The Valentines Day Gift Guide

Following on from our best hampers for her article - here are Valentines.net.au top 5 gift hampers for Valentines Day 2009 for the special man in your life. We have selected these from the two best Australian Online gift hamper providers - McArthur Baskets and The Basket Factory.

1.The Golf Pack

Black two bottle wine cooler bowed with organza ribbon

• Tyrrells Moores Creek shiraz 750ml
• Rock salt & chilli assorted nuts 125g
• Handy pouch for holding golf balls & tees.  Pouch has belt loop or spring hook for attaching to golf bag.
• Practice balls & tees.
• Divot repairer
• Golf towel
• Golf balls x 2
• Sports water bottle

Order one now from The Basket Factory

2. Blue Tongue Bliss

• 4 x Blue Tongue Australian Premium Lager 330ml
• Droste Creamy Milk Chocolate Drops 100g
• Scattering of Individually Wrapped Chocolate Truffles
• Professionally presented in a Timber Crate

Order one now from McArthur Baskets

3. The Anzac

This hamper brings together fine Beers from Australia and New Zealand. This hamper includes:

• 3x Carlton Crown Lager 375ml
• 3x New Zealands Finest Steinlager 330ml
• Casses Roasted & Salted Peanuts 60g
• Crunchy Mini Pretzels 70g
• Assorted Rice Cracker Mix 65g
• Scaterring of Milk Chocolate Truffles or Toffee
• Presented in a Wooden Crate.

Order one now from McArthur Baskets

4.Man On The Go

This gift comes wrapped and bowed with organza ribbon

• Deluxe toiletry bag with door hook
• Jumbo sports towel in blue
• Sports water bottle
• “Man” shower gel 250ml from The Aromatherapy Co
• “Man” face lotion SPF15 75ml from The Aromatherapy Co

Order one now from The Basket Factory

5. Cooking Outdoors

Wooden timber crate shrink wrapped and bowed with organza ribbon (overnight deliveries packed closed in a glossy gift box)

• Waterproof apron with pockets for barbeque utensils
• Stainless steel barbeque tongs
• Stainless steel barbeque fork
• Stainless steel barbeque lifter
• Assorted boutique beers x 4
• Ogilvie lime & coriander marinade with brush 250ml
• Ogilvie beer & mustard sauce 250ml
• Country Cuisine caramelised onion relish 250g
• Peter Howard barbeque relish 230g
• Waliz salted macadamia nuts 100g
• Cass’s roasted & salted peanuts 200g
• Snax with Attitude soy rice & pretzel mix 120g
• Herb & Spice Mill parmesan & rosemary biscuits 100g
• Ernest Hillier classic chocolate assortment 250g

Order one now from The Basket Factory

Want to see more?

Both our merchant partners McArthur Baskets and The Basket Factory have a large range of gift hampers to choose from.

Valentines.net.au has researched the best Australian online merchants and has put together the Top 5 best gift hampers for Valentines Day 2009 for her.

Gift Baskets For Her

1. My Special Valentine Gift Hamper

• Grant Burge Pinot Noir Chardonnay 750ml
• Ashmores Freeze Dried Strawberries in White Chocolate 50g
• Smooth and Milky 30g Heart by Dolci Doro Chocolates
• Dolci Doro Creamy Milk Chocolate Large Heart 200g
• 30 x Solid Milk Chocolate Foiled Hearts by Paddington Chocolates

Order Now from McArthur Baskets

2. Valentines Celebration

• Yellow by Yellowglen 750ml
• Soft Cuddly Teddy Bear Holding a Red Rose
• I Love You Pillow
• Paddington Cellophaned Creamy Chocolate Pack
• 15 x Solid Milk Chocolate Hearts by Dolci Doro
• Presented in a Wicker Basket With Handle.

Order Now from McArthur Baskets

3. Lucky in Love

• A Re-Usable Leather Look Box filled to the brim with Champagne and Chocolates to spoil your Valentine.
• Wolfblass Eaglehawk Sparkling Chardonnay 750ml
• H & S Mill Shortbread Bites 50g
• Large, Smooth and Creamy Dolci Doro Chocolate Heart 200g
• Freeze Dried Strawberries Encased in White Chocolate 50g
• Voodoo Original Rocky Road 85g
• Cashews Dipped in Milk Chocolate 100g
• Droste Dark Chocolate Milk Pastilles 75g
• Honeycomb Chocolate Sauce 125ml
• Dolci Doro Milk Chocolate Boxed Heart 30g
• 20 x Solid Milk Chocolate Foiled Hearts by Paddington Chocolates.

