You don’t need a fat wallet to win your Valentine’s heart: Love strikes Karachi

The Express Tribune compiles a list of things you can do for your special one within Rs1,500.

KARACHI:

It’s the time of year when Cupid sprinkles confetti, lovers meet and the world is wrapped in overwhelmingly red decorations. It is also that time of year when card manufactures, chocolatiers and florists make a killing! As the contagious spirit of love and giving increases, so does the price for making your loved one happy. The Express Tribune compiled a list of things you can do for your special one within Rs1,500.

While the lure of cute little teddy bears, glittery red hearts and chocolate boxes might pull you in, it’s time to step away from the
yawn-factor and do something different.

For him:

Assorted ties

Buying a present for a man is always confusing. However, there are some shops offering Valentine’s special sales for men’s wear. Ties from Next and Pedro are priced under Rs1,400 and customised ties by All Tied Up start from Rs1,000.

Polo shirts

It was refreshing to see that Gul Ahmed carries quality men’s western wear. The bright and single coloured polo shirts are a great addition to the Ideas store and are priced at Rs1,050.

Phone accessories

Who doesn’t like to jazz up their cell phones? Make sure you know the model of your significant other’s phone when you look for earphones, covers or cables offered at Good Luck Computers (Boating Basin).

Wallets or key chains

If there’s nothing anywhere else, go to Zainab Market in Saddar. Step over to the most affordable leather shops and buy a wallet for under Rs1,500 in brown, black or camel colour. Most shops also offer a set of wallet and key chain.

Books

If you have a man who loves to read, there’s no better place than to find his favourite books at Liberty Bookstore. Located in various points in the city, you’ll definitely find interesting books under Rs1,500.

Pens

A pen is still a precious gift, especially for the office-goer. Pen World offers a variety of classy and affordable pens under Rs1,500. Wrapping it in a nice case along with a personalised card, makes it even more special.

For her:

Spa service

Women love to be pampered, and many salons like Blush and Zara’s are offering deals for Valentine’s Day. While Toni&Guy is offering a 20% discount, Saman’s Salon has a mani-pedi combo for Rs1,500.

Jewellery

A small section at Accessorize is under Rs1,500, but QnH (Dollmen City Mall) has a large selection of jewellery to choose from. If you’re looking for something with ethnic beauty and glamour, check out Tariq Center on Tariq Road and Gulf Shopping Center in Clifton.

Candles

A good scent puts one in a good mood. Scentsations, Candle works and Buds n’ Blossoms are offering assorted candles ranging from Rs600 to Rs1,500. A candle paired with body lotion is always nice to give.

Assorted scarves

QnH (Dollmen City Mall) carries beautiful printed scarves ranging from Rs800 to Rs1,200. While most of Khaadi’s silk scarves are overpriced, their cotton scarves are Rs1,500 or just above.

Make-up

Women love to dress up, so you can never go wrong with make-up. A set of nail polish, lipstick and liner by Color Studio will cost Rs1,200.

Gift basket

Buds n’ Blossoms on Tauheed commercial is offering a special gift basket for Rs1,500. This includes Ferrero Rocher chocolates, a teddy bear and a range of candles to choose from in a heart-shaped basket which makes a great gift.

Other Options

Dinner and dessert

With fancy hotels offering dinner and dance combos and restaurants displaying high-priced extravagant menus to celebrate, date planners also have cafés to choose from. Espresso’s Valentine Day platter for two, which includes a full meal and red velvet cupcakes, is under Rs1,500. Café Zouk has their dinner specials starting at Rs1,700 with complimentary red roses before 7pm. A French dinner with a romantic setting at Café Flo is priced a little higher between Rs2,000 to Rs3,000.

From big chocolate heart cakes and small red cupcakes to chocolate truffles, they are all delicious heart stealers. The Muah Ferrero (Valentine edition) by The Riding Hood Bakery tops the list and The Cakery’s Mr & Mrs Cuddles with a teddy couple decorated on the cake is another favourite. Butler’s Chocolate Café is also offering gift boxes between Rs700 and Rs6,000.

Flowers

Flower bouquets can be the best way to express, strengthen or heal your love. A few of the Karachi flower shops made it to our top picks:

Buds n’ Blossoms uses black net and fancy ribbons with their bouquets. Their shop not only offers floral arrangements, but also includes a large number of gift options. All of their products are imported including their fresh flowers; single rose for Rs200 and a dozen for Rs2,400 and a velvet rose for Rs300 and a dozen for Rs3,600.

At Zerritta Flowers, a single rose on a regular day costs Rs150, but on Valentine’s Day, it’s priced at Rs350. Punjab Florist offers floral arrangements at a price of approximately Rs2,500.

Online

Okay, so if you don’t want to step out of your home or office to buy something special for someone, then use the following websites:

www.tohfay.com: Tohfay has a special tab for Valentine’s gifts, including chocolates, candles, oil burners, accessories, gift hampers and clothing.

www.emarkaz.com: Emarkaz delivers anywhere in Pakistan, and their gift list includes flowers, cakes, handy crafts, perfumes, and stuffed toys.

www.sentimentsexpress.com: TCS Sentiments Express is one of the oldest personalised gift delivery service. Their options include floral arrangements, sweets, cakes and numerous gifts.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2013.            

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