Here are five ideas to put on your wishlist to buy gifts for geeks you love and adore.

When thinking of gifts for geeks, think of the latest and greatest gadgets, gizmos and widgets. Some people love weekends away, being pampered and anything romantic and for others software, video games and anything with circuitry will bring a warm glow to their hearts and keep them happy for hours on end. Find out more about these great Valentine’s Day, birthday, Christmas and other gift ideas.

WiFi cufflinks

The Polished Silver Oval WiFi Hotspot and 2GB USB Combination Cufflinks are the gifts for geeks who have everything. These cufflinks are a stylish collaboration of both form and function. The rhodium plated base metal with silver finish WiFi hotspot and USB flash drive cufflinks are currently priced at $250 USD. One cufflink comes with a 2GB USB flash drive to store your various documents while the other one has a built-in WiFi.

Loved up mouse pads

Combine form with function and customise a mouse pad with your photo on it – it’s a gift every geek needs – trust us! Or you can take one of their prized photos, favourite artwork or drawings and immortalise it forever on their prized mouse pad. It certainly puts more fun into scrolling and sure to make them smile when they are busy trying to fix an IT problem, playing their favourite PC game or just social networking.

Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS looks like a run of the mill DS but it’s even better! The 3D capability is a first for portable handhelds and glasses-free 3D gaming. The stereoscopic 3D display of the upper screen gives objects within the game world a feeling of space and depth that extends far into the back of the screen measuring 3.53 inches and feature 24-bit colour. It also has backwards compatibility so you can play all your old Nintendo DS games.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3

This was released in late 2012 in the run up to Christmas and is the latest in the successful first-person shooter action Call of Duty franchise. It might be a contender if you’re looking for gifts for geeks. The campaign picks up almost exactly where Modern Warfare 2 left off and it is not a huge leap forward for the series but its predictability might be the reason for its popularity. Love it or hate it, it has a huge following.

3D LED TVs

Everyone loves 3D don’t they? You will love it even more that the prices have dropped to an affordable level. LG 3D Smart LED TVs are a crowd favourite and you can even find a 55 inch model under $1,500 if you look around. The many benefits including 2D-3D conversion, comfortable, lightweight, battery free glasses that don’t cost the earth and outstanding picture quality with advanced 3D TV technology and internet connectivity.

Conclusion

When buying gadgets, check out the warranty conditions and make sure you keep the receipt in case anything goes wrong with their new gadgets. When in doubt about what to buy, do research via blogs, internet forums or ask your friends and family. If it is battery operated or even better solar operated, cordless or wireless, has flashing lights (geek bling) and is shiny, you really can’t go wrong in our opinion when buying gifts for geeks.

Are “Plus Size” Models setting a healthier image for today’s youth?

Robyn Lawley, a healthy size 16 is paving the way for more curvy cover girls.

The recent June 2011 edition of Vogue Italia caused a stir when the magazine featured plus-size models Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawley on the illustrious cover of the fashion bible.

While the efforts of Vogue Italia to highlight the curve appeal of the voluptuous models has been welcomed by most, a new study by Italian researchers suggests that using plus-size models on the catwalk and in advertisements could make women fat.

In their paper “Thinness and Obesity: A Model of Food Consumption, Health Concerns, and Social Pressure,” Dr Luca Savorelli and Dr David Dragone from the University of Bologna to assess whether increasing the ideal body weight is socially desirable, both from a welfare and from a health point of view.

The paper cites the relationships between Italy, Germany and Spain and their respective fashion communities to produce more plus-sized clothes and uphold a minimum size for models and question whether this would work in the reverse and increase obesity rather than reduce it. They write in their report:

“If being overweight is the average condition and the ideal body weight is thin, increasing the ideal body weight may increase welfare by reducing social pressure.

By contrast, health is on average reduced, since people depart even further from their healthy weight.

Given that in the US and in Europe people are on average overweight, we conclude that these policies, even when they are welfare improving, may foster the obesity epidemic.”