Order Now from McArthur Baskets

4. Valentine Elegance

This beautiful gift comes wrapped in cello and tied with Valentine ribbon

• Moet & Chandon non vintage champagne 750ml
• Ernest Hillier chocolate heart in silver or red 100g

Order Now from The Basket Factory

5. Valentine Picnic

Flexi picnic basket with handy 4 person cutlery and crockery set bowed with our Valentine ribbon

• Chandon NV brut 750ml
• Riverina gusto chilli salsa 205g
• Sydney Biscuit Co lavosh 200g
• Cass’s oriental mix 200g
• Opera Foods cheese biscuits 100g
• Mac’s petticoat tail butter shortbread 150g
• Ernest Hillier small chocolate hearts 6g x 20

Order Now from The Basket Factory

Following on from our One Dozen Red Roses comparison - Valentines.net.au has researched the top ten Australian Online Florists and found the best value on a single red rose delivered to your special someone this Valentines Day.

Our criteria was similar to our previous price showdown - One Dozen Red Roses Delivered

• A single long stem rose - attractivly boxed or in a small vase.
• Same day delivery to metropolitan areas (included in the price)
• Online hassle free ordering
• Delivery available on Saturday February 14

The contenders are……………………

Australia’s Best Florist

What you get

• A single long stem rose in a long box
• Same day delivery

Price - $59.95
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Easy Flowers

What you get

• A single long stem rose available in red or a variety of other colour choices
• Same day delivery

Price - $48.95
Value - Great
Order Online Now

Flowers.com.au

What you get

• 3 Stunning Roses in Long Box (they have a min of 3 roses)
  
• Same day delivery

Price - $59
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Flowers For Everyone

What you get

• A single red rose, wrapped in vines and foliage and presented in a glass vase
• Same day delivery

Price - $49.95
Value - Best
Order Online Now

Interflora

What you get

• A single red rose in a presentation box
  
• Same day delivery

Price - $56.55
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Petals Florist

What you get

• A single boxed rose
• Same day delivery

Price - $54.33
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Ready Flowers

What you get

• A single red rose attractively presented
• Same day delivery

Price - $67.90
Value - Average
Order Online Now

Roses Only

What you get

• Single Long Stemmed Red Rose
• Same day delivery

Price - $79
Value - Average
Order Online Now

Teleflora

What you get

• Beautifully presented single long stem Red Rose. The rose is wrapped in sinamay.
• Same day delivery

Price - $55.95
Value - Good
Order Online Now

The Flower Factory

What you get

• One long stem red rose presented in a red box.
• A classic glass bud VASE in which to display the rose.
• Same day delivery

Price - $52.50
Value - Good
Order Online Now

The Winner!

Overall the cheapest single rose this Valentines Day goes to Easy Flowers at $48.95 - only $1 cheaper than Flowers For Everyone coming in at $49.95.  Roses Only is easily the most expensive at $79. Flowers.com.au deserve a special mention for value as they do not have a single rose product - but 3 roses at only $59 is cheaper than a lot of the other contenders single rose.

Best Price - Easy Flowers - $48.95

Most Expensive - Roses Only - $79

The ones I’d buy - It is very hard to go past the Flowers.com.au 3 roses special as it is considerably cheaper than some of the online florists single rose. However - if you are looking for Australia’s cheapest single long stem rose delivered this Valentine then go for the Easy Flowers single rose.

Perfume is a perfect Valentines Day gift and Valentines.net.au has put together the ultimate Valentines Day 2009 perfume buying guide. These are the hottest and most fashionable perfumes on the market at the moment. We have done the comparison shopping for you - compare the prices below and buy from the cheapest online store.

1. Miss Dior Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml

Miss Dior Eau De Toilette Spray - $196 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Miss Dior Eau De Toilette Spray - $148.45 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Miss Dior Eau De Toilette Spray - Not Available - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Miss Dior Eau De Toilette Spray - $159.95 - FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

2. Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray by Marc Jacobs 100ml

Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray - $146 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray - $89.05 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray - $109 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray - $97.95 - FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

3. Chanel No 5 - Christian Dior 50ml

Chanel No 5 50 ml Spray - $218 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Chanel No 5 50 ml Spray - $212.80 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Chanel No 5 50 ml Spray - Not Available - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Chanel No 5 50 ml Spray - Not Available - Spend $80 and get FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

4.  Gucci By Gucci Eau De Toilette Spray 75ml

Gucci By Gucci - $172 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Gucci By Gucci - $118.75 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Gucci By Gucci - $145 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Gucci By Gucci - $124 -  FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

5.  J’Adore Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml - Christian Dior

J’Adore Eau De Toilette Spray - $164 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

J’Adore Eau De Toilette Spray - Not Available - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

J’Adore Eau De Toilette Spray - $169 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

J’Adore Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml - $104.95 - Spend $80 and get FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

