Valentines Gift – Save or Splurge?!

Hi All!!

In keeping with my last post (such a long time ago, I know!!) I am filling you in on what’s hot around Bandon, just in time for Valentines Day. As I could not possibly get to every shop, I walked into a few, snapped pics of their goodies and included them here to showcase the range on offer in your town. Valentine’s Day is very much about the ladies but I did try to include gifts for the men too.

Firstly, Horgan’s Pharmacy showed such a great range for both men and women. From gift sets to single items there is something here to suit everyone’s need and budget. Mary very kindly showed me some of the items that might grab your fancy. The Lancome La Vie Est Belle set comes in a beautiful box and is a scent women of all age groups just love. This really is a lovely perfume and interestingly, it’s a French expression meaning “life is beautiful”. What a perfect sentiment for the day that’s in it! Priced at €55.00 it comes with a complimenting body lotion and is a splurge, but one that is more than worth it.

Roger & Gallet offered a perfume that comes with a lotion as a gift. A fresh, floral scent which is perfect for Spring/Summer might be just what you are looking for. If you are unsure what perfume your lady loves, this is light enough that anyone would wear it. A hint of summer without smelling like you rolled in a flower-bed! It is just over €20 so it’s very budget friendly.

Emporio Armani’s “Diamond” again comes with a free gift of a beautiful clutch as seen in the picture. A great free gift that will definitely be used. It is on the upper end of the price scale but as people will be looking for such items they also need to be included. It may be your version of diamonds this Valentines.

If you know the lady loves Clarins then you know there is nothing like getting a big bottle of your favourite Clarins potion. This will suit perfectly as the Super Rich Body Lotion is now only €25 for 400ml (that;s airport prices!!). This lotion is so hydrating, it feels amazing on your skin and does not leave an oily residue. Gentlemen, this means it is a really super and fantastic moisturiser at an unbelievably good price. It will get us all ready to soak up the rays this summer.

There were also a great range of mens scents and gift sets at various prices. James Bond and Hugo Boss were both available and are the time of mens spray that can really suit any age group. Who else thinks the packaging and colours are great? Yes you can share my shelf space 🙂

Next I moved onto jewellery at Desmond’s Jewellers. As we are all suckers for a bit of bling, the range on offer here will get you so excited. With great watches like Caravelle and Festina for men and women, neck pieces from Nikki Lissonni and Waterford Crystal and more earrings to match it is a hub of glitz and glamour. If you want to make the one you love dazzle, you need to have a look here. The watches from Caravelle are half price up to and including Valentine’s Day so an amazing offer there. When asked about the old adage “watches put time on your relationship”, I was advised that “If you receive a watch from your partner a ring is soon to follow!”. So, no need to worry here, a watch is in fact a great sign. Check out their Facebook page for a great Valentine’s competition now. (Click on their name above.)

If you are planning on popping the question and still have not found the perfect ring, you can make it special by going to Desmonds Jewellers with her after the day and getting one custom made. Or you can also head down to Hilsers Jewellers where there is a range on display for you to choose from. I’m sure you won’t ever go too far wrong!

              

If you are not yet on the market for a sparkly ring, then fear not as O’Farrells have their window adorned with the cutest of cuddly companions. Giving the gift of a card and a teddy is still much loved and can be easily picked up here!

Another alternative to all of these gifts, is to pick up a dress to surprise your lady with before you whisk her off to dinner! A few such items can be found at Kevin Bowens. In the first photo below, this beautiful dress is available for under €30. This blue hue will become a staple item in her wardrobe. The other dresses are new stock and are around €45 and are perfect for Valentine’s night.

       

While in keeping with the fashion theme, if this is the way to her heart(!), Dressed have great range of accessories to help you out with your present hunt. From candles to handbags and everything in between you are sure to find an item she will love. The Spring/Summer 2015 stock has also started to make it’s way onto the rails at Dressed, and the pastel coloured items on offer are a lovely start to that new wardrobe.

                  

Hoping to do something a bit more personal and whip up a frenzy in the kitchen? Well look no further than Urru Culinary Store. With a range of organic produce and some very different flavours, it will not disappoint. There is also a huge range of wines available in store which will set your meal off perfectly. All you need under one roof is exactly the type of place we all look for on Valentines Day. And here is just the perfect place to do just that. Whether you are a man or woman looking to cook for your better half, it suits perfectly. You might also like to wrap up some culinary treats and give a hamper to show your adoration.

   

We can’t go much further in this blog without talking about some beautiful flowers. I took a walk into Anne’s Flowers to see what you can expect to find here. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that it’s not just pretty petals on offer for the big day ahead. With a range of teddies, to lanterns you can use to create the perfect ambiance, to a flower in a vase, there are some very unique items on offer here. Of course the roses won’t be in store until closer to the day to ensure freshness. Anne’s Flowers is in need of congratulations as they celebrate 10 years in business this month. Check out their Facebook page to see the great competition they are running to celebrate, a trip away!!

    

At the opposite end of the town (yes I did a lot of walking!) Warren Allen Collections has some oh so cool items that you can get for ‘himself’. From great graphic wallets, to cool belts or very funky money banks you are definitely going to come out with a great, really different present. And guys, the range for ladies is equally as good.

                   

Now, let no person forget the ever important card lest you hear about it for every Valentine’s Day to come! And so I came to Bandon Books Plus. Not only are there a huge selection for absolutely everyone, but you can also pair it with something sweet if you’re a bit late in picking up your present. (Cue most men!) If you are one of few that have not yet read the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey, then hurry up and pick up a copy before you see the film. There are scenes that won’t be included from the book so make sure you get the full storyline! Chocolates and some very cute balloons are also available here, so a huge choice in store.

So no excuses, so many wonderful items to be found in town. The theme has changed so so so quickly from Christmas to Valentine’s, but the sentiment remains, shop local! With such a great range, at super prices, why wouldn’t you?! Enjoy your Valentine’s Day.