Valentines Day Gift Basket
Posted on Monday, May 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day that celebrates love, particularly that of the courtly, romantic and erotic kind. What is the ideal gift? This is a question that ultimately, only the giver and recipient can answer for themselves, although I certainly have some suggestions, but first a little history of Valentines Day.
The origins of Valentine’s day aren’t entirely clear. There is a strong connection to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held on the ides of February and dedicated to the god of fertility, Faunus. Valentinus was apparently an early Christian priest who, during the reign of Claudius II, performed secret marriages for young people during a time when the Roman emperor had outlawed the sacrament. Valentinus was later executed, becoming a martyr and eventually a saint.
The decision to celebrate the saint’s day on February 14th may have been an attempt to “Christianize” the popular Lupercalia festival, although many vestiges of the original pagan customs remain. The first recorded Valentine gift was a poem, composed by the Duke of Orleans in 1415 as he was held prisoner in the Tower of London following the Battle of Agincourt. Meanwhile, the English king who put him there - Henry V - hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a Valentine message to his future queen, Catherine of Valois. The custom of exchanging affectionate notes grew over the next half-millennium, and remains one of the most popular Valentine expressions today.
The most popular gifts for Valentines Day now are cards, candy and flowers. Of course, the tradition of exchanging cards is a very old one as we’ve seen – but while these appeal to the heart, erotic love is still very much about the senses. Since its introduction into Western culture (it was unknown outside of Mesoamerica prior to the late 16th Century), chocolate in all its forms has become the most popular confection on the planet. Not only does it taste wonderful, the substance contains chemical compounds that act on the brain in ways that release endorphins – the same chemicals that surge through our bodies when we fall in love. Small wonder that gift baskets full of gourmet chocolates are always appreciated.
Scent is another sense that has great bearing on feelings of eroticism. Since time immemorial, men and women alike have used the juices of flowers and other plants to make themselves smell attractive, and of course pheromones – subtle, almost undetectable molecules of scent given off by all mammals – have been a signal of sexual receptivity for millions of years. Is it possible that the use of perfumes and colognes are attempts to amplify or imitate the effects of pheromones? I think so, which is why I recommend gift baskets filled with herbal soaps and aromatic candles. Not only might these finely scented gifts tune into a more carnal instinct, they will also certainly be appreciated and used making them a wonderful gift sure to inspire a big smile.
Of course, we cannot forget color. Although it may vary from one culture to the next, in the West, pink, white and red have been the traditional colors of love – white for purity, pink for emotion, and red for sexuality. It’s why roses of those colors are always so popular on Valentines Day. I would suggest flowers as a wonderful gift for Valentines Day, although remember that flowers should only be an opener, you must be able to do at least one better than flowers. I would also recommend trying to bring all your gifts together with one theme. For instance if you have gotten white and pink flowers, try finding gift baskets in just those colors, thus tying all your gifts together.
Massage can also be a great Valentines Day gift. Massage helps to send the message that you really appreciate all the hardwork someone puts into your relationships and shared life. Best of all you can choose to reward them with a luxurious full body massage or fun gift of corporate massage right in their office.
Most importantly remember that personalized gifts mean more than anything else. Be sure that each gift has its own meaning and is special. This can be ensured by you the giver – if you haven’t already, create a reason why you are giving each gift, it will make each one that much more special.
Is this a good Valentines Day gift?
At age 15 and in a family where things are extremly tight money-wise, I was thinking of a good gift for my boyfriend that wouldn't be crappy because it was cheap.
So here's what I thought of- I'd get a nice basket, fill it with a bunch of little inexpensive things ((ideas are welcomed to what I should put in it)), print out some pictures of me and him and decorate the basket with them, and then tie a valentines day balloon on it. Does that sound good, or would you be disappointed with a gift like that???
