The origins of Valentine’s Day uncovered…
Valentine’s Day has rolled around again, and this year we’ve done a little digging to find out more about the day’s intriguing history. The most common theory is that while the Roman Emperor Claudius II was trying to bolster his army, he forbade young men to marry (apparently, he felt single men made better soldiers). In the spirit of love, St. Valentine defied the ban and performed secret clandestine marriages. Sadly, for his disobedience, Valentine was executed on February 14th, beginning the tradition of Valentine’s Day as we know it today.
Fun facts about Valentine’s Day
- The Duke of Orleans sent the world’s earliest Valentine’s card to his wife whilst he was a prisoner in the Tower of London in the 15th century.
- Richard Cadbury first gave chocolates to his beloved in a heart-shaped box in 1868.
- Around a billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged across the world each year, making it the second largest card-sending time of year after Christmas.
- We send our loved ones red roses for Valentine’s Day because they were the favourite flower of Venus – the Roman goddess of love. Approximately 50 million roses are received on Valentine’s Day around the world!
Valentine’s, Galentine’s and Palentine’s
In recent years, we’ve begun to celebrate Valentine’s with our loved ones in different ways. Galentine’s Day (as popularised by Leslie Knope in classic American sitcom Parks and Recreation) and Palentine’s Day, both celebrated on 13th February, are great ways to share the love with your besties at this time of year.
You might not want to give your BFFs gifts as extra as Leslie Knope’s – who gifts “a bouquet of hand crocheted flower pens, a mosaic portrait of each of you made from the crushed bottles of your favorite diet soda and a personalized 5,000-word essay of why you are all so awesome” – but why not treat your besties to a night in with sweet treats and binge-watch your fave TV show together?
Whether you are looking for the perfect present for your husband, wife, bestie, or even a treat for yourself, our gorgeous Valentine’s Day gifts below are sure to give you some Valentine’s gift inspiration…
Me to You teddy bear with milk chocolate lolly
Since the launch of Me to You in 1995, the well-loved Tatty Teddy's timeless illustrations have been popular with young and old alike, communicating warmth and happiness, and touching people's lives all over the globe, in all situations. What better time of year to give your loved one a cute cuddly toy, than Valentine’s Day!
Me to You pride themselves on delivering a consistent, quality product which is a perfect fit for a brand collaboration with Kimm & Miller. The Me to You brand has established a loyal fan base over the years which spans all ages, which is why it makes such a fantastic gift for all seasons. We love to showcase our work with this beautiful British brand.
“Love you 100’s and 1000’s” hot chocolate mug
This cute heart sprinkles design mug is complete with indulgent hot chocolate from French chocolaterie Monbana, who have been producing traditional, high quality cocoa since 1934. This mug gift will make a fantastic present for your other half, your BFF, or even yourself – ideal for a cosy night in this Valentine’s Day.
This gift is available to buy in-store or online from Morrisons.
Make your own chocolate hearts
For those of you looking to gift something more personal, this make-your-own chocolate hearts kit will add a real personal touch to your Valentine’s Day celebrations. (Plus, when you’re finished, you get to share the chocolate hearts with your other half – win-win!)
This gift set includes a red heart-shaped silicone chocolate mould, and delicious melting chocolate produced in the UK: everything you will need to create this delicious sweet treat for Valentine’s Day!
This gift is available to buy in-store from Morrisons.
