6 Valentine’s Day traditions
Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well.
Valentine’s Day is awash in many di erent customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.
Handwritten cards
It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.
Pampering gentlemen
It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Ja-
pan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and a ection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with
candy, cake and flowers.
Bouquets
These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower
Some tips to help make your Valentine’s Day roses last longer
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Valentine’s Day spending shows little sign of waning. Floral arrangements are among the most popular purchases on this special day. According to Rio Roses, customers spent $2.3 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day in 2022. Valentine’s Day tends to be the busiest day for florists as plenty of people want to surprise sweethearts with bouquets and other floral arrangements. Red roses account for 70 percent of all Valentine’s Day flower purchases.
Early in 2023, Finance Buzz researched the average cost of a dozen roses in each state so shoppers could expect what they would pay to gift their loved ones, and the average price for a dozen roses in the United States was $80.16 at that time. Pennsylvania had the most a ordable roses and Hawaii the most expensive. Roses can be costly, and recipients may want to do their bests to ensure the flowers last as long as possible.
Unwrap the bouquet from any plastic as soon as possible to let the flowers breathe. Also, recut the stems with sharp scissors at a 45-degree angle. Remove any leaves from the stems that would end up sitting in the water when the roses are placed in a vase. Wash the vessel to rid it of dirt, dust and any grime to give the roses the best start possible. Use lukewarm water to fill the vase. Water that is too hot or too cold may shock the blooms and shorten their life span. Fill the vase to three-quarters full.
Use the flower food that comes with the roses. It is a good mix of nutrients to help prolong the life of
HAPPY DAY Valentine’s
for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.
Puzzle purses
Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on di erent corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.
Heart-shaped
chocolate boxes
British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.
Celebrating in June?
Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower a ection on loved ones multiple times a year. Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February.
A look at wine and dessert pairings
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Love is in the air come February, when plenty of sweethearts enjoy romantic evenings together. When the Valentine’s Day meal is through, it is prime time for something sweet. Often individuals feel they have to put away the wine from dinner and switch over to co ee or tea at this point in the meal. However, with a little knowledge of how to pair wine with dessert, Valentine’s revelers can continue the celebration through this final course. According to Wine Folly, when pairing wine with dessert or other foods, the secret is to think of wine as an ingredient that will add a new flavor profile. Generally speaking, when it comes to choosing the best wines for desserts, a sweet wine is preferable as the sweetness in the wine will match the sugar in the dessert, suggests the wine resource Vin Yang. Here are some additional pairing pointers. A darker dessert usually requires a darker wine, as the wine should have a similar in-
Keep in mind that very sweet desserts or those with fruits, like cobblers or shortcakes, may benefit from a burst of acidity.
tensity to the dessert. The wine should be sweeter than the food in most cases. The flavors in the wine should match the flavors in the food. Chocolate and caramel are best paired with a sweet or fruity red wine, as dry wines may taste too bitter against chocolate due to the tannins found in both the wine and chocolate. Port, Sherry, Marsala, and Zinfandel are good options. Mild, buttery or sweet vanilla desserts work best with white wines, including sparkling wines. Muscat, o -dry Rieslings, and Prosecco are some ideas. Keep in mind that very sweet desserts or those with fruits, like cobblers or shortcakes, may benefit from a burst of acidity. A drier Riesling may work or a Vouvray Brut. Those
Say ‘I love you’ with Valentine’s Day gifts
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February 14th, better known as Valentine’s Day, provides a beacon of light in the middle of winter. Each February, stores and homes are decked out in red and pink hearts, and florists wait in the wings to prepare sweet-smelling bouquets for the bevy of buyers eager to bring bountiful blooms into their living spaces.
Gift-giving is an integral component of Valentine’s Day. That means the search may be on to find items that will give voice to feelings of love and affection in tangible ways. These gifts are perfect for anyone on your list.
Fragrance: Although purchasing fragrances can be tricky, if your special someone provides hints of a scent or brand they prefer, it can make buying perfume or cologne easier. However, there’s also the option of going with trends. Market experts believe vanilla is set to be a stand-out aroma in 2024, and aromatherapy and feel-good fragrances are trending this year.
Cozy clothes: Snuggling together in front of the fire may be an appealing prospect for lovebirds. Cozy gifts can include matching loungewear or pajama sets, or ultra-soft sweatpants and hoodies for chasing away the chill.
