A Little Bit of Love

Every year, billions of people (yes! billions) worldwide choose to show their loved ones how much they care by presenting them with tokens of their love on 14 February.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally when men have given their loved ones a bouquet of fresh red roses or a box of delicious hand made choclolates, but as the years have passed, these tokens of love have evolved spectacularly.

According to the history books (well, Wikipedia actually), it is thought that Valentine’s Day was celebrated as far back as the high middle ages, but that the tradition of sending Valentine’s letters or card was re-established in the 1900s.

Not Just Chocs and Flowers
Everything moved up a gear in the cash rich 1980s, when the diamond industry took Valentine’s gifts to a new level and they started promoted diamond jewellery for the occasion.

Probably not much to the approval of the poor chaps who had to shell out for diamond bracelets instead of a box of chocs, but we’re sure there have been some very happy recipients.

A quick search online can return results for some fabulous old Valentine’s card and apparently, the oldest surviving handmade Valentine card is on display in the British Museum.

This one pictured is from 1910.

Anything Goes on the Gift Front
Today, the range of gifts that couples in love chose to send to each other can be as diverse as paragliding lessons or classic car hire for the day, not forgetting some lush new lingerie.

Those with a bit of cash in their pockets, might consider whisking their loved ones off to the fancy hotel for the weekend.

For the traditionalists amongst you, our listings of the many florists, chocolate and lingerie shops on the Wight should help you get organised in time for Valentine’s Day.