For as long as we have been falling in love, we have been searching for the most romantic and unique ways in which to express our feelings for each other. Centuries of people trying to understand love and how to portray it so accurately as not to destroy it.
It was in 18th century England that St. Valentine’s Day became known as the one day in which lovers could show their love in flamboyant ways. Now celebrated the world over, it’s awash with overpriced heart shaped chocolates, red roses and Hallmark cards. The popularity of Valentine’s Day’s has changed its once humble and adorning roots to a grossly profitable holiday.
But this year why not change that? Instead of falling for the high street present trap here are a few homemade alternatives that are sure to get those hearts fluttering!
Our Travel Jar
Fill a glass jar with dream travel destinations – from Bali to Berlin. Colour code them depending on their price range and whether they are once in a lifetime trips or weekend getaways. Each year you and your loved one can choose your trips together depending on which destinations you happen to pick out. Exciting and thoughtful, your other half will adore travelling the world with you.
52 Things I Love About You
Buy a pack of playing cards but add an extra special little twist by writing something that you love about your other half on each card. “The way you say ‘good morning’”, “when you look after me when I’m ill”, “the way you talk about your friends.” Each one will put a smile on their face, knowing that you appreciate even the littlest things that they do every day.
Love Map
Cut out the map locations of important places for your relationship such as where you first met, where you went for your first date and where you took your first holiday together. Place them in a frame with a personalised message and it’ll have pride of place before you can even say ‘I love you’.
The Mixed Tape
It’s how the boy gets the girl in every 90s teen movie and it’s every girls fantasy to be given one. But nowadays a tape is a little obsolete, so as long as it features the songs that make you think of them it doesn’t matter if it’s a CD or a Spotify playlist. Choose heartfelt classics and lovesick indie gems for the perfect mix – they’ll listen to that track list more than they have done with anything that came before.
Sock Bunny
If all else fails make like Chandler Bing and make a sock bunny…