Are you starting to think about Valentine’s Day gifts but concerned about being too ‘boring’? While there is a temptation to try and be ‘unique’ in your Valentine’s Day gifts, remember that the point of the day is to make the person you love feel valued and special. The gift is simply a token, but your actions on the day and every other day of the year say more than a gift ever could. This guide outlines the iconic and traditional Valentine’s gifts which lovers have been giving and receiving for centuries, where they may have originated and why they might be the perfect choice for your loved one this year.
Hand-written letter or poem
The love letter or poem is arguably the oldest Valentine’s tradition. It’s not known for sure where the tradition has its roots although many sources point to the Duke of Orleans’ letters to his wife which he wrote after he had been imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Some suggest that Henry V choosing to hire a famous writer, John Lydgate, to compose a love note for Catherine of Valois. Essentially, the modern-day Valentine’s cards we send are an evolution from the letter or poem of old. Putting pen to paper to explain your feelings without the help of a pre-printed generic message will mean the world to your loved one.
Perfume
Perfume can indeed be given at any time of year and by anyone but giving perfume as a Valentine’s Day gift is a very personal and intimate gift. There are so many to choose from that selecting one becomes an exercise in describing them. Do they suit floral, fruity or rich seductive scents? Are they fond of a brand or is there room for you to experiment? The perfume chosen by a partner takes on a romantic significance instantly. Perfume is also a great choice because there are bottles to suit every budget, especially if you buy women’s perfume online at Maple Prime where there is a huge range of top brands to choose from.
Flowers
Flowers have been sent to our loved ones for centuries and, in addition to love, can symbolize compassion or congratulations. The tradition began originally as floral bouquets were used to convey messages without having to write letters. The rose is a particular favorite because it is associated with the Goddess of Love, Venus, and represents love in all forms.
Jewelry
Giving jewelry as a symbol of love is a relatively more recent tradition that began amongst the upper classes and the nobility. Essentially, the more money you could spend, supposedly, the greater your love and the better your ability to provide for your partner, i.e. because you are wealthy. While these traditional ideas around ‘providing for’ a partner are outdated in most cases, the idea of giving expensive jewelry to demonstrate love has stuck.
Chocolate
Chocolate has been associated with romance or seduction since the Victorian era. It is often claimed to be an aphrodisiac, and with the input of chocolate manufacturers’ advertising campaigns, the connection remains. Much like jewelry, the more costly the chocolate, supposedly, the greater the giver’s affection.