Personalized prints: Companies o er custom song lyric posters or framed artwork so that a special song, whether it was heard during a first date or danced to during a couple’s wedding, can be memorialized. Other personalized prints can include images of the sky on a key date to commemorate a special moment in time.
Jewelry o erings: Jewelry is a go-to
Did you know?
It’s hard to imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and that association can be traced to a name that is very familiar to people who enjoy sweets on Feb. 14. According to History.com, Richard Cadbury utilized advancements at his family’s chocolate factory in England to produce new varieties of what was then known as “eating chocolate.” Cadbury then began marketing eating chocolates in decorative boxes, and while History.com notes he never patented the heart-shaped box, it’s widely believed Cadbury was the first to create one.
Valentine’s Day gift. Vogue says that there’s a strong likelihood that boho jewelry trends are making a comeback this year. Pendants, beads and multi-strand necklaces are sure to be a must-have look.
Travel treats: Couples who love to travel can gift travel-related items to their special someone. A high-end brand of luggage, tickets to a cruise or another destination, or an excursion upgrade on a planned getaway may fit the bill.
Gourmet eats: Foodies often find enjoyment sampling the fare at top-notch restaurants. While Valentine’s Day tends to be quite busy at most restaurants, a gift of a night out for dinner at another time may be the way to tug on the heartstrings while nurturing the palate.
Valentine’s Day is here before people know it, so it is key to have gift ideas at the ready.
Cozy up to these romantic films this Valentine’s Day
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A number of people feel that nothing beats a quiet evening in with the one you love on Valentine’s Day. Watching a romantic film together can be a way to cap the night off. There are plenty of films that focus on Valentine’s Day or have a larger romantic theme. Such movies are ideal for date nights and the ultimate date night: Valentine’s Day.
“Valentine’s Day” (2010):
This aptly titled film takes place on — you guessed it — February 14th. It has a who’s who cast of well-known actors like Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine and Bradley Cooper. Various storylines intersect among the characters as Los Angeles residents work their way through the highs and lows of love on Valentine’s Day.
“Kate & Leopold” (2001): While rom-com fans are used to seeing Meg Ryan teamed up with Tom Hanks, in this tale she’s paired with Hugh Jackman. Jackman is a duke from 1876 who inadvertently finds himself traveling through time to modern-day New York City, where he meets a plucky advertising executive. The two clash before they discover feelings for each other.
“The Princess Bride” (1987): This movie has withstood the test of time. It has a little bit of everything: swordfights, revenge, a giant, and, of course, a heartwarming love story at its core.
“The Wedding Singer” (1998): Despite coming out in the 1990s, this film brings on all the campy 1980’s nostalgia, including a hit soundtrack of favorite songs from that decade. Although not everyone
is a fan of Adam Sandler’s comedic antics, this movie is less slapstick and more heartfelt. It’s one of a few where
Sandler has paired with Drew Barrymore in the lead roles. Check out “50 First Dates” if you want a fun Sandler-Bar-
rymore double feature.
“Love, Simon” (2018): In this movie, Simon, a high school
student, hasn’t yet come out to his friends and family, but has been exploring a budding romance with an anonymous boy online. The big reveal of that boy’s identity is a moment of anticipation.
“Pride and Prejudice” (2005): Jane Austen’s classic novel has undergone many interpretations on the silver screen. The 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as Elizabeth and Darcy is a fan favorite. With its beautiful tableaus and enchanting soundtrack, viewers can’t help but root for this unlikely couple.
“Always Be My Maybe” (2019): This Netflix original movie has Ali Wong and Randall Park playing former childhood best friends with some unfinished business. When they are reunited as adults on different paths, will they find a connection? Keanu Reeves has a guest cameo.
“Chocolat” (2000): A mysterious French woman and her young daughter open a chocolate shop in a remote place where villagers are afraid of change. Her confections seemingly have magical powers to fix the ills of people, if only the shopkeeper can lure the stubborn to give them a taste. Johnny Depp stars as a love interest.
“Notting Hill” (1999): If Meg Ryan is the queen of romcoms, Hugh Grant may be the king. In this movie, an unassuming British book shop owner gets cast into the limelight when a famous American actress played by Julia Roberts hides in the stacks and eventually becomes more than just a customer.
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Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular flower given on this day for lovebirds.