The pair also said, according to the Daily Mail, in plain English, “To promote chubby fashion models when obesity is one of the major problems of industrialised countries seems to be a paradox.
Everyone has to trade off in life a number of things like the pleasure of eating and going to the gym or something as a cost. So if you just fix the average healthy weight then maybe you will throw up some incentives to be thin.”

Mia Freedman who pioneered the Australian Cosmo ‘Body Love’ policy and the regular use of real women of all shapes, sizes and nationalities back in 1997 when she was the editor of Cosmo weighed in on the issue in her weekly column in Sunday Life magazine.

“So I don’t buy the argument that featuring large women or plus-size models in a positive way is a statement about health. It’s not. It’s an endorsement of diversity, an acknowledgement that no particular size or shape of woman has a monopoly on being attractive or even ‘normal’”.

Robyn Lawley is one of many plus-size models gracing the catwalks and pages of glamorous fashion magazines better known for their penchant for size zero models than plus-size models. Other well known plus-size models include Crystal Renn who has appeared on the catwalk for labels such as Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier.

While the public, fashion magazines and fashion commentators have largely embraced the plus-sized models, fashion designers are still resisting the plus-size trend.

Karl Lagerfeld has always been vocal about his preference for skinny models. Here’s a quote from the notorious fashion designer.

“No one wants to see curvy women,” he infamously said last October when asked if he thought people wanted to see fuller figures on the catwalk. “You’ve got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly.”

However even the influential designer has jumped on the plus-size modelling bandwagon casting Crystal Renn in one of his shows and shooting a plus-size singer Beth Ditto for V Magazine. In time, hopefully other fashion designers will follow in Lagerfeld leather patent shoes and embrace plus-size models.

At size 16, Australian plus-size model Robyn Lawley is proof that you don’t have to be thin to be big in fashion.

There has been a long running debate about the effect of violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto and Postal have on both children and adult’s behaviour.

The Supreme Court of America ruled in June this year that it is unconstitutional to ban children from buying or renting violent video games, saying that the American Government doesn’t have the authority to “restrict the ideas to which children may be exposed”.

On a 7-2 vote, the high court upheld a federal appeals court decision to throw out California’s ban on the sale or rental of violent video games to minors. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Sacramento had ruled that the law violated minors’ rights under the First Amendment, and the high court was in agreement.

Justice Antonin Scalia likened violent video games and video game violence to be akin to violence in children’s fairytales such as Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Snow White.

“Certainly the books we give children to read — or read to them when they are younger — contain no shortage of gore,” Scalia stated.

And there is no definitive proof that violent video games cause harm to children, or any more harm than another other form of entertainment, he said.

This view is supported by a recent paper based on studies at the University of Texas that cited the following:

”Overall, violent video games lead to decreases in violent crime.” In fact, although the Texas study does say that video games are violent, it can cause aggression but in a positive way.
The study discovered that although there is evidence that violent video games cause aggression in a laboratory setting, there is no evidence that violent video games cause violence or crime.
In fact, two recently published studies analysed the effect of violent media (movies and video games) on crime, and found increased exposure may have caused crime rates to decrease.”

In other words, video game players are taking out their aggression in the virtual world and getting it out of their system and are less likely to vent their aggression and anger in the real one.
More than 46 million American households have at least one video-game system, with the industry bringing in at least $18 billion in 2010. The video game industry in America has its own rating labelling system intended to warn parents, with the rating “M” placed on games that are considered to be especially violent.

This is welcome news for other regions such as Australia who have been campaigning for an R+ rating for violent video games for almost a decade.

At a meeting of attorneys-general in July, there was an in-principle agreement between the various states and territories of Australia to introduce the R18+ classification.
Only the NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith abstained from the vote, stating that he would need to consult with cabinet on the issue.

Minister for Justice Brendan O’Connor today welcomed in-principle agreement by Classification Ministers to create – for the first time – an adult category for violent computer games in Australia.

“This is a big step forward in the long running debate on classification of computer games for adults,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games will provide better advice to parents and help prevent children and teenagers from accessing unsuitable material,” he said.

