The History and Meaning Behind Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is associated with romance, and it is one of the most popular days for gift-giving to loved ones. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in the United States since the 1700s, but its origins date back to Ancient Rome. The timing of the day coincides with a pagan festival celebrating fertility as well as the time when people believed that birds started their Spring mating season. St. Valentine himself is a mysterious figure, with several origin stories, all with a romantic theme. The date itself was selected by Pope Gelasius in the 5th Century, two hundred years after the death of the saint, and it has always been associated with love and romance.
Choosing an Intentional Valentine’s Day Gift
In modern times, a Valentine’s gift to your loved one celebrates the romance of your relationship. Given this opportunity, many go with the “traditional gift” of chocolates or flowers. These are certainly promoted heavily as the go-to gift for the day. While easy they are by no means your only option. Why not give a more intentional gift — one that reflects thought and care for your loved one?
Having trouble coming up with a unique gift? Here are some tips for shopping for your Valentine.
Notice the Colors Your Valentine Loves
Buy a gift that shows you noticed the finer details. What colors does your Valentine wear? Does your Valentine wear accessories like scarves or hats in this color? Clothing or accessories in a favorite color will always be a winner.
Look Beyond the Obvious When Choosing Jewelry
Does she wear jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, earrings or rings? Does he wear any jewelry? Does she prefer silver or gold? And does this jewelry come out for special occasions or the daily wear? Notice the style of the jewelry — does she wear statement pieces or dainty/minimalist jewelry? Jewelry comes in many styles and varieties, noticing these distinctions about your Valentine’s preferences can help pick a winning gift.
Alpaca Silver and Rose Quartz Necklace From Brazil
Listen for Clues About Preferences
Your Valentine may not give you specific clues about what she or he wants for the special day, but you can pick up clues about likes and dislikes. Pay attention to comments about clothing, accessories, jewelry, music, books to see if you can get a sense of what will go over well when it comes to selecting a gift.
Choose Gifts Based on What Brings Joy
If your Valentine has activities that bring joy, a gift that relates to the activity will be welcome. Has she travelled recently? Does he have a hobby like cooking or gardening? Is your Valentine a collector? Try selecting a gift that shows you pay attention and want to contribute to something that makes the recipient happy.
Reverse Painted Glass Jewelry Box From Peru
Why Intentional Gifts Make Valentine’s Day Memorable
All of these suggestions have one thing in common: paying attention. Try getting your Valentine an intentional gift — one that shows you took the time to carefully consider your loved one’s interests and preferences. This will always have a greater impact than a generic present. For this Valentine’s Day, consider making this effort and see how your Valentine reacts to your gift.
Now that you’ve got some clues on what to get, do you need some help with finding that perfect, unique gift for your Valentine? Contact VirtuArte today and we can assist you select from an array of beautiful options.
