Suddenly Madame Glamour and no-shame last minute Valentine’s gifts

It may be the most overrated day of the year, but if your other half is expecting a present this Valentine’s Day and you haven’t already been to the shops DO NOT PANIC.

There’s all the usual hearts and flowers, but I’ve been combing the high street for some super affordable quirky options that are slightly less clichéd than your standard box of chocolates.

I know Lidl may not be a typical stop in the search for a romantic pressie, but their Suddenly Madame Glamour* perfume is winning lots of acclaim.

It’s a total bargain at just £3.49 for a 50ml perfume and for £4.99 you can also grab a gift set including shower gel and body lotion. So with change from a tenner you can have a perfume that’s come out ahead of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle in a consumer panel blind test.

It’s not the most expensive looking packaging in the world, but it certainly looks like it cost more than it does. Suddenly Madame Glamour’s pretty scent, with citrus and floral top notes, lingers impressively well. It’s in stores now, alongside a host of other Valentine’s treats.

If your other half is one of the 4% of people in NI** who expect a card and a present this year, they may fall in love with this gorgeous umbrella.

The fancy brolly is by the quirky Lulu Guinness and its clear covering is smothered in pretty pink kisses.

You can pick it up in House of Fraser for £32, and with the weather in NI it’ll definitely be put to good use.

Marks and Spencer have the cutest Valentine makeup range, but my eye was caught by their snug hand gloves.

Specially for those couples who are into their Public Displays of Affection, you can hold hands while keeping toasty this February 14th.

M&S snug hand gloves £15.

If you’re purchasing for someone who’s into their patterned tights, this pretty pair may be just right.

This pair is £9.99 from MissGuided.co.uk and they’re available on next day delivery – great if you’re trying to find something at the last minute!

Valentine’s Day is pretty much directed by card companies and retailers now (sorry for feeding that!) but these cute little wildflowers mean you can give something to charity, as well as someone you love.

These small pink hearts are rich with seeds which will grow into wildflowers when planted. I think it’s a really pretty idea. They only cost £2.99 and are in aid of the British Heart Foundation, which has charity shops across NI.


They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and if your partner is a foodie they’ll probably appreciate this meat bouquet (not a euphemism).

La Tasca, a tasty tapas restaurant, has created 50 of these eatable bundles. The bouquet includes edible flowers, Spanish chorizo, sliced salchichon and sliced serrano ham.

Yum?

Finally if Valentine’s Day is less about sharing feelings and more about sharing fluids, you might be turned on by this Aphrodisiac Popcorn.

A limited edition sample of the saucy snack has been developed by Cheeky Frog in partnership with blinkbox.

It contains all kinds of ingredients, including ginseng and chocolate, which aim to get you and your partner in the mood.

To get your mitts on some you can tweet blinkbox with details of who you’d like to share your popcorn with and why, from 10am on February 12th.



**research commissioned by blinkbox.