Valentine's Day Gift giving - something different.

Valentine's day has a long tradition It's actual origins are somewhat lost in the mire as are many of our current celebrations. One of the first associations of love with the Valentine is accredited to Chaucer. By Shakespearean times the tradition was well followed as mentioned by Ophelia in Hamlet.

To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.
Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes,
And dupp'd the chamber-door;
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.

—William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5

Today we often send a gift or a massed produced card as tokens of our affection. 

I would like to encourage you to think outside the box.

Last Valentine's day, I suggested my partner didn't send flowers. How expensive do they get from a few days before? And an ordinary card from the High street is the same for something that cost a very few pence to produce. 

So instead of a gift to each other we decided to get oils for a massage. A gift to each other that really showed we cared. Never tried massage? Don't worry - its really easy with loads of information on the net. And you will soon get the feel for it :)

There are lots of unusual gifts in the hand-made or designer market place that are great for Valentine's giving too.

This is from a designer local to me who decorates wooden ducks.

Mucky Ducks

All the created ducks sell really quickly. They are all individual and you can even ask for a special design. 

Lovingly created they are great value for money as there is not a huge selling chain before they reach you!

This very up to the minute card is one of many Vintage style designs from a good friend and former colleague of mine who can now be seen on Create and Craft TV. 

You can follow her blog at Just Jo

Look around in your own area and there are sure to be some card designers selling at stalls or in other businesses such as flower shops and craft stores. 

A Designer made card that shows the extra effort you have gone to finding something just right is sure to be a hit.

Lastly, if you can't resist that eternal symbol of love, a red heart, this Swarovski crystal heart is sure to be a hit.

Designer crafted at a fraction of High Street prices, this sterling silver pendant can be found at Jangill Jewellery

It's available at a whopping 50% off at the moment so worth getting in there before the end of the month.

With a month left to go before the day, why not start looking now.

Do you have a tradition for Valentine's Day? - I would love to hear about it.