Instead of a basket, maybe you can find a cheap little tool box or a fishing tackle box, and fill it with candy, that way it's more of a guy gift. You might even be able to find a very inexpensive tool set or fishing tackle to add in with the candy. Or if he is not into tools or fishing, then think of what he really likes, and go from there. But I think that is a very sweet idea, and anything you put together yourself means more than those store bought, pre-made, gift baskets, because it means that you have taken the time and put a lot of thought into it.
Make a Gift Basket - Part 1 - GIFTBASKETAPPEAL
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 Bath set in tin box items if you count boxAll pink Timeless Rose  US $17.99
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 Valentines day charm bracelet with charms look and see US $22.00
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 LONGABERGER 1997PICNIC PURSE BASKET WITH HINGED LIDNWOT NEVER DISPLAYED US $26.75
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 NWT Escada Trench Basket Weave Leather Clutch Shoulder Handbag Italy No Reserve US $469.99
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 Longaberger Flower Pots and Basket set 9pc set EUC US $35.00
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 Valentines Day Gift Basket Care Package US $33.99
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 Candle Valentines Day Gift Basket loaded with goodies Chocolates Bee more US $19.99
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 Maya Sun Handwoven Round Palm Leaf Box Basket w Lid NOVICA Guatemala US $54.95
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 Tropical Breeze Hand Woven Square Palm Leaf Basket Box with Lid NOVICA Guatemala US $39.95
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 NIP DISNEY TIGGER CELL PHONE POUCH COVER SOCK cute VALENTINES OR BASKET STUFFER US $4.99
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 Embroidery CD LARGE COLLECTION W Bonus Alphabet CD 4 Brother Card Machines US $15.00
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 1920s Ribbon Art Book 2 Millinery Fashion Ribbonry US $18.95
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 LIMOGES MINIATURE FLOWER BASKET NAVY BLUE WITH GOLD TRIM EXCELLENT COND US $10.99
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 Primitive Fabric Hearts Valentine Folk Art Set of Three Red White Blue American US $4.99
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 Sexy Valentine 18pc Gift Pack Massage Candy Chocolate Pen Lube Cuffs Pasties US $26.00
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 Primitive Vintage Fabric Hearts Valentine Folk Art Set of Three Cranberry Red US $4.99
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 Primitive Vintage Grungy Fabric Hearts Valentine Folk Art Set of Three US $4.99
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 New unused LOVE mug and lot of VALENTINE cookie cutters US $1.38
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 Primitive Vintage Fabric Hearts Valentine Folk Art Set of Three US $4.99
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 Glass paper weight Valentines Thoughts picture Cupid with basket collection US $13.88
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 Valentine Day gift baskets Victorias Secret Juicy Apple Lily US $65.00
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 VALENTINES DAY GIFT BASKET FOR HER US $74.99
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 Valentine Day gift baskets Victorias Secret PINK US $65.00
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 45 TALL LENOX ADORABLE FIGURINE A LITTLE GIRL WITH FLOWER BASKET BUTTERFLY US $10.99
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 Valentine Day gift baskets Victorias Secret DREAM ANGEL FOREVER US $65.00
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 Valentine Day gift baskets Victorias Secret FOREVER BLUSHING US $65.00
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 Valentine Day gift baskets High Fragranceunique one of a kind US $65.00
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 Cupid Valentines Day Gift Tags Set of 6 US $4.99
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 75 Metallic Red Sprays Stars Onion grass Picks Below wholesale Valentines US $32.99
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 Valentines Basket 6 Hot Pepper Powder Free 10 Ghost Pepper Bhut Jolokia Seeds US $17.99
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 SI1 80ct Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant 14K WG US $2,450.00
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 Baby Girl Infant Bracelet Perfect Cond Valentine Gift Easter Basket US $4.95
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 WORK TOGETHER Original Folk Painting African Art NOVICA US $79.16
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 NWT VALENTINE GIFT Just Fore You Golf Basket Chocolate Nuts Candy Cookies US $51.99
