So many cute trinkets, from jewellery and accessories to books, stationery and fun little keepsakes, at very affordable prices.

Another locally-owned fashion-forward store, with a massive range of clothing, accessories and gifts to choose from for your lady - or pick her up a voucher so she can choose for herself!

I buy all my greeting cards here - they’re so cute and quirky, just like everything else for sale in this wee boutique. Take your lady in to check out the art - you might end up taking a piece home.

An ideal spot for jewellery, accessories, home decorations, bodycare, candles and trinkets. They have a massive range of gift ideas and inspiration with something for every woman.

A swell and sweet Wellington store with lots of goodies, from locally-made clothing (including "Swellington" tees) to very cute stationery and jewellery - your lady will love the gifts on offer here.

You absolutely cannot go past a Gotham grilled cheese sandwich (think a beast-like toastie on sourdough) for a hangover. Greasy, cheesy, salty, tasty. Red onion, tomato and mustard are my fave fillings.

The burgers on offer at Monterey are incredible. My favourite is the one with halloumi and onion rings - crunchy, squeaky and delicious. Enjoy doodling on the paper-covered tables or play a board game while you wait!

Just about anything on the menu here will help cure what ails you: nom a Po Boy, waffles (with fried chicken!), nachos, eggs, a burrito or even the mac n cheese, if you’re up to it. Get back on the horse with a cider or Bloody Mary.

Get some fresh sea air with a waterfront stroll. Grab a snack from one of the many stalls and walk or sit, or if you’re up to it, purchase some veges and other food to get you through the next week. Who says a hangover can’t be productive?

This new kid on Majoribanks Street is booming, with a menu including both standard and gourmet fish and chips options, plus salads, burgers and much more. Excellent chips, and the slaw is killer.

Much more than just sewing and other craft needs, Goldings also has a heap of solutions for your baking needs, like cutters and moulds, pre-made icing, sprinkles and decorations, and much more.

The new bakers’ pantry section, hiding among the fresh foods, has all the cooking and bakeware you need, along with cake decorations, recipe books, ingredients and much more!

An enormous selection of all things cooking, with a heap of baking tools (cutters, icing bags, moulds, anything else you can dream of!), lots of sprinkles and cake decorations, and even edible colour sprays!

Spotlight’s range of baking goodies might just surprise you. They have everything from tools and trays to decorations, plus all your party favour needs.

You’ll be tempted to grab one of everything. The Homestore stocks top brands of baking equipment - everything from trays to spatulas to mixers - plus cupcake cups, sprinkles, glitter and other decorations.

I regularly meet up with a big group of friends at this tucked-away beer bar, which has heaps of space for groups of different sizes. The ever-revolving beer menu can be a bit overwhelming but the staff are very helpful and patient when it comes to choosing a brew, and it’s a great opportunity to try a new beer you won’t find elsewhere in Wellington.

Don’t let the name put you off - this bar, based on American dive bars, is all about beer (and tasty food, including pizza from nearby Pizza Pomodoro). Golding’s has no brewery ties, just a massive selection of craft beer, and other alcohol options.

Pop into this local brewery’s Aro Street site to check out how they brew, taste the beers and get a takeaway bottle from the cellar door.

I get the bf to swing by ParrotDog’s brewery after work to fill up a bottle of one of their numerous beersies, which include limited releases. Bitterbitch (IPA) and DeadCanary (pale ale) are our current faves.

Nestled away on Pirie Street, The Hop Garden is a great spot for a party or meeting friends. They pour local beers, including Garage Project and ParrotDog, and have an excellent and extensive food menu - the quinoa stuffed aubergine, roasted artichokes, rocket and haloumi is a delight.

The pizza and staff at Tommy Millions rule. I love the four cheese and the mushroom pizza, topped off with chilli oil. They also offer gelato and subs, and the staff are always super friendly and rad!

A takeaway burrito or quesadilla from this wee hole in the wall on the waterfront is ideal for a summer day’s lunch. Their food is delicious - but eating it can get messy!

In case the massive queue doesn’t give it away, this sushi spot is arguably the best in the central city for a lunch on the go. They have an absolutely massive range of options for all tastes, at pretty standard sushi prices!

Don’t judge a book by its cover - Daniel’s offers the best burgers and wraps in the CBD. The falafel burger (add cheese) is my fave, and you get a huge selection of salad and sauce options.

Ekim Burgers are to die for - hands down the best burgers Wellington has to offer, and well-worth a trip out to Lyall Bay. Heaps of options, including for meat lovers and vegos, plus the chips (with spesh relish) are also awesome. No burger is over $15 and most are around the $8 mark (the cheapest is $5!), making this an affordable option for a lazy pre-payday meal.

The two-seater couches in the cinemas are perfect for snuggling up with your beloved. Grab some ice cream and bubbly and have a cosy afternoon or night watching a blockbuster or arthouse flick.

Ideal for a double/triple/even more date. Get your clown shoes on, crack up at each other’s bowling technique, enjoy a few drinks and make a night of it.

How’s this for cheap and romantic: a casual stroll around the waterfront on a (hopefully) sunny Sunday morning, checking out all the cute dogs hanging at the market, and sampling local cuisine while stocking up on your fruit, veg and other food for the week. Bliss.

Nothing says "romance" better than a day out patting cute animals! Ideal for escaping the city and having a day of fun in the sun.

Team dinner out on the town with a show at BATS - the perfect mix of fun and culture, with exceptional shows by local talent at affordable prices.