While the jury is still out on whether video games violence causes harm, in regions such as Australia at least, the classification of violent video games will ensure they do not fall into the hands of minors who are more easily influenced.

Look forward to a stress free holiday this year with these great pre-travel tips.

Part of striving towards a work life balance is to take a stress free holiday without feeling anxious or apprehensive about your workload. Sometimes you come back from a holiday needing a holiday – what can you do to ensure you are relaxed and free from stress and pressure? Here are five tips to go away on annual leave, avoid holiday stress and come back to work with a post holiday buzz that lasts longer than holiday romance.

Delegate your work

The chances of having a stress free holiday are enhanced by having the peace of mind that everything is under control at work. Depending on the length of your holiday, ask your boss if a trusted colleague can cover you at work. Update your manager on the status of your work, whether they need to follow up on any projects and ask them to nominate someone who can make decisions on your behalf while you are away.

Get organised

Before you leave for your holiday, allocate time to cleaning your desk, filing your paperwork and making your office free of clutter. In the last hour before you leave, set your out of office message on your email software and also put an out of office message on your telephone. In your email and phone messages, let the person know who they should contact in your absence to try and avoid a barrage of messages when you return.

Plan ahead

The earlier you book and plan your holiday, the more likely you are to get the best deals on hotels and travel and the best choice of quality accommodation and better travel times. It’s great to get a cheap flight for $59 but it might be false economy if you’re getting up at the crack of dawn to catch the plane and starting your holiday on a tense note. It may be better to pay more and get a more convenient flight time.

Set work boundaries

It can be tempting to check your work emails when you are away on holidays but the whole idea of getting away is to escape from the rigours and stresses of every day work. Leave your laptop at home or go to a region with limited Internet access so you will have no choice to enjoy your holiday in the way you intended. Alternatively, set work boundaries and only check your emails once every day for half an hour only.

Easing your way back into work

It can be a culture shock to come back into work after a relaxing holiday and be confronted by numerous emails and phone messages and a high pile of paperwork. Another way to avoid post holiday stress is to set your email auto-reply to say that you are returning one day after your actual start date. This allows you a one day buffer to try and get organised before you resume your normal work routine again.

They say no one is irreplaceable but when you’re the boss, you’re the only one who performs your role in the company or you work in a small team, sometimes you feel that you can’t take holidays without worrying about your workload and your other team members. But with adequate planning and organisation, you should be able to take a stress free holiday and leave the workload and the worries behind.

Britney Spears helps promote a healthy body image with her new campaign for Candies for Kohls.

Britney Spears, spokesperson for Candies for Kohl’s campaign recently released campaign pictures, before and after airbrushing, to dispel body image issues and promote a healthy body image for her young fans.

There have been significant gains in the last few years in regards to promoting healthy and realistic body shapes and a backlash to unrealistic models being used in fashion magazines and advertising.

Another celebrity to jump on the bandwagon includes Jennifer Hawkins, Myer spokesperson and ex Miss Universe who posed for the February 2010 issue of marie claire magazine sans clothes and airbrushing. This also provided a mixed response from critics who felt it was more of a publicity stunt than trying to promote a healthy body image.

In marie claire’s exclusive interview, Jennifer Hawkins confesses that she never could have done a shoot like this two years ago.

“I would have been worried about what people thought, whether it was the right decision – a thousand different things… But over the past year and a half I’ve grown into myself, and I’m more confident and comfortable within the modelling industry. I did it for the experience… It felt quite sensual and sexy. I felt empowered”.

Bianca Dye who appeared nude in the November 2009 issue of marie claire slammed the magazine and said that pushing a 26-year-old Miss Universe winner as the pin-up for female body confidence is “just not right”.

“She was born beautiful. She has not had to go through any stress to look like that,” Dye told Confidential.

“Jackie Frank is one of the most respected editors in the country and I am in shock that they would say Jennifer Hawkins is a natural role model. It’s like we’ve taken 20 steps backwards.”

