The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
A day for celebrating your special loved one
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people: a bunch of red roses, a glass of pink champagne, a quiet night in or a romantic dinner out.
One thing they all have in common is the idea of embracing a day to tell that special someone how much they love them.
There are many theories and legends about how Valentine’s Day first came to be marked but gradually, over the centuries, February 14 has become the date for celebrating love and exchanging love messages and tokens, with St Valentine becoming the patron saint of lovers.
If you want to surprise the one you love (whether they realise they are the object of your affections or not) the top gifts tend to be flowers, chocolates, lingerie and jewellery.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to show someone you care, just put a little bit of thought into your choice. If they don’t like roses, even the largest bouquet is unlikely to impress, so think carefully about your chosen gift – it might not necessarily be one of the Valentine staples.
Quirky, home-made gifts are often just as appreciated as more expensive ones – what could be more sweet than a batch of home-made Valentines cupcakes?
Or why not opt for something that you can enjoy as a couple? If you are food lovers, go for a meal in your favourite restaurant – but remember to book early. If wine is your thing, why not opt for an evening spending some time together and tasting some new varieties or book a cookery course where you can learn some new skills together.
If you prefer to purchase a tangible gift, why not take the time to visit some of your local shops, where the staff will have some great ideas to help you buy that special something.
If you have the time and the budget, the ultimate Valentine treat can be a night or a weekend away. Why not push the boat out and look for a luxury hotel that offers some great food or treat yourselves to a wonderful relaxing spa break where you can wind down and spend some quality time together?
Whatever you decide to do, by putting some thought into the planning, you are sure to give your loved one a surprise that they will remember for a long time to come.