Valentine’s Day is a celebration which divides opinion across the board. For many, it isn’t a celebration, merely a reminder of their lack of relationship, which on the upside eliminates the tedious chore of having to buy each other gifts whilst overtly expressing the sentiment: I LOVE YOU. Being a person who this year falls into the “I hate Valentine’s Day” category, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to browsing the shops to see what was on offer for all those loved up ones. However, the nature of consumerism means that there is something marketed for every group out there. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the “in a relationships” anymore; everyone from the single lady to the recently divorced can find the perfect gift this Valentine’s.
For those lucky in love this year, shops are literally bursting with gift ideas for those who have found “the one”. As is the case with Valentine’s Day (and most other celebrations…), it’s always best to encourage your man to play it safe with the gift ideas. Simply explain that as much as you enjoy paintballing, it would be better if you saved any outdoor activities for the summer months. Hotel Chocolat, on the other hand, has some gorgeous gifts that, despite the somewhat extortionate price tag, are a safe gift option as most girls will appreciate a luxury box of chocolates. The sales assistant described a particular ‘Sleekster Love Selection’ as being ‘Smooth, seductive and utterly devoted to love…’ if you and your partner can relate to these aptly chosen adjectives, this box of treats is for you. Flavours include ‘prosecco and raspberry’, ‘champagne and amaretto ‘and ‘macadamia’ meaning that they’re are a cut above your average box of Quality Street.
Restaurants are often packed on Valentine’s Day with couples searching for tasty food and an intimate dining experience. Most restaurants have deals on at the moment, offering the ultimate wine and dine experience and perfect romantic ambience. Cafe Rouge, located in Lower Petergate, is offering ‘buy one main meal get the other for just a £1’ vouchers, which are available at myvouchers.com, (the pound even goes to the Great Ormond Street Hospital fund.) This means that however unromantic it feels asking the waiter if your voucher is valid, the sense of philanthropy will outshine any disapproval your partner voices about the fact that you didn’t pay full price for the meal.
During my research for gift ideas for the single girl, I came across an atrocity; a Match.com subscription. This may seem perfect for your best mate who’s been complaining about being single for over a year, but despite her GSOH, it’s unlikely that this will go down well. As much as she hates being single, encouraging her to create an online dating profile for a subscription fee of £53 is both harsh and financially crippling. Alternatively, encourage her to make a little self investment to give her a boost; make-up masters MAC have launched their recent collection ‘MAC in Lillyland’, containing an array of pop bright lip glosses and eye shadow palettes. A stand out product is the new nail liqueur in ‘steamy’ which is a gorgeous cerise and Mac nail varnishes last for ages without chipping and thus definately worth the investment. The single lady is sure to appreciate these products as much as any elaborate Valentine’s Day gift, especially as men don’t really understand women’s love of a new lipgloss. For those who are especially man hating this year, the’ voodoo knife block’ available from Amazon is perfect. This may seem a little extreme, but it’s practicality as a storage solution cannot be overlooked.
As much as one enjoys being cynical about Valentine’s Day, there are some lovely things out there but some really tacky ones too. Gorgeous window displays in shops are sure to lure you in but lets be honest, a good bit of heavy hinting to the one buying you your gift is always the best way. You don’t really want to end up the owner of a personalised apron or thong!