Valentines gift ideas

The day of romance has descended upon us and we are gearing up to a weekend celebrating that famous four letter word.

What always interests me about Valentine’s Day is how people interpret it differently; some keep it cosy with two, others like to make the day a fun family affair (even including the pets!) whereas several celebrate in style with friends.

Traditionally Valentine’s Day is all about the colour pink, hearts and the baby in a nappy that masquerades as Cupid! Today these sickly sweet clichés don’t always reflect your true sentiment and so read on for my top tips to help keep your recipient in mind and too ensure your gift receives a smile and not a grimace!

1. For those of you who are keeping this Valentine’s Day strictly all about the romance, whether it’s igniting, enduring or rekindling love, a well-chosen gift will encourage your desired response. For the lady in your life luxury items to make her feel precious are always appreciated, from a Karl Lagerfeld designed Swarovski jewel encrusted snake bangle to a silk teddy, all available on next day delivery from Gift-Library! If you are shopping for him, plump for indulgent treats he is sure to enjoy such as an opulent leather wash bag, Daines & Hathaway do a high quality kit bag which he can pack himself when you do the romantic whisking away!

2. If all the family are being included in this celebration of love then keep it fun, entertaining and enjoyable with games, sweet treats and novelty gifts. Something all the family can get involved in is a spot of home baking, even if their only input is squeezing on the icing or licking the bowl! Add that sense of an event with heart decorated baking accessories; the Nina Campbell kitchen set keeps it sweet with pretty heart patterned oven gloves, an apron and a tea towel. If your family party has some young members then join them in by picking a personalised gift as a memento for later years. My 1^st Years specialise in customised products for little ones and has an adorable range of baby safe teddy bears with personalised jumpers.

3. Get your priorities in place and treat your most loyal friends with a little something to let them know how much they mean to you. A weekend adventure always renews and strengthens the best of friendships and what better way to do this then by whipping your nearest and dearest off for a cooking trip. A cooking party in the Cotswolds will see your friends staying in luxury cottages and taking part in tailor made courses on a stunning country estate. Make the day all about eating, drinking and being merry!

I am now on twitter personally and am totally addicted! Follow my every move at http://twitter.com/C_Stanbury and I’ll have plenty more Valentine’s Day tips too come!