St. Valentine’s Day – myth or fact?

St. Valentine's Day – myth or fact?

We all know that the 14th February has become known as St.Valentines Day and that small keepsakes are supposed to be sent to your heart's desire on that day. It is supposed to be done anonymously but over the years couples and would-be lovers have slightly changed the rules in this interesting 'game'.

For example, the original St. Valentine actually existed – in fact there were seven of them – but no-one knows which the day is named for. Originally the single girls in the villages and towns would put their names on paper and put in a container. The single men would draw out a piece of paper each and would make that girl his 'charge' for the following year. Over time this was abolished – it was considered pagan by some religions – and today, somewhat cynically, we give cards and gifts signed in our own names. After all, wouldn't it be dire if a rival for his or her affections got the appreciation for the gift that you sent!

Over recent years many people have taken to wearing red on the special day and in some countries it is taking on epic proportions even to the point of being treated as a sort of unofficial holiday. People tend to party away as if it was Christmas or some such holiday but of course this was not the original idea of this day.

In current times gifts are given between married couples, children to parent, parent to children etc. All have got in on the act and what better way to show that someone special that you were thinking of them on the day in question. In fact, the 14th February is fast becoming a favorite day for marriages or for official engagement ceremonies.

So how do you show your love or respect for that special person? Well, look no further. At you are virtually spoiled for choice.

There are the more conventional cuddly toys and teddy bears holding messages of undying devotion as well as mugs, leather goods and other knick knacks but if it is something traditional that you have in mind then some of the jewelry is exceptionally stylish with many pieces being suitable for engraving with their, or your, initials.

One rather delightful piece is the cufflinks on offer with room inside for a photo or two. Imagine giving your executive husband this gift with a photo of you in one and your child or children in the other. This man would sure to feel loved every time he had the opportunity to wear them!

Some come in a silver finish while there is a particularly modish set made of brass. Add engraved initials and 'voila' the perfect gift.

For the guy who likes collectables, there are old-fashioned model trucks and tankers filled with sweet things or nuts and the name of the company can be mounted on the side. This is a kind of 'two way' gift since something can be consumed now whilst the container is a great keepsake.

For the lady of the house how about a silver cuff bracelet beautifully engraved with her initials? Or perhaps a silver heart suspended from a rope of pearls?

For the sweet toothed there are boxes of cookies with appropriate messages of love iced onto them and these come in different sizes and overall weight. The children would love this gift – either as the giver or receiver – and the best thing is that the parcel can be shared! Of course, this may not be the ideal gift if the loved one in your life is watching their weight so consider this carefully before ordering.

For the more daring of the lovers amongst you there are candy condom bouquets. Your intentions could not come plainer than this and it is a fun, romantic gift to give to your intended target.

Nothing says 'I love you' better than an extremely personal gift but for those of you who are 'romantically challenged' it could not be easier to find something suitable on this site. These don't have to be costly either. A heavenly scented candle – or basket of candles – would be highly appreciated by the person who would love to relax in a warm bubble bath – with scented candles all around - whilst the kids are being taken care of. Different scents relate to different moods and it is up to you exactly what you wish to convey when choosing this gift.

A most unusual gift is the custom-made sculptures that are made to emulate that special person. You provide the photo of the recipient (by computer) and bluechopsticks provide a five and a half inch caricature of that person. There are many styles of dress to choose from including slinky dresses to baseball outfits – even couples for the top of cakes – and your hardest task would be to choose which one is most suited to the occasion.

Of course it has become somewhat traditional to give chocolates and flowers on this one day of the year but you would stand out more if you took the time to choose something a little different. In fact there are women out there – and guys too - who would be completely disappointed if that bouquet did not arrive at the office for all to see.

But guys beware! No woman wants to get a 'gift' for the house or kitchen even if it is given under the guise of a being a gift from the children to the Mom. Consider what she would appreciate well before the deadline. Nothing says you care more than a well planned gift and you will benefit from the goodwill fall-out for some time to come! After all – a happy wife makes for a happy life!

In fact, practically anything with a heart or flowers on would be acceptable to both sexes and there are many items like this at Just remember to order early to avoid disappointment – particularly for the engraved goods on offer.