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 OLD Vintage 1912 Winsch SCHMUCKER Valentine Card Postcard VICTORIAN LADY VIOLETS US $9.77
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 Valentines Day Gift Basket For Her US $60.00
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 NEW w BAG LILLY PULITZER Green Basket Case Bangle Bracelet VAL DAY PERFECT US $32.99
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 VALENTINESILKFLOWERARRANGEMENTFLORALCENTERPIECELILYMUMGIFTBASKETIVY US $27.95
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 Citrine 14K Sterling Silver RingPierced Earrings Unworn Stunning Lovely NR US $64.99
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 Longaberger Peony Basket Combo 2001 Includes Tie On New US $17.04
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 Valentine Gift set of Avons Simply Because US $18.00
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 Valentine Gift set of Versace Trial size Crystal US $14.00
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 Longaberger 1993 Mothers Day Basket Combo New Rep Sales Sample US $9.95
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 LENOX CHINA NIB BUD VASE BASKET OF FLOWERS PRCELAIN IVORY US $8.99
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 Longaberger 2000 Celebration Sweetheart Basket Combo New Rep Sales Sample US $24.50
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 Beary Huggable Childrens Valentines Gift Basket US $54.99
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 5 Old Folded Teacher Valentines Roses Music Note Girl Doll Basket Calendar US $4.95
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 BASKET Tan and Blue with Red Hearts around 9 x 7 x 5 Tall Woven US $2.99
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 valentine gift basket ur choice NEW 18 kt gd necklace No reserve US $24.99
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 Big Valentines Day Gift Basket US $36.00
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Valentine's Fruit & Chocolate Fondue For Two Sale Price: $59.99  |
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Our romantic fruit & fondue gift baskets are sure to be a huge hit this Valentine's Day! There is nothing better than rich, sensuous chocolate and candy delicious fruit together in a romantic setting with your significant other... |
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Chocolate Candy bouquet in a Stripes and Heart box for Valentine's Day List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $39.99 |
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Send your sweetest wishes with this generous candy bouquet filled with yummy and fun candy delivered right to their doorstep. It's the perfect gift for any sweet occasion, thank you or to send sweet wishes on Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day or Mother's Day... |
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Valentines Day Night Light - Be Mine Bear Basket - Love Sale Price: $14.99 |
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This is a cute Valentines Day night light! Image is by talented artist Teresa Kogut. This light makes a very unique gift and perfect as a stocking stuffer, office gift, or grab bag gift. This is a very popular light and will look great in any room in your house! This photographic image is printed in the USA using high quality inks... |
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Valentines Day Night Light - Be Mine Bear Basket - Love LED NIGHT LIGHT Sale Price: $18.49 |
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This is a cute Valentines Day night light! Image is by talented artist Teresa Kogut. This light makes a very unique gift and perfect as a stocking stuffer, office gift, or grab bag gift. This is a very popular light and will look great in any room in your house! This photographic image is printed in the USA using high quality inks... |
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Valentine's Sweetheart Gift Basket: Sensual Couples Massage man and woman DVDs, Massage Oil, Relaxation Music CD (2 DVD/1 Oil/1 CD) List Price: $39.95 Sale Price: $39.95 |
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Honor your loved one this Valentine's Day with this special papmering gift basket of sensual suprises. Contains: 2 Massage DVDs 1 Relaxation Music CD 1 Bottle of scented massage oil 6 Floating votive candles 1 Pack of "special" romance coupons The sensual massage kit for men and women is the perfect gift for couples who just want to have fun... |
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A Perfect Valentine's Day Gift For Her List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $14.99 |
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This Valentine's Day, sweep her off her feet with an Exotic and Sensual Massage Show her you love her. Reconnect with her on a deeper level and improve intimacy in your relationship. A romantic massage that will awaken all her senses and make her experience new heights of Sensual Pleasure... |
