It’s that time of the year again. You can feel it in the air and see it everywhere around you. Lovey-dovey teddy bears, hearts and roses pop in every store window while the reds and pinks take over almost every online store. Brace yourselves, Valentine’s Day is coming and it better not catch you off guard. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Once upon a time there lived Saint Valentine, a catholic priest, who married Roman soldiers in secret ceremonies during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius II believed that soldiers should be completely devoted to Rome, so he created strict laws, forbidding marriage for young men. Legend has it that Saint Valentine took it upon himself to conduct secret marriage ceremonies, despite being under a death threat.
When he was discovered, he was imprisoned for crimes against Claudius, but this didn’t weaken his strong faith in love. During his time in jail, Saint Valentine looked after his fellow inmates and even cared for the jailor’s blind daughter. According to the legend, he cured the girl’s blindness and left her a farewell love note, signed ‘from your Valentine’, as a final act before his execution.
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Celebrating the Courageous Act in the Name of Love
Such a dark story, with an important message – love is worth fighting for. Nowadays, we celebrate Saint Valentine’s courageous acts of love and compassion but also our personal love stories. Similarly to other holidays and special occasions, 14 February has its own gift-giving tradition. But what do you give for Valentine? How to be romantic without being cheesy? What’s a thoughtful and sentimental Valentines Day gift that will make your significant other feel loved?
It’s not about spending thousands of dollars, it’s about putting your mind and heart into it. If there’s an occasion when thoughts and feelings matter the most, it has to be this one. The traditional Valentines Day gift trio is made of red flowers, chocolates and cards with each element conveying a meaningful message. Red flowers and chocolates symbolise love and passion whereas the card allows you to express your feelings and appreciation, making the gift more personal and effective.
If you like the traditional gifts, but want to step it up a notch, you should check out some of the artfully crafted edible arrangements for Valentine’s Day offered online and in-stores Australia wide. Some of these edible Valentine’s Day gifts come as an armful of chocolate hearts gorgeously arranged in bouquets. Others feature exquisite liquor, cute plushies, lush plants and other keepsake items.
What’s best about edible Valentine gifts is that you can have your say in what goes in the arrangement and easily add your personal touch for extra flair. Whether it’s a personalised ribbon, card or sticker, this little finishing touch makes the gift a tad more special. Another great thing is that some of these companies offer Valentine’s Day gifts same day delivery service. So, even if this big date somehow manages to fly under the radar of your calendar, you have a last-minute option that looks everything but last-minute.
Now, how about some super-sweet gift ideas to get your creative juices flowing? This next bunch overflows with sugar, spice and everything nice, guaranteed to make them all warm and fuzzy inside.
Love Comes Through the Stomach
A huge arrangement packed full of chocolaty goodness is a great idea for any chocolate lover. It doesn’t matter if you go for a hamper, basket or bouquet because all of these arrangements are a treat for the eyes, soul and tastebuds. When choosing your gift, make sure to include your sweetheart’s favourite treats. Milk, dark or white? Ferrero Rocher, Lindt or Hershey’s? You probably know this stuff, so make use of it.
Wine Makes Everything More Special
Planning a romantic date night? Boost your gift with an exquisite bottle of wine or champagne and raise a toast to love. For a complete experience, make sure to pair the wine with what you’re eating. Don’t worry, you don’t have to cook fancy chef-approved dishes, wine goes great with virtually all comfort foods such as pizza, chicken, doughnuts, even popcorn. It doesn’t matter if you’re having dinner or just enjoying some good ol’ Netflix and Chill time, wine will certainly fit the occasion and make it feel more special.
Gifts That Keep on Giving
You can also opt for an assorted gift filled with treats to be enjoyed right there at the moment combined with keepsake items that keep on giving. An easy-care living plant is an excellent choice that will grace their desk, shelf or bedside table for years down the line. Or a big fluffy robe, soft pashmina or knee rug that they can wear or use whenever they crave your warm hugs.
Gifts of Experience Create Memories
Need a fun date idea and gift all in one? How about a picnic date as a gift of experience you’ll both cherish forever? With the picnic-ready edible arrangements for Valentine’s Day nowadays, you won’t even have to plan anything. Just choose your basket and pick a location, and you’re all set for a romantic date under the bright blue or starry sky.
Closing Thoughts
Hope this gave you an idea and eased the gift-buying stress surrounding each and every Valentine’s Day. Oh, and don’t forget, 14 February is the date when we celebrate all kinds of love, not romance specifically. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or in a relationship, don’t forget to celebrate your beloved friends and family members as well.