In a more positive direction, Sarah Murdoch appeared on the cover of Australian’s Woman’s Weekly last year in an untouched photograph, saying women should be able to embrace the beauty of ageing. The magazine photo shoot coincides with the release of a report by the Federal Government’s body image advisory group.

The Federal Government jumped on the positive body image bandwagon and late last year introduced a new National Advisory Group on Body Image. The Advisory Group will be chaired by former ACP magazine editor Mia Freedman who championed the ‘Body Love’ section in Cosmo magazine.

Members of the advisory group include model and media identity Sarah Murdoch, Girlfriend magazine editor Sarah Cornish, founder of the Butterfly Foundation, Claire Vickery and body image researcher Susan Paxton.

Last year the Government allocated $125,000 to establish the Code of Conduct, which will include consideration of the following issues:

• Clearer notification of altered or enhanced images, including digital alterations.
• Better representation of diverse body shapes and sizes.
• Appropriate industry age limits.

“The Government is committed to tackling negative body image from a national perspective, by helping young Australians to build confidence and resilience against the body image pressures that they face.

“Body image affects the lives of young Australians in very powerful ways and the Government is determined to make a difference over the long term,” said Kate Ellis.

But critics say that Kate Ellis put a four-inch heel wrong and sent mixed messages when she appeared in in Grazia magazine’s annual “Body Image Special”. The young politician donned a pair of killer $1,790 Gucci heels and curve-hugging $695 leather Karen Millen dress that looked more catwalk model than state figure.

Like successful plus-size model Crystal Renn who appeared on the cover of Sunday Life in mid April 2010, only to be upstaged by a stick-thin model a few pages away in the Fashion section, it seems to be a case of one step forward, one step back with designers and fashion editors doing a reluctance dance around the issue of positive body image.

With some designers only providing samples in size six or smaller for photo shoots, magazines can only use models who fit into those sizes.

But with the luxury clothing market taking a major hit in revenue in the Global Financial Crisis while mainstayers like Target and Kmart capitalised on providing affordable clothing, are the elitist designers starting to see the business sense of adding kilos and thus dollar figures to their clothing ranges?

Influential designer Karl Lagerfeld who famously said “No one wants to see curvy women,” seems to have finally embraced plus-sized models and did a photo shoot with the voluptuous burlesque dancer Miss Dirty Martini for V magazine.

Perhaps the tide is finally turning and the fashion industry will do more than pay lip service to promoting a healthy body image.

The Nintendo Wii and Wii Gadgets herald the beginning of an era … here are some of the coolest Wii gadgets for all ages.

The Nintendo Wii was only launched in only 2006 but it has quickly become one of the biggest selling console systems in the world and there are many Nintendo Wii gadgets to go with it. The console offers some very fun games for both the young, and young at heart! The Nintendo Wii is one of the most innovative games consoles we’ve seen in the past decade – here are some of the equally innovative Wii gadgets that you buy as optional extras.

Wii Remote controller

This Nintendo Wii gadget isn’t exactly an optional extra … but it is very cool nevertheless! It contains accelerometers that measure movement in any direction, and also translate the speed. The Wii remote controller is called a Wiimote (even though that sounds a lot like toddler talk!), and is what makes it possible to perform such life-like activities with a Wii.

Wii Nunchuck controller

The Wii nunchuck controller is used in conjunction with the main Wiimote. You plug it into the bottom of the Wiimote and (if you’re right handed) use your left hand on the nunchucks, and your right hand on the main Wiimote. Heeee-YA!

Wii MotionPlus

The MotionPlus add-on for your Wiimote makes it more sensitive to the slight wrist movements that are needed for some games. If you want to play tennis, golf, or the Sports Resort games, you’ll need a MotionPlus add-on. This Nintendo Wii gadget doesn’t require as much learning and thinking as the nunchucks, but does require greater precision than you might be used to if you’ve been using the standard Wiimote extensively.

Wii Wheel

It makes sense on paper, but try to say ‘Wii Wheel’ without sounding like you’re talking to a baby! For fans of the original Mario Kart (we’re old enough to buy our own consoles now!), the Wii Wheel is specifically designed for use with car racing games. Some reviewers find that the nunchuck-Wiimote combo works better for particular games, however … even reviewers that never played Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)!

