'The relaxed atmosphere soon changed to a flurry of activity and brainstorming as we tried to think what we really could sort out that was different, a little bit funky and, more importantly, on time for both occasions.

'We also soon realised that we probably weren't the only people ever to find themselves in this precarious situation,' says Norman. 'So we came up with the idea for a service aimed at catering to this previously neglected niche market, while also targeting the more affluent, busy professional who also didn't want to reside for long periods in the doghouse. With this in mind, we set about putting together an array of gifts with a difference and on November 17 last year Red Source finally launched.'

They were surprised this market had not been exploited in a sophisticated city such as Hong Kong and when gift websites had existed in Europe and North America for years.

'We originally launched the website with around 100 separate products listed in 10 distinct sections,'' says Norman. 'We now have close to 200 products in 12 sections and will be adding another 60 or so products and a further four categories in coming months. 'Additionally, we are also able to offer tailor-made gifts for particular requirements, both personal and corporate.

'We also wanted to offer products that were unique or weren't easily accessible such as motor-sport tickets, breakfast in bed, a fully stocked wine fridge, a night on a luxury junk and others, all available via a one-stop shop.

'Our list of satisfied customers speaks for itself and we have managed to arrange lovers' picnics, a fully catered Christmas Eve family cruise and even a golf day in Macau with chartered helicopter drop-off and pick-up service.'

The plus side with Red Source is it looks as though the giver has spent weeks planning for a special day when a two-minute online shopping spree is all that is needed.

Start-up costs for Red Source were about $750,000, mainly spent on website design, office premises, marketing materials and staff.

'We currently employ a staff of five people, but believe this will increase further as the business continues to expand,'' says Norman. 'We have been overwhelmed by its immediate success and have been receiving online orders from as far afield as London, and Sydney and Adelaide in Australia.'

Items can be delivered within half a day in cities including Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur.

'We even have an online reminder service where members are able to input those special dates that they cannot afford to forget,' says Norman. 'Red Source will then send you an email or call the day before just to remind you about a special upcoming date.''

People can order from the website or via a hotline with free delivery available in Hong Kong, Kowloon and Discovery Bay within 4 hours. All items are gift-wrapped with matching stationery, cards and a balloon.