Shower your beloved with gifts from the heart

Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, falls on Aug 23. Besides showering your beloved with flowers, here are some other gift ideas:

Buy a small preserved flower and store it in a crystal ring box. One of the best ways to shop for the flower is through Taobao, a Chinese online marketplace. Search under "preserved flowers" and you will find a variety at an affordable price of about 25 yuan ($4) each.

But, if you think a bouquet is necessary, you are in luck this year.

For the very first time, world-renowned florist Sandra Austoni has brought her collection to China. Based on her understanding of Chinese Valentine's Day, which is all about love, passion and elegance, she has created a bouquet combining yellow roses and cockscomb.

You may place your order at the Blooming Hour Flower Store in Shanghai.

Don't forget the spirits, which can make Qixi Festival even more romantic. French vodka Grey Goose has come up with 10 special recipes for cocktails under the theme "Love". For example, Peach Garden contains lemon, peach juices and a bit of vodka, and tinged a romantic pink, which will enhance the ambience. To find out more, visit Grey Goose counters.

Finally, a diamond is said to be a girl's best friend. Hong Kong Jeweler Tse Sui Luen has launched its Flawless Love ring specially for the Qixi Festival.

The platinum ring's 0.23 carat heart shape diamond shines like a star in the night and it is the perfect ring with which to ask that crucial question.

Those who buy the Flawless Love ring during the Qixi period can enjoy a 23 percent discount. What are you waiting for?

gantian@chinadaily.com.cn