Just because millions of roses are
prepared in advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement. A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.
n Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Many have a favorite flower type or color,
and everyone’s isn’t necessarily a red rose. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.
n Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person, make sure they are fresh by gently feeling the part of the petal that meets the stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.
n Opt for neutral tones. If you’re unsure of which flowers to buy,
stick with varietals in white and soft, neutral tones. This will lend a more romantic vibe to the bouquet. Bright, high-contrast florals may come off as tacky unless you can guarantee that the person prefers them.
n Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How
Flowers Do That, a United Kingdom-based flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. n Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day draws closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement. Choosing flowers comes down to a few simple steps to offer a gift of love on Valentine’s Day.
unique Valentine’s Day gift ideas
Gifting is a key component of Valentine’s Day celebrations every Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day is a mere month-and-a-half after the holiday season, so ideas for more thoughtful gifts may be in short supply. Let these Valentine’s day gift ideas serve as inspiration.
1. Custom painted portrait: Many local artists paint beautiful portraits from photographs. Find an image you like and have it made into an even more impressive work of art.
2. Doll likeness: The well known Funko POP! brand known for its pop culture figurines enables customers to create likenesses of themselves or loved ones. You can have custom dolls made in your sweetheart’s likeness.
3. Preserved roses: While fresh roses may only last a few days to a week, preserved or “eternity” roses are treated and specially packaged so they can endure and serve as lasting, welcome reminders of Valentine’s Day love.
5. First date map: Gift a framed picture of a map marked with the specific location of your first date, whether it was a restaurant, park or museum.
6. Birthstone jewelry: Jewelry is a popular gift on Valentine’s Day. Make gifts even more special by finding pieces that include your special someone’s birthstone. The American Gem Society offers a handy chart at www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.
7. Experiential gifts: Experiential gifts may be just what is needed this Valentine’s Day. Some options include a couple’s cooking class, tickets to a sports game or concert, a vacation to a romantic locale, or a day or night out on the town.
8. Prepare a favorite recipe: Learn what your loved one enjoys eating the most and then recreate the recipe as a thoughtful gift and dinner at home. This Valentine’s Day, people can consider these unique and thoughtful gift ideas.
4. Journal or scrapbook: A decorative scrapbook or journal enables your special someone to keep track of moments spent together and key milestones.
categories:
Valentine’s Day is a time for gifting the special person in one’s life with various tokens of affection. Flowers, chocolates and jewelry often top the list of Valentine’s gifts. Anyone who has shopped for jewelry understands it can be a complicated endeavor, particularly when shopping for gold. As of December 2023, the cost for gold per ounce was $2,010.52 and the gold price per gram was $64.64. According to the jewelry retailer Uverly, a 14K diamond cut solid yellow gold necklace can range from 3.1 grams and up depending on the thickness and length. It’s not unheard of for a gold necklace to retail for around $400. Shoppers who cannot afford that price tag may wonder if there are any alternatives that can still inspire the awe of gold. Goldplated pieces may be more attainable and affordable. Gold-plated jewelry is broken down into three categories: gold plated, gold vermeil and gold filled.
Gold plated
This is ideal for those seeking pieces at the most affordable prices. With proper care
and heavy gold plating, pieces can last five to 10 years before they require replacement. With gold plating, a layer of gold is bonded to a base metal of either nickel, stainless steel or brass. The base material will affect wear as well, including whether the pieces corrode. In general, the thicker the plating, the more the jewelry will endure.
Gold vermeil
Gold vermeil (pronounced vehr-may) begins with a sterling silver base that is then coated with gold. It stands apart from gold plating because it is a bit thicker and may hold up to repeated wearing. Gold vermeil also can be more hypoallergenic than some other plated options, says Reeds jewelers.
Gold-filled Gold-filled jewelry also may be called gold overlay or rolled gold plate. This is jewelry with at least 10 karat gold mechanically applied to a base metal, typically jewelers brass. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the gold layer needs to be at least 10% of the jewelry’s total weight. It is the most expensive gold-
plated option. Still, the prices will be more affordable than pure gold. Gold-filled items are easier on people with gold allergies because of the base metal.
Additional options
Buyers who prefer all gold in their pieces can opt for hollow chains and bracelets, which will be lighter and thus cost less than heavier, solid-gold pieces.
Gold-plated pieces give Valentine’s Day shoppers more affordable gifts for those seeking gold jewelry that fits the budget.
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Gold-plated jewelry is broken down into three
gold plated, gold vermeil and gold filled.
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This Valentine’s Day, people can consider these unique and thoughtful gift ideas.
