He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not – I’m sure it was the latter, as I was sealing the sixth self-addressed Valentines card I’d post to myself using the post-box at the top of our road in 1993. I’d hand-picked each card, purposely used six different pens and six different scrawls, just so I felt part of Valentine’s Day. I remember hoping my self-bestowed declarations of love would be joined by other, actual Valentines cards, on the doormat on the morning of the 14th. I think we can all now see the disappointment I was setting myself up for as a nine year old attendee of an all girls school! Needless to say, the banners in Athena and the Milk Tray Man (off telly!) had left me with somewhat high hopes of what Valentines should be like, nevertheless, I loved the day of love from pretty early on.
Who Said Romance Was Dead?
Now, don’t get me wrong, just because I love the idea of a few heart-shaped decs, notes sent in the post by anonymous admirers and an upgrade to the ‘finest’ meal range for dinner, doesn’t mean I’m a romantic – far from it! I’ll go ballistic if Mr OG blows half a mortgage payment on a red rose; don’t want to be jammed into a restaurant with 73 other couples awkwardly making conversation over their set menu and, will be thoroughly upset if my morning cuppa gets replaced by a bucks fizz.
That said, I do love a heart-felt, unique gift. Something that really shows thought and that it was considered with more than 72 hours before the day – I know a big ask in a house of boys. I once made the mistake of mentioning I’d like something ‘handmade’, when a much smaller and thoughtful Hugo and Bruno asked what I’d like for Valentines. (That was when they still thought I was amazing, didn’t have girlfriends and I was the next best thing!) The paper vase with flowers from the pavement was a treat! Which is why I’ve collaborated with Amazon Handmade to bring you my Valentine’s Gift List – handmade (not by young children) and thoughtful presents.
My Amazon Handmade Valentine Gift List
Amazon Handmade is a marketplace for artisans, creators and small businesses to sell their handmade, one-of-a-kind items. It’s shopping from small brands but with the convenience of Amazon – win win! All the items I’ve chosen on my Gift List are UK made and some are even Prime eligible, meaning they’ll definitely make it to you in time for Valentine’s Day. I’ve nabbed myself a personalised, monochrome makeup pouch and leather bound travel journal; while, trying to avoid the “where are my keys/glasses/sanity” questions from Mr OG, so got him a personalised, leather pop-up travel tray.
Added bonus – all my goodies came so beautifully wrapped, there’s no need to worry about getting the sellotape out! Just order and hand over to the one you love (or yourself!).
This post has been sponsored by Amazon Handmade, but as always, all opinions, anecdotes and words are my own.
#AmazonHandmade #HandmadewithLove #ValentinesDay #WillYouBeMyValentine
