-string
$240 and $185 respectively from The Silk Drawer, ph (09) 358 5544.
Valisere sheer red bra and G-string
$169.90 and $89.95 respectively, from Smith & Caughey, ph (09) 377 4770.
Chantelle black garter belt
$95, from The Pyjama Co, ph (09) 377 5351.
Pleasure State VIP pink eyemask
$39.90, from The Pyjama Co, ph (09) 377 5351.