Valentine’s Day, on the 14th February, is your chance to tell the love of your life know just how much they mean to you. Flowers and chocolates are a little unimaginative, so here are our favourite meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts and ideas from engraved keepsakes to surprise trips to brilliant balloons.
Write an Old-fashioned Love Letter
A hand-written love letter or poem might just be the ultimate romantic treasure. Whether the words come straight from your heart or from an established poet, it won’t cost you more than the price of a Valentine’s Day card.
Quotation Cushion
A romantic quotation, like this cushion below, can also work wonders, with or without the diamond ring.
Give a Keepsake with a Message
An enduring keepsake is a wonderful way to show your love, and the message engraved will be admired everyday. These are the kinds of gifts that are kept for years and handed down to future generations.
Pocket Watch
A traditional pocket watch is an affordable family heirloom piece that can be personalised with a monogram, and he’ll never be late again.
Trinket Box
This half moon trinket box features an engraved quotation from e.e. cummings, one of this century’s most famous love poets. It can also be personalised with a name or other short message. A lovely keepsake to treasure always.
Compact Mirror
Have your own personal message engraved on the back of this compact mirror and her initials or name on the front. Choose from a range of different styles.
Music Box
This music box comes in natural wood or mother of pearl and plays All You Need is Love by the Beatles and can also be personalised with names or a short message.
Silver locket
This unsual silver locket comes with a scent dot that can be infused with a favourite perfume or replaced with a tiny love letter scroll that can be carried close to the heart always.
Watch a Film or a Play
Have a quiet night in with one of the Most Romantic Films for Valentine’s Day or book two tickets for a show or a local theatre production where you can hold hands and be entertained. If you prefer live music then go to see a band or simply take a walk by the river, just the two of you. When you’re looking for meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts and ideas, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. It’s about togetherness.
Book a Romantic Trip Away
A surprise trip to somewhere beautiful, even if it’s just a weekend away, is the ultimate romantic gesture. It’s something you can both share and a chance to make lasting memories.
Relax at a Spa
Another gift that you can both enjoy is a day or weekend at a spa. Get away from it all with a massage or a swim at a gorgeous spa hotel and recharge your batteries together.
Get Something for Your Home
Sweet and simple, these perfect white porcelain salt and pepper shakers in the shape of love birds or hugging bears will help you build your nest together. Alternatively, plant a love bush in your garden or flowers in a window box and watch as they grow gradually over time with your tending to them, just like your relationship.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Say it With Food and Drink
Instead of eating out you could cook a romantic dinner for two, or make a cake your labour of love for a sweet way to show you care.
Wooden Beer Caddy
This wooden beer caddy and bottle opener can be personalised with a name or message.
Heart-Shaped Bottle Opener
This bottle opener in the shape of a love heart is an understated and practical gift. It’s the sort of present that will be used daily for years to come and everytime it comes out will be a reminder of your love.
‘Drunk in Love’ Napkins
A homemade cake or a lovingly prepared romantic meal for two can be more special than going out to a restaurant. The ‘Drunk in Love’ printed napkins are the perfect accessory and they can be personalised with names and dates.
Run a Candlelit Bath of Rose Petals
It’s a classic and so simple… a steamy bath lit only by atmospheric candlelight, with natural rose petals to add colour and scent to the water. Who knows what could follow…?
Assorted Candles
Have a Cocktail Night In
Have your own cocktail night in with this unusual rose gold pineapple cocktail cup. Simply look up some recipes, buy in the drinks, matching cups, fun cocktail umbrellas, citrus slices, salt and sugar for the glass rims and put on some music to dance. If you have to work the next morning, colourful mocktails might be the answer.
Pineapple Cocktail Cup
Surprise Them With New Lingerie
This feminine silky floral robe with a delicate watercolour print and coloured edging comes in a variety of colours and styles. It can also be personalised with a name, messsage or initials to make it extra special.
Floral Kimono
Chemise Nightdress
A simple chemise nightdress in gorgeous silver grey with a sheer hemline is less obvious than a skimpy red and black number and yet just as sexy, if not more so.
Harness Bra and Knickers Set
Here’s an interesting alternative to the usual virginal white bridal lingerie. A harness style bra and knickers set that make you look like an angelic dominatrix as soon as you undress!
Say it with Balloons
And finally, balloons are a fun way to say, “I love you!” Inexpensive and simple, these amazing 17″ balloons can be inflated with helium and placed around your home or carried in style to another venue to make a real statement.
Helium Love Balloons
Whatever you choose to do for your loved one this Valentine’s Day, make it sincere and heart-felt. You don’t have to spend a small fortune to show how much you care for someone. Truly meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts and ideas are about simply marking the day with a card or a surprise that you know they will love and appreciate.
Find more ideas in Gifts for Him and Gifts for Her and be inspired by our Six Secrets to a Happy Marriage.