Gift Ideas Blog

With Valentine’s Day approaching, many are seeking help in finding the perfect, romantic gift for their sweetheart. If you want to buy a “material” made-in-china keepsake, you have plenty of options out there and don’t need any help.

But if you want a thoughtful, old-fashioned, one-of-a-kind gift that will create a memory that will be cherished forever, here are some romantic recommendations that are simple and heartfelt.

LOVE LETTERS: No form of communication is more important, more romantic – or more in danger of being lost – than the written word. Eloquently written love letters were a part of Victorian era courtship and continued through a couple’s marriage. In a day when text-messaging rules, you may not feel up to a full blown love letter – but you can certainly write a heartfelt note that your sweetheart will find when he or she least expects it.

Example of a love letter: Now, I go; but remember always that I love you with all my heart and soul, with every fiber of my being; that now and forever I am yours – yours, my beloved. It is almost three o’clock. My soul reaches out to yours – my prayers. I’ll keep up a skookum tumtum [Chinook for strong heart] for Virginia and for you, my darling. Your Soldier

July 3, 1863 Gettysburg

Note: This was written by Confederate General George Picket to his wife. You may recognize the date — the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, and the time — shortly before his ill-fated Pickett’s Charge. The artillery bombardment of more than 250 cannons began at 1 p.m. and was still taking place as he wrote. Now if he can find time to write a love letter to his wife, what’s your excuse?

(From the book “The Heart of a Solider: Intimate Wartime Letters of General George E. Pickett, CSA, to his Wife”)

Helpful Hint: Buy some parchment paper rather than writing on a sticky note. Another popular tradition of the Victorian era was to cut slits in the paper and weave a satin ribbon through.

BUY SOMETHING OLD, RATHER THAN SOMETHING NEW: In the Victorian era, popular gifts to exchange were lockets, antique coins, portraits, poems, sketches and locks of hair. Much of the jewelry made during the Victorian era was hand-made and exquisite. You can find beautiful brooches, rings, necklaces and lockets at antique shops. These items become heirlooms rather than just another piece of jewelry. (And chances are they were made in the USA)

NIGHT OUT: I don’t mean go to a movie, or even dinner. Take a walk – around the block, around the mall, or through the fields if you live in a rural area like I do. Hold hands. Talk. (For the younger readers out there, that’s an old-fashioned form of communication in which you use your mouth instead of your fingers).

NIGHT IN: We’re in a recession. Instead of going out and spending money, stay in. Cook a romantic meal or just share a bowl of popcorn. Watch the history channel or look through old photographs together. Play scrabble or cards. Talk.

Helpful Hint: Turn off electronic equipment like phones, computers and blackberries.

VALENTINE’S CARDS: This is a very old ritual, dating back to at least the 1400s. Don’t take the easy way out and buy a Hallmark card – make it yourself. (And don’t send one by email. Please!)

Need some tips on types of cards of make? You might remember some of these from grade school.

Acrostic valentines: Uses verses in which the first lines spells the loved one’s name.
Cutout valentines: Make by folding the paper several times and then cutting out a lacelike design.
Pinprick valentines: Make by pricking tiny holes in a paper, creating the look of lace.

ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE: Nothing says romance like a flickering flame and the fragrant scent of candles. Light some candles and sit quietly with your loved one. See what happens.