1) Romance novels

Guys are always in trouble during those special occasions in their life – not only do we have birthdays and anniversaries to contend with, but Valentine’s Day is often a poser for us.

After all, there are only so many rings you can afford in your lifetime, and you aren’t really that hot with flower arrangement.

What is the best method to worm your way through your other half’s heart? Well, Sony has repackaged the old and is making available its E-Reader in a limited edition “Romance” model.

While the innards are still the same, the exterior has received a pink leather coating complete with a special offer that provides a whopping 14 Harlequin romance novels with each US$299 (RM1,020) purchase. While the intention is good (especially when your lady is an avid reader), you could potentially shoot yourself in the foot as the men featured in the Harlequin series will probably result in a distorted perception of who you are supposed to be. Only for those who dare to take up the challenge.

Visit http://www.sonystyle.com.



2) Umbrella for two

I know that it gets rather hot and dry during the Chinese New Year period, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tote around an umbrella! This is one nifty tool to carry all year round, no matter how low-tech it is.

What makes this umbrella design special is the fact that it was created to be shared by two people, keeping them dry simultaneously.

Unless you’re one of those folks who carry a really huge golf umbrella, a standard issue one-person umbrella is no match for heavy rains, leaving this as a viable alternative for lovebirds. Built for the inseparable, I wonder how one is going to close this umbrella when it no longer is in use.

Surf to http://www.marcowens.co.uk/.



3) V-Day-themed Zunes

Paint the town red with Microsoft’s Valentine’s Day-themed designs where their Zune portable media players are concerned. You won’t be able to simply pick this special edition Zune up from any retail store, as they are all custom-built thanks to the Zune Originals online store.

Each purchase comes with laser engraved exclusive artwork and text, with these designs being constantly updated by the good folks at Zune so that whatever you choose at that moment will remain fresh and relevant.

There are over 60 designs for you to go nuts with, and with the ability to personalise your own message, I can smell a proposal using the Zune coming on the horizon.

Imagine playing your lady’s favourite song (with music video, if possible), followed by popping the question complete with the engraved words immortalised at the back?

Depending on your budget, you can choose from the four-gigabyte, 8GB and 80GB Zunes. Each purchase will come with special elegant packaging, a Valentine’s card and a ribbon for that perfect V-day gift. Just make sure you don’t make a mess of the restaurant reservations.

Go to http://www.zune.net.



4) EIGHT-Bit Dynamic Life Shirt

Ah, to be in love with someone is one of the greatest feelings in the world, even though that relationship you’re in might result in tension and arguments along the way.

The 8-Bit Dynamic Life Shirt from ThinkGeek announces to the world that you are at your best with your other half standing right beside you, featuring half a dozen red hearts that will light up the closer the two shirts are brought together.

Definitely one of the cuter ideas in geek fashion I have ever come across, this makes the perfect Valentine’s Day surprise for anyone – irrespective of whether she knows that her heart is your 127.0.0.1.

Whenever you’re wearing this shirt and remain apart from your significant other, only two and a half pixellated hearts will light up. Made from 100 per cent cotton that is suitable for our hot and humid weather, each of these shirts come with a small battery pack that runs off a trio of AAA batteries.

It can get rather tricky whenever you’re trying to give it a wash though, so do pay extra attention when doing so. The 8-bit Dynamic Life Shirt retails anywhere from US$11.99 (RM39) to US$24.99 (RM81), depending on the size.

Check it out at http://www.thinkgeek.com.