Valentine’s Day is that time of the year when people show their love, affection, and friendship. This is why each year on February 14th, people all across the globe exchange gifts, cards, candy, or flowers with their “valentine”.
The History of Valentine’s Day
The history of Valentine’s Day is directly linked to its patron saint. Yet it is all shrouded in mystery. This romantic holiday contains vestiges of Christian and ancient Roman traditions. There are three legends centered on three different saints named Valentine.
One old tale says that Valentine was a priest serving during the third century in Rome. This priest performed marriages for young people in secret, all because Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for men. He believed single men made better soldiers, forbidding them to marry. Valentine continued to defy the Emperor and was sentenced to death as a result.
Another legend suggests that Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape Roman prisons.
Lastly, a more romantic theory links another priest called Valentine to this special day we are now celebrating each year. According to this legend, an imprisoned Valentine sent a greeting to a young girl who visited him in confinement. It is alleged that prior to his death, he wrote a letter signed “From your Valentine”. This expression is still used today.
Valentines Day Ideas – Gifts and Cards
There are plenty of ways to show your better half how you feel about her/him. Let’s go through some Valentine’s day gifts and pick the one that will melt your lover’s heart.
- If you’re a creative person, why not try making something yourself. Put together a book or a scrapbook. Write about your love for your Valentine and list all the reasons for which you are thankful to have met her/him. Add pictures of you two to make it even more lovely.
- Go to Signals.com and get a personalized “Where We Met” puzzle. All you need to do is tell the exact address where you and your spouse met and they will create a jigsaw puzzle centered on that address. You can include other cute details, such as a written “I Love You” or a center piece shaped like a heart. It’s a fun Valentine’s day activity for you both.
- Make your shared home even more comfy with “To Have And To Hold Pillowcases” by PersonalCreations.com. They can personalize each pillow with your name.
- Head over to KindNotes.com and get your sweetheart a jar filled with 31 love notes. You can shop ready-made designs, but you also have the option of creating your own. We suggest you be original and create the love notes yourself.
- These t-shirts on Etsy will make you guys look even more adorable when going out together.
- How about being a cool partner and giving you boyfriend a custom bar sign for his man cave? The style fits any décor, and he’s going to love it. You can find it on Etsy.
Things to Do on Valentines Day
If you’re not into gift-buying and want to do something more original, we have few ideas that will surely impress your loved one. Here’s what to do on Valentine’s day.
- Let’s start with Valentines day ideas for him. It’s common knowledge that women are not that into sports. Of course, there are exceptions, but let’s face it – you’d rather cook than watch a boring football match. But men enjoy sports a lot. Suggest going to a game so he can see that you take an interest in his hobbies. You’ll then be known as “the best girlfriend ever” among his guy-friends.
- Go paintballing. We, know, it’s far from being the first thing to come to mind when thinking about a romantic activity. Yet, men enjoy activities like this. And it tends to grow on women too. Give paintballing a chance and you’ll see how much fun it is.
- Recreate your first date. If you’ve been together for a long time, going back to where it all started will be an extraordinary experience for both of you. Men remember more details than you think.
- Now heading into the “Valentines day ideas for her” area, how about getting your legs movin’? most men aren’t into dancing. Some aren’t good at it either. Surprise your girlfriend with a dance class. After all, it’s about getting close and learning something together.
- Get in your car and tour the city during nighttime. Driving after dark ensures less traffic and noise, and even the city looks more beautiful. Go down memory lane by stopping at places that mean something to both of you.
- How about a Valentine’s day movie? Women enjoy romantic comedies, but there’s no reason why you should dread this activity. Try looking up foreign art and indie films, such as “Amélie”.
Happy Valentines Day! Remember, it is the most personal holiday of all. Treat it as such. Exchange customized Valentines day cards that tell your love story, be creative when choosing fits and fun activities. Then sprinkle everything with relatable Valentines day quotes and don’t stress too much over it. As long as you have each other, it’s going to be a happy valentine’s day.
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