Valentine's Day gifts tend to reflect love, thoughtfulness, and affection. However, it’s not always easy to find the ‘perfect’ gift… until now! An engraved gift is unique and made perfectly tailored for your loved one, making the gesture so much more meaningful!
Here are three ideas for a unique Valentines Day gift:
1. Engraved jewellery
- Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, birthstones, and rings are all romantic options. Personalising these gifts with an engraved message adds a special touch making them unique and mean so much more.
2. Engraved personalized Gifts
- It’s not just jewellery you can engrave. Items like custom photo frames, keepsakes, or personalized home décor show extra effort and consideration. Adding a personal message by engraving means you create something unique that will be treasured.
3. Engraved books
- Did you know we can laser engrave almost anything including books? A romantic novel, a book of poetry, or a favourite book with a personal note inside can make for a thoughtful and heartfelt gift.
Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss your ideas for creating the perfect Valentine’s gift. But don’t delay – Valentine’s Day is only just around the corner!
About Valentine’s Day
The modern history of Valentine's Day is a blend of ancient traditions, early Christian influences, and evolving customs that have shaped the holiday into what it is today. The origins of the day can be traced back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which occurred in mid-February. This ancient celebration was dedicated to Faunus, the god of fertility, and involved rituals meant to promote fertility, including the pairing of men and women through a lottery system. Though its connection to Valentine's Day is debated, the festival's emphasis on love and fertility likely contributed to the day’s eventual romantic associations.
Valentine’s Day also has strong ties to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. While the exact details of his life remain unclear, one popular story suggests that he was a Roman priest or bishop who defied the emperor's ban on marriages for soldiers, secretly performing weddings for couples. In another version, he sent a note to a jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended, signing it "From Your Valentine"—a phrase that persists today. Over time, Saint Valentine became the patron saint of lovers, further solidifying the connection between the holiday and romantic affection.
By the medieval and Renaissance periods, the association between Valentine's Day and love was further cemented. The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, in his 14th-century poem Parliament of Foules, linked the day to the pairing of birds, which became a symbol of courtship and romance. During this time, courtly love flourished, and exchanging love notes or poetry on Valentine's Day became common practice, often accompanied by gifts or tokens of affection.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the exchange of handwritten love notes continued to be a key part of the celebration. In England, people began to exchange decorated cards, often featuring lace, ribbons, and poetry. By the early 19th century, the mass production of printed cards became widespread, making it easier for people to send greetings of love. This period also marked the beginning of the commercialization of the holiday, as companies began to produce and sell Valentine's cards, chocolates, and flowers, further establishing the traditions we know today.
The commercialization of Valentine's Day grew throughout the 20th century. In the United States, the mass production of Valentine's cards by companies like Hallmark made it more accessible for people to participate in the holiday. As the century progressed, the holiday became more widely celebrated, not only as a day for lovers but also as an occasion for friends and family to express affection. The exchange of gifts expanded beyond romantic partners, with people sharing chocolates, flowers, and small tokens with friends and loved ones.
In the 21st century, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world, though customs vary across cultures. In many places, the holiday remains primarily a celebration of romantic love, with couples exchanging gifts like flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. However, it has also become more inclusive, with people celebrating various forms of love, including friendships and self-love. Social media has amplified the holiday, with individuals and businesses using platforms to share messages, promotions, and experiences. New trends, like the celebration of "Galentine's Day" to honor female friendships, have also emerged in recent years, especially in the United States.
Today, Valentine's Day continues to be a day to celebrate love in its many forms, reflecting both ancient traditions and modern influences. Whether through a thoughtful gift, a handwritten card, or simply spending quality time together, the day remains an occasion to express affection and appreciation for those we care about.