Valentine's Day in Paignton: Gifts for the lady in your life

AS PAIGNTON prepares for Valentine's Day, it's time to think about a gift for your sweetheart. And while you're unlikely to go wrong with the traditional offerings of flowers and chocolates, this is one occasion when a pack of Quality Street and a bunch of chrysanthemums from the garage forecourt simply won't cut it!

Valentine's Day is all about showing that special person just how much you care, so go for the wow factor – the secret is finding out what she would really love to get from you. For example, Valentine's flowers don't have to be roses – if you know she adores lilies, a huge bouquet of scented pink Stargazers is sure to win her heart. And for that special touch, make sure to include a card, love note or poem in your own writing!

Say it with flowers...

Paignton  has a great selection of florists who will be happy to chat through your ideas to create something really special.  jillyw62 is 'always pleased with the lovely service' at Les Fleurs on Torquay Road, adding: 'It's great to see a local business who really do put customer service first.'.  Even better, Les Fleurs is offering Paignton People users a 20% discount on Valentine's flowers ordered before 31 January. Granny_Green recommends Susans Flower Shop on Hyde Road: 'A great florist with a wide selection and very experienced staff. They sell flowers for all occasions as well as well as chocolates, cuddly toys and balloons. One of the best about.' Fabulous Flowers in Preston is also recommended: madam_rose says her flowers were 'really nicely arranged and great value for money'.

Chocs away...

Has she got a sweet tooth? Impress her with a box of luxury chocolates from Thornton's at the Torbay Bookshop. This award-winning store is the the perfect one-stop shop for all your Valentine's shopping, from books, CDs and DVDs to cards and gift wrap, so why not look for her favourite music or movies while you're there?

The sweet scent of success

The key to a winning Valentine's gift is to make it personal and romantic – so however much she's into golf or cooking, this is not the time for a new set of clubs or a Magimix! I Perfume is another popular gift, and one that's sure to go down well – provided you know her favourite scent (tastes are very individual, so don't be tempted to experiment unless you like to live dangerously!). Boots always has a good range of fragrances, both traditional and modern, so you should find what you're looking for. According to MajaCurtis, Crossways Pharmacy can also be a good spot to pick up a perfume bargain: 'I picked up a bottle of a really nice perfume for £12 (normally it costs around £30) so it is worth visiting'.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend...

Of course the ultimate love token has to be jewellery, and if you're thinking of popping the question this Valentine's Day, you may well be looking for a ring. Try the Jewellery Centre in Torquay Road, or check out our directory for a list of jewellers around Paignton offering a huge range of styles to suit all budgets.

We love a romantic story here at Paignton People, so let us know how you're going to make this Valentine's Day special – and if you do propose to your sweetheart this Valentine's and she accepts, remember to tell us about it!

Happy Valentine's Day!