Wii Balance Board

The Nintendo Wii Balance Board is included with the Fit Plus game pack, and it lets you do some pretty awesome things. Skateboard without fear of smashed kneecaps, evade flying cannonballs, hula hoop, throw snowballs … this pack’s main feature is the workout and fitness tracker, but it definitely has something for every taste.

Wii 5-in-1 Fitness Bundle

For grownups who love using the Nintendo Wii as a portable gym, the 5-in-1 fitness bundle is a must have Nintendo Wii gadget. These are all ease-of-use accessories rather than extra controllers (hence the ultra-low price for a 5-pack). The following is included:

• Textured foot socks for traction;
• Travel Bag;
• Jeli Sleeve for the Wii Balance Board;
• Fitness Mat;
• Rechargeable Battery Pack and USB cable.

Nintendo Wii represents value for money – not only will it amuse the kids from three years up but it also has a lot of games and optional extras for adults that will have you fighting over the controllers. The Nintendo Wii has great games available but also has some great Nintendo Wii gadgets and add-ons and doubles up as an exercise and fitness tool making it a worthwhile investment for the whole family.

Beach Resorts

All inclusive properties at beach resorts provide some of the best family beach vacations and fun for the whole family is a top priority with this well established company. Age-appropriate activities are on offer and you can spend time relaxing on the beach while your children play with qualified staff or you can take the whole family to a water park for a day out.

Family resort holidays are effortless with beach resorts and you can find all inclusive properties around the Caribbean including:

• Beaches Negril – One of the best family beach vacations is located in Jamaica, where guests can enjoy a range of children’s programs, amenities and activities during their stay.
• Beaches Boscobel Waterpark – This Jamaican wonderland of water offers its visitors a multitude of splashing fun with a wide selection of water rides and activities to enjoy.
• Beaches Sandy Bay – Guests can enjoy world-class amenities and facilities and children of all ages are catered for at this luxurious Jamaican beachfront resort.
• Turks and Caicos – The beaches here are powdery white and the seas are crystal blue making this one of the most tranquil family resort getaways in the Caribbean.

Club Med

Club Med proudly offer their exclusive customers all inclusive family resorts that are ideal for the best family beach vacations and they boast great deals and offers for all the family throughout the year.

Those traveling with children can enjoy spacious properties in prime locations around the world as well as various children’s programs that cater for all ages and unbeatable deals for those visiting with children. All of the Club Med resorts provide their own unique tropical twist to make your family travel a memory to truly treasure.

Caribbean getaways

Some of the world’s best family beach vacations are found in the Caribbean where families spend time enjoying watersports in the turquoise waters and the exploring the numerous water parks and kids programs.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands

Cheap family getaways can be enjoyed on the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and they are the ideal place to stay if you wish to explore the Great Barrier Reef in all its natural glory with the whole family.

Chill out in California

The infamous Golden State has something to suit all tastes and budgets from all inclusive hotels with a kids club through to luxury resorts, cabins and motels; all with fantastic amenities and facilities to cater for families.

Unwind in Hawaii

Luxurious beach resorts abound in Hawaii. Various programs aimed at children are widely available at the plush resorts and the beautiful beaches provide the perfect setting to enjoy idyllic family vacations.

Beachside holidays with all the family vary from action-packed breaks at waterparks with endless children’s programs filled with fun activities through to relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean while soaking up the tranquil surroundings. Wherever you want to go to in the world and whatever you want from your break, you can guarantee there is a holiday out there to suit your needs and the best family beach vacations make for memories that last a lifetime.

Exploring and enjoying the great outdoors at adventure travel destinations is the ideal way for many to let loose of our fears and inhibitions and push our limits to the max…

Planning an outdoor adventure holiday this year? We’re researched some of the best adventure travel destinations all over the globe so if its adventure you want, it’s adventure you’ll get.

