Are you thinking about buying a Valentine's Day gift for your loved one? Not sure what to buy them?
We have a few suggestions, naturally! But first, why do we do this? How did this celebration of love start in the first place?
Historical origins
The origins of Valentine's Day are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or more early saints.
One of the possible candidates was Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century. According to legend, he was a priest who secretly married couples during a time when the Roman Empire had banned marriage for young men, as the emperor believed that unmarried men made better soldiers. Valentine was eventually discovered and put to death for his actions. Imagine that - dying for love! The man deserved his sainthood.
The Courtly Love tradition
Valentine's Day as we know it today, however, derives from the 14th and 15th centuries. The holiday became associated with romantic love in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. This was a tradition in which knights would pledge their love and devotion to a lady, usually a noblewoman, in a highly stylized manner.
The first Valentine's Day letter was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London. It is the oldest known Valentine letter that has survived.
The first Valentine cards
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became more associated with sentimentality and romance, and it began to be celebrated with the exchange of gifts and messages of love. The first Valentine's Day cards were made in the late 1700s, and they were often decorated with lace and ribbons.
Traditions of today
By the early 20th century, Valentine's Day had become a major commercial holiday, with the exchange of gifts, cards, and flowers becoming an important part of the celebration. Today, while the occasion still mostly celebrates love and affection between romantic partners, in some countries this has extended to other relationships also. Many people choose to show their loved one how much they care by giving them a thoughtful gift.
While flowers are a classic and popular choice, there are many other options that can be just as meaningful and special. At Nifty and Gifty, our aim is to bring a range of options that offer something a little different.
Gift ideas: jewelry
Jewelry is, of course, a timeless and romantic gift that is perfect for Valentine's Day. Whether you choose a necklace, bracelet or earrings, jewelry can be a beautiful and lasting reminder of your love. There are many different styles of jewelry to choose from, so you can find something that suits your partner's taste and personality. If you're looking for something truly unique, consider one of our hand-made pieces such as the dried flower earrings. Each pair made by our artisan partners is totally different.
Gift ideas: metal art
Another great gift option for Valentine's Day is metal art. Metal art can be an eye-catching interior decoration, or a stylish outdoor sign or address. If you're looking for something a little 'out of the box', this could be the answer. Our metal signs are crafted in Louisiana by skilled artisans and most are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Gift ideas: what about the guys?
Much of the focus on Valentine's Day gifts tends to be on females. But we don't want the guys to be left out! So we have a few possible options for them. For example, how about our Cuban link chain necklaces? Or our wooden flask sets, or maybe an engraved chronograph or wooden watch for Dad.
Whether you choose something traditional or something unique, the most important thing is that your gift comes from the heart. We hope we have given you a few ideas.