Valentines
If, like millions of other people, you're worrying about what to get that very special someone for Valentine's Day, worry no longer!
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romantic love and admiration through the transferral of gifts and acts of kindness and though the origin of this day is somewhat ambiguous, the day itself is considered to be both consecrated and for people to share their true feelings with one another.
We at Home and Garden Gifts have had our thinking caps on and have come up with a few ideas to help you find that perfect present. For that personal touch have a look at our personalised gifts or view the ranges below...
Some brief contextual history lessons with gift ideas intertwined - show that you've been highly thoughtful!
An interesting point to note is that the common abbreviation of the letter ‘x’ as a kiss originates from the medieval period in history whereby those who were illiterate and could not sign their name simply put an ‘x’ as a substitute for a signature wherever it was needed. Over time this symbolic reference to sincerity, as was the intention of the bearer, began a slow metamorphosis into the context to which it is conventionally used. It is also plausible that the figurative reference to a cross symbol is relevant as the letter ‘x’ has been used in church as a symbolic emblem representative of Christ. Use this as a romantic reason as to why you choose the gift with the Sent with Love Repeat Stamp Bone China Mug.
A poem by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1389 entitled ‘Parlement of Foules’ gives a reason for Valentine’s day being when it is due to Spring being the most romantic season of the year. He specifically makes reference to birds and it being the season when animals mate and flowers bloom. Here's a small quotation: ‘For this was on sent Volantynys day, Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.’
Perhaps a similar poem could be written down in the Personalised Black Love Birds Card making it a beautifully thought-of idea.
There are various ideas based around biblical connotations of where Valentine’s Day symbols have descended from. The common heart shape is supposedly formed by the shape of the back and wings of a dove from the affliction with Aphrodite (the Greek Goddess of Love). Have a look at the Heart-Shaped Inflatable Card Holder or the Valentine's Terramundi Money Pots.
Doves are used as they symbolise loyalty and honest dependence, related to biblical writings and the way that when they bond with another, they become mates for life. Click to view the Two Hearts Keyring.
The role of cupid comes from Roman mythology as this is the God of desire and erotic love; it is therefore perhaps characterized as a child with a bow and arrow as a way of metaphorically representing these adult emotions. In the context of Cupid, browse the Aphrodisiac Candle or the 3 Hearts Massage Candle. Another loose idea based around the concept of Cupid could be Heart-shaped flying lanterns.
The final well known symbol of Valentine’s Day is red roses and indeed the colour red; the origins are said to be from roses being the favourite flower of Venus (the Roman Goddess of Love). Red is used due the connotations of the colour being intense and strong. For this, we would recommend the Name a Rose Gift Box or the Hot Rocks Stone Therapy Gift Set.
Unique and personalised gifts always go down well. In the style of many a star-crossed lover, why not give your beloved the chance to name their own star, adopt a reindeer, or give them their own title! View our full range of unique gift ideas.
If you still cannot find what you are looking for, please remember you can always email or call to discuss your gift ideas with our Customer Services team.
