Ah, the classic question: Valentine’s Day flowers or chocolates? This is the year to plan ahead, my fellow geeks, while there’s still plenty of time before Valentine’s Day. Act now and get those scrumptious point-scoring goodies delivered on time, without lifting anything other than your mouse finger! Who wants to be running around like a chocolate-covered nut on Valentine’s Day, after the chocolatier’s shelves are wiped clean and the florist’s fridge is bare?

It’s time to pick your poison and pull out that plastic. A small elegant box of chocolate truffles or perhaps an chocolate gift basket overflowing with tasty delights? And don’t forget the bottle of red wine … for that blood pressure lowering goodness. Ordering wine online can be a boon, unless of course you happen to live in (or are shipping to) Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, or Wisconsin … in which case you’re out of luck.

With the recent freeze in California, you might want to brace yourself for sticker shock at the florists shop. Prices are all over the map. As of this writing, Proflowers is offering roses starting at $29.99, while FTD is running a special on their Sweetheart Mixed Rose Bouquet at just $19.99. But if you want the de rigueur dozen reds, get ready to fork over the bucks. Flowers Fast offers a dozen medium-stem red roses surrounded by baby’s breath and fresh greens for $39.90, plus FedEx delivery costs. (They also have a dozen red roses in a glass vase with same-day delivery from a local florist for approximately twice the price.)

Tags: flowers, chocolate truffles, wine