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Valentine’s Gifts

Let’s talk a little history first…

The origins of Valentine’s Day are shrouded in a bit of mystery. It was likely born of a combination of events throughout history, beginning with a bacchanalian Roman festival — complete with matchmaking — that occurred annually between February 13-15 in ancient Rome. Later, in different years but on the same day — February 14 — Roman Emperor Claudius II executed two men named Valentine. The Catholic Church would eventually recognize them with sainthood, and began celebrating St. Valentine’s Day on February 14 during 5th century. The Normans of the time celebrated a holiday around this same time each year called Galatin’s Day, meaning “lover of women.” It’s possible because the two words sound alike — Galatin, Valentine — that the meaning of the two days also become muddled into one.

Slowly, over time, the holiday took on more romantic overtones. Valentine greetings became common in the Middle Ages, and in 1375 the influential English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romance. Written valentines became more common, with Dukes and even King Henry V sending notes to their loves. Shakespeare romanticized Valentine’s Day in his plays. And so it went on until the American industrial revolution, when printing presses began churning out factory-made cards. Hallmark Cards joined the fun in 1913, and the rest, as they say, is history.

We love giving Valentine’s gifts. To our kids, friends, partners. It never hurts to have a little nudge to show the people in our lives how much they mean to us. We are especially excited for this year’s gift guide, as we have curated a selection of Valentine’s gifts at Collected (for women *and* men!) that can fit any recipient – from delicate pink champagne coupes to hand-carved heart-shaped bowls to gorgeous books to leather journals and everything in between. We hope you find something you like, and are inspired for giving to the ones you love.

Estelle colored glass coupes are always a favorite. And they come with a great story.