6. Juicy Couture Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml

Juicy Couture Eau De Parfum Spray - $164 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Juicy Couture Eau De Parfum Spray - Not Available - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Juicy Couture Eau De Parfum Spray - $99.00 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Juicy Couture Eau De Parfum Spray - $109.95 - FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

Juicy Couture Eau De Parfum Spray - $89 - Spend $79 and get FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

7. Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml- Bvlgari

Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray - $172 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray - $108.85 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray - $179 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray - NOT AVAILABLE - Spend $80 and get FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray - $152 - FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

8.  Angel Eau De Parfum Natural Spray 50ml - Thierry Mugler

Angel Eau De Parfum Natural Spray - $182 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Angel Eau De Parfum Natural Spray - $113.80 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Angel Eau De Parfum Natural Spray - $141 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Angel Eau De Parfum Natural Spray - $119.95 - FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

Angel Eau De Parfum Natural Spray - NOT AVAILABLE - Spend $79 and get FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

9.  Lovely Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml - Sarah Jessica Parker

Lovely Eau De Parfum Spray- $131 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Lovely Eau De Parfum Spray - $49.95 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Lovely Eau De Parfum Spray - $110 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Lovely Eau De Parfum Spray - $59.95 - Spend $80 and get FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

Lovely Eau De Parfum Spray - $89.95 - FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

10.  Eternity Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml Calvin Klein

Eternity Eau De Parfum Spray- $130 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Eternity Eau De Parfum Spray - $69 - Free delivery anywhere in Australia

Eternity Eau De Parfum Spray - $99 - $8.50 flat fee delivery anywhere in Australia

Eternity Eau De Parfum Spray - $67.95 - Spend $80 and get FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

Eternity Eau De Parfum Spray - $89.95 - FREE delivery. Express delivery available.

Want an alternative gift for your significant other this Valentines Day? Valentines.net.au has done the research and come up with the Top 5 Valentines Day Experiences for men and women this Valentines Day.

For Him

1. Aerobatics Flight - Hand On

Indulge your childhood fantasy by taking control of a Robin 2160 aerobatic trainer. With the Hands On Aerobatic flight your flight instructor will give you a pre-flight briefing then, once airborne, you’ll have the chance to take the controls and maneuver the Robin through level flight, a loop and a roll.

Booking Information

2. Jet Boating

This trip will take your breath away! Imagine racing at 75 km/h through Sydney Harbour, under the Harbour Bridge past the Opera House and the Australian Navy Fleet, skimming around Fort Denison and the Prime Minister’s Sydney Residence, before heading to quieter waters to unleash the full power of the Jet. Here, riders will encounter wild fish tails, 270-degree spins and awesome power brake stops.

Booking Information

3. Hot Laps

For 10km of high speed action, you’ll be strapped into the passenger seat beside an expert driver for a ride you won’t forget. A fleet of high performance cars are equipped with all the necessary approved requirements to make this the ride of your life

Booking Information

4. Canyoning

Learn to abseil in Katoomba, with fantastic views across to the world famous Three Sisters. This half day beginners course is the ideal skills base for canyoning. Start with abseils up to 30 metres, then put your new skills to the test in the afternoon. The adventure begins with a 17 metre overhang abseil into the canyon. Scrambling, jumping, swimming and wading your way through the canyon, you will be amazed at the scenery. Shafts of light spear their presence into the darkened chasm. Bring your waterproof camera!

Booking Information

5. Cooking

Get him into the kitchen - the ultimate Valentines gift for men who can’t or won’t cook. In this hands-on class we prepare a full Italian menu celebrating all that is important in Italian food.

Booking Information

For Her

1. Learn Pilates

Get your body moving with a series of Pilates classes. Pilates is a dynamic and invigorating method of movement designed to improve posture, strength and flexibility through mind-body focus. It is a unique way to tone muscles and stimulate circulation, by promoting new neuromuscular patterns, Pilates increases body awareness and strengthens core muscles. The invigorating practice helps you stabilize your spine and tighten your waistline.

Booking Information

2.Ulimate Facial

Scientifically formulated to smooth and improve your skin’s condition, this facial consists of two full hours of targeted anti-ageing bliss. Our spa has worked with the legendary Guerlain Institute in Paris to create the most luxurious and effective facials available today, taking skin repair and wrinkle reduction to a new level. Indulge in the ultimate anti-ageing treatment.

Booking Information

3.Learn to Ride a Horse

Horse riding lessons are the ideal way to learn confidence, balance and co-ordination in a controlled environment. They have the flexibility to offer private lessons either in an arena, out on a trail or a combination of both. The horse-riding centre is a magnificent 3000-acre property surrounded by National Park. With over 200 horses available and 50kms of trails to explore, you can ride through unspoilt Australian bush and canter across lush green valleys.