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Valentine Day Diamond Gift Basket Collection of 7 DVDS on diabetes List Price: $129.99 Sale Price: $63.18 |
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7 DVDs. You want your loved one to be there with you for a long time. And that too. Healthy and happy. But what if he or she has diabetes. We can help your partner live a healthy and happy life for a long time to come... |
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Green Tea Zen Calming Spa Bath and Body Set Gift Basket Sale Price: $49.99 |
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Learn what tranquility is all about and be at peace with our calming Green Tea Zen Spa Set beautifully presented in a spa caddy. Your gift features lightly scented Green Tea Bath Gel, Body Lotion, exfoliating Body Scrub, moisturizing Body Butter, soothing Bath Salts, an exfoliating Sisal Body Scrubber and 100% Cotton Spa Towel and to make a complete personal spa experience in the privacy of her own home, Green Tea to sip, sooth and unwind with after a long day... |
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Art of Appreciation Gift Baskets Large Lavender Renewal Spa, Bath and Body Set List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $64.60 |
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Pamper her with a personal course in the three R's: Renew... Recharge... Rejuvenate. Our superbly equipped Lavender Scented Spa Basket soothes the body and soul, starting with a four-piece Skin Reviving Set -- including a Sisal Hand Mitt, Sisal Bath Sponge, Flower Shaped Nylon Mesh Pouf and a Hand Held Wooden Massager... |
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Art of Appreciation Gift Baskets Honey Bear Spa Bath and Body Set List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $34.99 |
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This adorable Honey Bear is ready to bring a gift of healing to tired muscles and de-stress your special gift recipient. He'll arrive "bearing" a spa tote filled with luxurious Honey and Almond Spa products... |
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Two Dogs in a Valentine's Day Basket Mousepad Sale Price: $12.99 |
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Standard size (7 3/4 inch x 9 1/4 inch) mouspad. Constructed of high-density rubber, stands up to wear and tear. |
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Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers 1.5 Ounce Pouches (Pack of 24) List Price: $23.99 Sale Price: $8.47 |
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Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers 1.5 Ounce Pouches (Pack of 24) |
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Love Bug Chocolate and Candy Gift Basket Sale Price: $34.99 |
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Let our plush and adorable Love Bug deliver your message in this charmingly sweet candy bouquet! He's tucked inside a keepsake "Love Bug" gift basket filled with a mini bouquet of 5 cherry heart lollipops, a heart shaped box of 4 assorted chocolate confections, sweet butter cookies, and decadent chocolate dipped truffle cookies for your sweet heart to enjoy... |
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Fun Kids Gift: Kids Just Wanna Have Fun Care Package Sale Price: $33.40 |
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Don't all kids just wanna have fun? Well, give them what they want for goodness sakes. These crazy fun crayons are itching to deliver their fun filled activities and sweet treats to your favorite kid. Includes: Crazy Crayons gift box; Play-Doh; Cracker Jacks; Silly String; Rice Krispy Treats; Starburst fruit candies; Twirly Pop sucker; Granola bars; Fruit snacks; Smiley Face squishy stress ball; Glow bright glow in the dark necklace or bracelet; Animal cookies; 2 Kids card games (like crazy 8's, go fish, old made etc... |
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Lip Gloss Keychains ~ Great Party Favors! Sale Price: $10.05 |
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Lip-Shaped Lip Gloss Key Chains. Pucker up and apply the lip gloss from these plastic key chains. 2" |
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Skelanimals Kit the Cat Plush Toy Sale Price: $6.49 |
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Cute, Dark & Cuddly Skelanimals Kit the Cat Plush Pink Toy with tag and label for a gift recipient. Great gift for the Skelanimals collector! Valentine's Day or Easter Gift! |
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Case It CD Organizer Wallet Gift Set, 80 Disk Capacity, EVA-80, Makes A Great Gift For Valentine's Day, Mother's Day Or Anytime! (RED) Sale Price: $19.95 |
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Makes an exciting, savvy gift for Valentine's day, mother's day or for anytime! Stylish and convenient, these CD cases protect CD's on the move or at home! Holds and protects 80 CD's, DVD, Blu-Rays and/or video games... |
