LOVE is in the air

LOVE tokens come in all shapes, sizes and prices

LOVE tokens come in all shapes, sizes and prices. So whether you want hearts or flowers, diamonds or Dalmations, there's something here that's sure to take your fancy. Ready for a spot of whirlwind romance? Here we go . . .

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PROVE your love is just as fine gas porcelain. Late 19th century German Dresden figurine of Cupid from the Sitzendorf factory, circa 1885: £240 from Delphi Antiques, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin 2.

SPEND the day in bed with the object of your affection (and not depend for sustenance on love alone). Champagne breakfast in bed £55 for two people served by John Cronin, Tel. 01 2895 102. Menu can be altered to choice.

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DECLARE your love with a diamond - and remember it's a leap year, so both women and men can propose. Tension ring by Niessing of Germany, with prices starting at £1,700; now available from DesignYard, 12 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. The DesignYard has also just begun offering a wedding list service.

CAN'T afford Paris? Present your beloved a little bit of the city. Set in a special heart shaped box; eau de toilette £29; body lotion £22.50; perfumed soap £10; and gentle exfoliating foam £17.50 - all in the Paris fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent available in Brown Thomas, Dublin; Cashs of Cork; Todds of Limerick and Moons of Galway.

ADD an extra sparkle to your love. Diamante buckles; £12 each from Jenny Vander, 20 Market Arcade, South Great George's Street, Dublin 2.

SAY it with Flowers. Heart shaped arrangement of roses; £45 from Adonis Flower Designers, 59/60 Patrick Street, Dublin 8 (or) Valentine's arrangement of red roses: £20 from Adonis Flower Designers, 59/60 Patrick Street, Dublin 8.

OFFER your love on a tray. Decoupage tray with figure of cupid; £30 from Paint Mischief, 22 South Anne Street, Dublin 2.

CHECK out whether chocolate really is an aphrodisiac. Heart shaped box of milk, dark and white chocolates; £6.99 from branches of Marks & Spencer nationwide.

ORGANISE a spot of love. Dalmatian puppy £7.99 from T.Bear & Co, St Stephen's Green Centre, Dublin 2 and Departures Floor, Dublin Airport. All Valentine's Day gifts will be given special wrapping free of charge and T. Bear & Co is also offering customers the option of including chocolates or roses with their purchase. Customers who bring a copy of this page of The Irish Times with them to T Bear & Co. will be offered free delivery service anywhere in Dublin.

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DISCOVER that your heart's in your mouth. Heart shaped cake trimmed with baby carnations: £20 to order from Jill Aston at Cake Craft (not later than tomorrow) Tel. 01 2841137.

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ADD some warmth to your passion. Fabric bed warmer filled with herbs and organic grains; £15.95 with embroidery/£9.95 plain (both inclusive of post and packaging), to order from Bed Bugs and Bears, Forest Corner, Southampton Road, Boldre, Hampshire 5041 8PT, England, Tel/Fax. 0044 1590 624086.

NONE of those romantic enough for you? Try these: the ultimate suggestions for our heart's delight.

BOOK the back row of the cinema. Go see Sabrina starring Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond. Or better yet, rent a video of the infinitely superior 1954 original with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn (the latter dressed by Givenchy).

START the day with a song in your heart. Forty years on and still fabulous Frank Sinatra's Songs for Swinging Lovers: £9.49 from Virgin Megastore, 14 Aston Quay, Dublin 2.

TRY reading something more into your love. A Little Book for Lovers by Dana Goodwin, Element, £7.99 in the UK.