African Safari

Safari outdoor adventures can be enjoyed in Africa and witnessing the so-called ‘big five’ in their natural habitats is as thrilling as it gets. See a pack of lions up close and personal in the Serengeti or a herd of wild elephants in the Kruger National Park with adventure travel in Africa.

Rock Climbing

Got a head for heights? Why not see the world from a different angle as rock climbing gets the adrenaline pumping and can be done in destinations around the world such as Krabi in Thailand; one of the ultimate adventure travel destinations.

Sailing and Cruise Destinations

Sailing or cruising your way around the world is a unique experience and one that can be done by anyone. The feel of the fresh sea air is unbeatable and you will find a new zest for life in the warm seas around the Caribbean and Asia. All aboard!

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Clean your face mask and flap your flippers; it’s time to explore the underwater world in all its natural glory! Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Thailand’s south coast boast unbeatable chances to see beautiful corals and colourful fish and both are considered to be two of the best adventure travel destinations.

Adventure Travel Tours

Tours promising their customers an adventure offer a wide choice of activities from jungle trekking in the Amazon to kayaking ay Niagara Falls. Enjoy a true adventure as part of an exploration or relax with some family fun!

White-water Rafting and Kayaking

Feeling the full force and power of a river with white water rafting is unmatched for those seeking adventure! Adventure travel destinations offering kayaking is another great way to experience the African Zambezi and South American travel on the Chilean Futaleufu River is ideal for those seeking water-based fun.

Hiking

Polish off your walking boots and throw on a rucksack; it’s time to go hiking! Get a 100% natural rush from conquering a peak with hiking holidays that can be enjoyed around the world from the mountainous Himalayas in Nepal to the varied landscapes of New Zealand.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Taking to the powdery white slopes with skis or a snowboard is an awesome feeling and the views alone are worth the odd slip and slide. Visit Val-d’Isere in France and Aspen in the USA if you enjoy extreme sports.

Fishing and Hunting

Hunting and fishing are enjoyed by more than 800 million people worldwide and relaxing while reeling in a frisky salmon in Canada is a great outdoor activity. If you prefer to hunt down your prey then take a trip with a hunting ranch in Texas and make it a holiday to really remember.

Swim with the dolphins, conquer a mountain or take to the piste; whatever type of adventure travel destinations you are looking for, there will be one to suit you at a budget you can afford. Speak to your travel agent, look on the internet or through travel magazines to find your next outdoor adventure.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and for some, flowers and chocolates are one of the least exciting items on the planet. If you have a significant other whose tastes run to chipboards, controllers, and circuitry, we have a collection of the best Valentine’s Day Flowers, gadgets & gift ideas this year to get their hearts racing.

Apple iPad

If your loved one already has a ‘Pod, it’s time to match it with a ‘Pad! Gadget-lovers usually adore having the latest technology, and this Valentine’s Day it doesn’t get much newer than the iPad. The device is a cross between the iPhone or iPod Touch, and a laptop with built in Wifi. It offers the ability to change orientation and a touchscreen like the iPhone, while being infinitely more usable for ordinary websites than small pocket-sized mobile devices are. It may not be available to order yet, but just knowing that this Valentine’s Day gift is on the way will have your electrophile buzzing with excitement.

GorillaPod

No, Apple will not be taking both the number 1 and 2 spots on the list! The Gorillapod is in no way affiliated with the iPod – it is a tripod for digital cameras that far surpasses the conventional three-legged one. Photography-lovers will be enthralled with the perfect shots at long exposure settings, as well as unconventional angles, the Gorillapod makes a great Valentine’s Day gadget gift and ideal for taking photos of your partner.

Heart-shaped USB flash drive

Now you can carry your precious memories around with you with this heart-shaped USB drive. This USB drive is a unique but useful gift that can store your photos of your loved one or documents on up to 2GB of memory. Add a silver chain and they can keep the photos close to their heart. It comes in three colours; hot pink, red and a dusky pink so they can carry their data in style. Touch your partner’s heart on Valentine’s Day gift and give the USB drive to your special, “geeky” someone.