Booking Information

4. Sydney Scenic Flight

What an awesome way to view the stunning scenery of Sydney Harbour and Bondi Beach! This scenic flight takes off from Rose Bay (Sydney Harbour) and tracks through Sydney Heads to view the beautiful Bondi Beach from approximately 500 feet! Returning into the Harbour the flight climbs to 1000 feet to ensure a fantastic view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House before landing at Rose Bay.

Booking Information

5.Dolphin Watching

Travel on a safe stable comfortable catamaran into the Gulf Saint Vincent which is home to over 1000 dolphins. These fascinating mammals are naturally inquisitive and will be just as interested in you as you are in them. This fully licensed cruise has an enviable reliability record for seeing dolphins and for getting you as close as possible to these protected creatures in a non intrusive way.

Booking Information

Valentines.net.au has surveyed all of the top online flowers sellers and we have found the best value for the classic one dozen red roses for your Valentine. We did our research and came up with this list of the top ten online Australian florists. (If you are after a single rose delivered then we’ve also done the hard work for you)

As most Aussie blokes leave Valentines Day to the absolute last minute we wanted to make sure all florists could deliver on the same day as the order. All florists listed below have different cutoff times for same day delivery - so make sure you check - and guys - order early for once!

Our criteria was to ensure that they all met these standards

• Same day delivery to capital cities (you need to place your order by a cut-off time that varies between merchants)
• One dozen long stem roses
• Online hassle free ordering
• Delivery available on Saturday February 14

The contenders are……………………

Australia’s Best Florist

What you get

• 12 long stemmed roses in a re-usable pot
• Same day delivery

Price - $129.95
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Easy Flowers

What you get

• 12 long stem roses
• Same day delivery

Price - $114.95
Value - Great
Order Online Now

Flowers.com.au

What you get

• 12 Stunning Roses in Long Box
• Same day delivery

Price - $115
Value - Great
Order Online Now

Flowers For Everyone

What you get

• 12 large short stemmed roses in a self watering box.
• Same day delivery

Price - $109.50
Value - Best
Order Online Now

Interflora

What you get

• Long Box of 12 Red roses
• Same day delivery

Price - $118.55
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Petals Florist

What you get

• 12 long stemmed roses in an elegant box
• Same day delivery

Price - $155.80
Value - Average
Order Online Now

Ready Flowers

What you get

• 12 long stemmed roses
• Choice of rose colour - not just red!
• Same day delivery

Price - $127
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Roses Only

What you get

• Same day delivery
• 12 long stemmed red roses in standard Roses Only box
• Small box of Lindt chocolates (60g)

Price - $139
Value - Good
Order Online Now

Teleflora

What you get

• Arrangement of 12 Long Stem Red Roses in a Ceramic Pot
• Same day delivery

Price - $137.95
Value - Good
Order Online Now

The Flower Factory

What you get

• 12 long stem red roses in a box
• Lindt Lindor chocolates (150g)
• Same day delivery

Price - $132.50
Value - Good
Order Online Now

The Winner!

Overall the cheapest one dozen roses this Valentines Day goes to Flowers For Everyone at $109.50 whilst Petals is the most expensive at $155.80.

Best Price - Flowers for Everyone - $109.50

Most Expensive - Petals - $155

The ones I’d buy - I like the Roses Only combination of one dozen red roses and Lindt chocolates but for better value I’d buy  The Flowers For Everyone bunch and add the optional $12.50 chocolates to the bundle making it $132.50. Still cheaper than Roses Only combination of $139.

Valentines Day 2009 falls on Saturday February 14 and Valentnes.net.au will be bringing you the best Valentines gifts, flowers, hampers, ecards and more.

To stay up to date on our Valentines gift specials make sure you subscribe to Valentines.net.au via either email or RSS.

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day everyone. Hope you found Valentines.net.au useful in your search for the best Valentines Day gifts.

Thanks for your support and we’ll be back next year with more great Valentines Day gift ideas.

A quick summary post to list out all the Valentines Gifts we have been highlighting over the past few weeks. Follow these links to find our reviews on the best Valentines Day gifts for 2008

• Flowers
• Jewellery
• Gift Hampers
• Lingerie
• Perfume
• Alternative & Naughty Gifts

And a reminder - you need to make sure you order ASAP to ensure that delivery will occur on Thursday.

If you love leaving Valentines Day gifts to the last minute then you’ve come to the right place. Browse through our flowers, jewellery, gift hampers, perfume guides or our alternative gifts guide.

Perhaps you’d like to surprise your partner with some tickets to a concert, exhibition or sporting event? A great site - Mytickets.com.au has launched recently which you can buy concert tickets, movie tickets exhibition, sporting event, even tourist attractions and movie tickets. They have a great range of Valentines Day ticket ideas such as scenic flights & romantic harbour cruises to musicals & drama - click here to see their Valentines Day suggestions.