Like it or not, Valentine's Day cannot be ignored and the countdown has begun.

So, whether you are a reluctant romantic or a serious softie, here are some ideas on how to score the maximum Brownie points with the object of your affection by arranging everything over the internet.

If you want to say it with flowers, take a look at Clare Florist. Here you will find a great selection of familiar flowers and some more unusual blooms - all with an added twist.

Arrangements are categorised helpfully into "beautiful roses", "classic bouquets", "contemporary bouquets", "funky flowers" and "single variety bouquets", with something for everyone, including some bolder designs that could easily be sent to men.

If you need a helping hand, hit the "love and romance" search option and choose one of the stunning collections of traditional red roses or something altogether more alternative, such as an exotic bouquet of lysimachia, gerbera and tropical leaves for £29.99.

Delivery is included in the price and you can pre-order for Valentine's Day via the online order form.

If chocolates are the way to your loved one's heart, head straight for Best of British. In the delicatessen section you can find just the thing to impress, whether it is a heart-shaped box with compli-mentary book of love poems (Prestat, £18 to £50), champ-agne truffles (Charbonell and Walker, £7.30) or a 700gm silk-covered round (Bendicks, £55). Delivery times vary and all carry a postage charge of £2.95.

For the sophisticated Valentine, how about a gift from Liberty of London? Ties and cuff links, jewellery and silk and leather accessories can all be ordered from this elegant site. Cut-glass earrings start at £9.95 and silk ties at £29.50. But postage costs £5 and takes about seven days.

If you are feeling particularly mushy, send a bear. The appropriately-named Hugs and Cuddles has lots of seriously nice bears with price tags ranging around from £15 to £80. It also has special limited-edition Pooh bears and cuddly animals, including a cow called Mooella. Standard delivery is free and takes two to three days.

Finally, how does a private gourmet table for two sound? Leaping Salmon will provide instructions and all the ingredients for a fantastic feast in your own home. Prepared fresh and delivered overnight, you can choose one of the set menus or put your own together from a selection of starters, main courses and desserts. A typical meal for two costs £29.90, plus £4.50 for delivery. You usually need to order by 5pm the day before but on this occasion, I suggest you book early.

www.clareflorist.co.uk
www.bestofbritish.com
www.liberty.co.uk
www.hugsandcuddles.co.uk
www.leapingsalmon.co.uk