Chilipad

Seems there are a lot of manufacturers getting on the Pad/Pod train nowadays. The Chilipad is the high tech solution to the age old couple’s problem – one person is far too hot, while the other is freezing. For the gadget-lover, though, having separate layers of blankets is so 80s. The Chilipad has heating and cooling pads that can be set to different temperatures, and has a 90 day money back guarantee. These Valentine’s Day gifts are located in the US, but can be shipped internationally.

Citizen Radio Controlled Promaster Air Eco-Drive Watch

If your partner would like their name to be Bond, James Bond or Jane Bond, then this is the perfect Valentine’s Gift. There is almost nothing this watch doesn’t do. The band is titanium, one of the strongest metals in the world. It receives standard time radio waves in 26 countries of the world and has the world time for 26 cities. The Eco-Drive technology means they will never have to change the batteries. It is suitable for free diving without scuba gear, and has a 5 year warranty.

It’s the thought that counts so whatever Valentine’s Day gadget gift you decide on this year, it’s sure to be appreciated even by the most discerning of gadget lovers. So choose a unique and thoughtful gift that is also useful and will keep them amused for hours on end.

Valentine’s Day should not just be about romantic love but celebrating friendship, family camaraderie or enjoying a bit of ‘me’ time. Whatever your marital status on Valentines Day, you are sure to enjoy these romantic Valentine’s Day movies where love happens in the most unlikely of circumstances and places.

Jerry Maguire

This movie is about Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) a disillusioned sports promoter who has an epiphany and discovers his integrity but loses his job and fiancé (who doesn’t share his ideals) in the process. He makes an impassioned speech to his work colleagues and asks if anyone wants to join him but only one person leaves with him, Dorothy Boyd (Renée Zellweger) a 26 year old mousy secretary with a young child to support. With his one client Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr), an egomaniacal football player, Jerry struggles to keep his principles and his demanding client happy and finds himself and true love in the process.

The Thomas Crown Affair

The Thomas Crown Affair is a mental battle between Catherine Banning (Renee Russo), an insurance investigator whose job is to find a stolen painting and Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) who is a bored millionaire who steals paintings for fun. They begin a seductive game of cat and mouse, falling madly in love along the way, but Catherine is plagued with doubts over her playboy-thief lover and questions his honesty and fidelity. The Thomas Crown Affair is a sizzling, love story between two people who finally met their match in each other.

Love Actually

This movie follows the lives of eight people as they experience all types of romantic love and explores the ups and downs of all types of relationships in the weeks in the five weeks leading up to Christmas. Some characters are falling in love, some are falling out of love, some are contemplating an affair and some of them are experiencing their first love. If you haven’t guessed, love is the central theme of the movie and Love Actually is a feel good movie for anyone who is in love or wants to fall in love again. Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth all star in this film.

The Ugly Truth

Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a romantically challenged morning show producer whose is a self help book addict and on a desperate search for Mr Right. She is forced to have Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), a loudmouth and self proclaimed relationship expert on her show to boost the ratings. He offers to give her love life advice which she reluctantly takes to try and snare her gorgeous next door neighbour. In her desire to please her new boyfriend, she finally realises that while true love may mean compromises, it doesn’t mean she has to compromise the person she is and change to please a man.

New in Town

A high-powered executive Lucy Hill (Renée Zellweger) is the stereotypical, ambitious, up and coming business woman who loves living in Miami with her beachside apartment, all the mod cons and great weather. She reluctantly takes an assignment in a tiny Minnesota town in sub zero conditions to further her career, not knowing that her life will be affected by the generosity of the townspeople and it will be a life changing experience. Despite her best intentions, Lucy is moved by the stories of the people living in Minnesota, discovers greater meaning in her life and most unexpectedly, the man of her dreams Ted Mitchell (Harry Connick Jr).

Whether you’re in the mood for a movie marathon or only watch one DVD if your night is ahem … unexpectedly cut short, this mix of classic and modern Valentine’s Day movies will not disappoint whether you’re with the love of your life, hanging out with your friends or bonding with your family. For someone a little extra special, consider some Valentine’s Day Flowers to go with the movie.