This year, as supermarkets and online sites kick off special programs and promotions early, some young lovebirds have also started their search for original gifts for their other half.

 

Although Valentine’s Day is a week away, the electronics chain store Dien May has launched a promotion called “Just the two of us”. Customers will get 11 percent off of two 16GB iPads or 16-27 percent off of two Nokia phones of specific models, together with free memory cards.

 

There are also some games like Cupid Arrow and Password to the heart for young shoppers to participate in to find their partner.

 

In the supermarket chain Coop Mart, more than 400 fashion and cosmetic items for Valentine’s Day are discounted up to 40 percent. Shoppers have the chance to enter a “Trendy couple” lottery draw and win one of 53 pairs of iPad 2s.

 

Another online site, Sinh Nhat, introduced a service for generous customers to take care of their lovers not only for a day but the whole Valentine’s week. The site gives tips on what gift to give a boyfriend or girlfriend on each day of the week. For example, it recommends a bouquet of flowers on Monday, a box of chocolates on Wednesday, and a dinner for two at a tranquil and beautiful restaurant on the weekend. A Valentine’s week costs VND2-4 million ($100-200) depending on the gift selection and rendezvous.

 

“We also received some orders from overseas at $100-200. There is also a $1000 order that includes a laptop, a pair of teddy bears and a bouquet,” revealed a representative at Sinh Nhat.

 

Young lovebirds tend to search for budget gifts that can last through the year.

Minh Hai, a student at Hanoi’s commercial university, was surfing the net to find a gift for his girlfriend when he came across a crystal rose being sold VND45,000 (US$2)

“It is beautiful and can be kept and remembered, unlike roses, which only last a few days,” he said.

 

“2012 is a good year for Valentine gifts. Many businesses concentrate on products for couples, like shirts, rings, and teddy bears. They attract many customers because they’re lasting, and not too expensive,” said Mai Thu Trang, a marketing representative at online shopping site Vat Gia.

 

Tran Tu Anh, a representative at the online store Cho Dien Tu, said the market for Valentine’s gifts has opened earlier than previous years and the shop has received several gift orders.

 

“The majority of young shoppers pick rare or strange products at affordable prices that show off their personalities,” he said.

 

Besides material gifts, some people search for original presents that have a special meaning for the couple.

 

Trung, an engineer, said he had run out of gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. After five years of dating his girlfriend, who recently became his fiancé, the two have given each other flowers, Belgian chocolate or stuffed animals.

 

This year, Trung wanted to make a difference and decided to buy a pair of SIM cards, which contain the exact number 332007-- March 3 2007, when the couple first met.

 

“Chocolate or flowers represent endless love but they are only symbols. SIM cards can be used for your whole life and are meaningful to both of us,” he said.

 

Trung revealed that he spent no less than VND5 million (US$250) for this special gift and had to order 5-7 days in advance.

 

Similarly, some shoppers go online and try to buy money with similar serial numbers. At the moment, a pair of VND2000 notes with the same four digits are on sale for VND99,000 (US$5) on a popular website.