Web Shopping

There's Romance in the Air

Need a romantic gift for that special someone? There's always the old stand-by: flowers. For something of a different scent, visit 2C Roses, a California-based operation that sells home grown flowers. FedEx delivery ensures freshness. The color selection is dazzling, and prices are sure to please, For a more exotic collection, Leis and Flowers of Aloha fits the bill. Beautiful, exotic flowers and handmade leis can warm up any winter morning. Now you need a daring destination to go with those leis. Want to go really out there? Kilimanjaro Adventure Travel offers African wildlife safaris, gorilla treks, mountain climbing, white water rafting, scuba diving, and more through dozens of tour operators and hotels. The bookstore links up with Amazon.com for the opportunity to purchase maps, guides, and travelogues--at least they can be wrapped easily. Pamir Travel suggests a tropical trip to Ecuador. Take a Galapagos cruise on a private yacht, with diving in the famous archipelago. Or explore the rainforests, spending nights in tents under the stars or four-star accommodations. Outdoor enthusiasts would love to receive a vacation filled with rafting, biking, or mountain trekking through the Ecuadorian wilderness. Comfort creatures can sign up for Pamir's cultural tours, with shopping, beaches, and sightseeing. Vermont Bike Tours lets you ride the road of discovery throughout the US and Europe.

For the ultimate holiday getaway, board a plane for the Arctic Circle for a visit with Santa and his reindeer in Lapland, Finland! Lapland Christmas Holidays can make all of the arrangements for you. If you are expecting your significant other to search your pockets for a holiday bauble, there's no better place to find it than online. NetJewels.com has a nice selection of jewelry and gifts at competitive prices. The pull-down search feature lets shoppers hunt by piece, gemstone, or precious metal. Designers will even make jewelry from a photo, so your sweetheart can have the same jewelry as their favorite superstars, or even a replica of grandma's best brooch. The search engine at Zales makes shopping a pleasure. The Gift Selector lets buyers choose the type of gift desired (jewelry, watches, or writing instruments) for the occasion, and even makes suggestions. Searches can be performed by keywords or item names. If you can't resist a freebie, visit Dazzlin' Jewels. Featuring vintage costume jewelry to fit any budget, Dazzlin'Jewels also has free items scattered throughout the site. Customers making a purchase can select a free item. Descriptions include size and condition of each piece.

If you feel like you're always waiting for a fashionably late date, give the gift of a timepiece. The World or Watches is winning fans throughout the Web. Search by brand name or price range. The Great Detail button brings up large, clear photos of each, piece. Plus, placing items in Your Showcase lets you examine and compare them side-by-side before making a decision. This site can save you up to 60 percent over retail prices--saving money for more gifts!

If culinary decadence is your idea of a romantic evening, visit Maine's Port Lobster Company. The company offers live or cooked lobster, as well as a healthy variety of other seafood, anywhere in the US. Order today and enjoy a sumptuous feast tomorrow. Save room for dessert, because Atkins Elegant Desserts has a savory selection. With over 100 varieties of cheesecakes and more, this is a dessert-o-holics dream and a dieter's night mare. If you need to whet your appetite, the Samples page gives detailed pictures and descriptions of select treats. Online ordering is not available yet, but it's worth the call. if you have other sorts of decadence in mind, Victoria's Secret has its full catalog available online for embarrassment-free Shopping at home.

Here are a few other sites to save you from the mall.