Celebrate your romance with the best Valentine’s Day gift ideas for 2023. It’s the thought that counts, right? Well, the thinking certainly counts because it can be pretty obvious if you buy a gift without really thinking about it.
Without thinking, you can buy flowers and candy and make reservations at a favorite restaurant. But if you want to make this year memorable, you’ll need to think outside the box a bit. If you are not presenting an engagement ring this year, it’s time to use some imagination.
Let’s start by looking at the (not so romantic) origins of Valentine’s Day to get you in the right frame of mind to be thinking romantically.
The Real History of Valentine’s Day
Like many of our traditions, it’s hard to know exactly where this one started, but we know we can go back as far as ancient Rome. And these ancient Romans were not exactly using the same sentiments we do for the holiday.
To start, Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia from February 13 to 15, certainly including our Valentine’s Day. It’s hard to imagine this was consensual, but the men would sacrifice a dog and goat, then whip women with their hides. Drunk and naked, young women lined up because they believed this ritual made them fertile.
Then, young men drew names of women from a jar in a matchmaking lottery. The random pairs would couple up for the rest of the festival — and sometimes even stayed together long-term.
Doesn’t exactly sound like modern Valentine’s celebrations! But the ancient Romans are probably responsible for the naming of the modern day of love. In the 3rd century, in different years, Emperor Claudius II executed 2 men named Valentine on February 14. The Catholic Church honored their martyrdom with the creation of St. Valentine’s Day.
The Valentine’s Day Holiday Spread and Evolved Over Time
Later, in the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I combined St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to try to get rid of the pagan ritual. The Catholics managed to clean up the celebrations of the day of fertility and love.
At about the same time, the Normans celebrated Galatin’s Day, meaning “lover of women.” Easy enough to confuse Galatin with Valentine just because they sound enough alike. Shakespeare romanticized Valentine’s Day, so it gained popularity in Britain and Europe. Lovers exchanged handmade paper cards in the Middle Ages.
Eventually, Valentine’s Day crossed the ocean to America. The Industrial Revolution offered factory-made cards to express what was in lovers’ hearts in the 19th century. In 1913, Hallmark Cards started mass-producing Valentines, which set the tone for what we know today.
Choosing a Valentine’s Day Gift for Your Beloved
Many people are easy to buy for, but so many seem to make it difficult! How do you decide what is the right thing for your beloved? Here are a few tips.
- What They Like to Do – Instead of trying to think about what they might want, look back on their calendar. What have they done over the past year? Which activities do they enjoy? How could you make that activity more enjoyable for them?
- What They Never Spend Enough On – Sure, they buy what they need for themselves, but what could you get them that would be a step up? A splurge that they would never make but will absolutely appreciate.
- Make an Impression – A gift they will frequently use, especially every day, is an ideal choice. To make an impression on their heart, engrave their name and yours on the gift! Your relationship will stay front and center every day!
Gift Options for Valentine’s Day 2023
Once you start thinking about what they might like, take a look at some of these incredible options for the best Valentine’s Day Gifts for 2023.
Front Pocket Leather Wallet
For the modern traditionalist, a front pocket leather wallet is an ideal gift. This timeless piece moves seamlessly from casual to corporate wear and is durable enough to take on a weekend hiking trip. Carry up to 13 credit, debit or ID cards and cash without any of the bulk. Carrying a slim, top-grain leather wallet in a front pocket keeps valuables safe from pickpockets without interfering with the line of clothing.
· Large Card Collection and Cash – The Contour
Does your Valentine have a large collection of cards and like to carry cash? Consider the largest capacity metal wallet, the Contour, which holds up to 13 cards and 10 folded bills in a money clip for easy access to cash. And to be sure you’re ready for happy hour, the Contour has a built-in bottle opener!
· Perhaps a Smaller Option – The Element
Does your Valentine prefer a small wallet? The Element is just the thing! It holds 3-10 cards and 1-5 bills with a money clip on the back. And like the Contour, it also has a built-in bottle opener.
Rugged and handsome these wallets look better with age as they develop a beautiful patina over time. Equipped with RFID-resistant material to protect cards and keep information safe. Add an engraved message to this everyday carry (E.D.C.) item as a daily reminder of your love.
Minimalist Metal Wallet
If your recipient is hip to the latest trends, they’ll know all about minimalist metal wallets. And if they don’t, you can surprise them with this forward-thinking, practical option. Slimline, handcrafted, metal, RFID blocking wallets are functional, durable, and stylish.
· The Original 2.0 – Multi-functional Tactical Metal Wallet Made in the U.S.A.
Highly durable, the Original 2.0 is built to hold up to 15 cards and 1-5 folded bills. All with the idea your Valentine will use it every day for 65 years! The adjustable design perfectly fits the cards they carry, with a slim stainless-steel frame providing RFID protection. Includes a money clip, pry-bar, bottle opener, and is T.S.A. approved. An ideal choice for your Valentine!
· The Trayvax Axis Metal Bi-fold Wallet
A traditional bi-fold with a modern, minimalist twist! The Axis slim metal wallet combines two stainless steel plates, a money clip, and a nylon strap for a compact front pocket wallet that holds 1-14 cards and 1-8 folded bills. The RFID protection, T.S.A. approval, and hidden coin pocket make this an ideal choice for your Valentine’s everyday carry, no matter where they venture.
Trayvax minimalist metal wallets are stainless steel with a melonite finish for a sleek, modern look. The steel is also used in body armor, firearms, and high-end kitchen knives! Credit cards are safe from getting bent or creased, and the wallet will never rust. Luxury and functionality in a wallet that looks good and works great.
The Ultimate Key Organizer – Keydex
Simple. Secure. And quiet! The Keydex key-carry system is the ultimate key organizer and portable pry bar. This Valentine’s Day, get your someone special something special they can use every day.
More than a simple keyring, the Keydex holds up to a dozen keys within a hardened stainless pocket clip. Use the attachment point to add a Link Lanyard, or go for the Link Stretch Lanyard for a longer reach. Are you looking for a gift for someone with a pocket full of keys? You’ve found the right present in the Keydex from Trayvax.
An Outdoor Kit – Valentine’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Types
Is your Valentine a hiker? Fisher? Camper? Boater? You’re in luck! The Outdoor Kit from Trayvax gives you the choice of elements perfect for outdoor activities. Check these out!
- Unisex Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie – Extra thick, warm, durable fleece keeps your Valentine warm, even when temperatures drop as low as 50°F (10°C). Made in the U.S.A. Prewashed, no-shrink. Order a size up for best fit.
- Nalgene 32OZ Wide-Mouth Water Bottle – The perfect water bottle to take on a hike, a run, or to the gym. Made in the U.S.A. Leakproof lid. Suitable for warm or cold beverages. B.P.A. Free. Dishwasher-safe (top rack only) but best not used in the microwave or oven.
- Trayvax Trek Field Knife – U.S.A. made C.N.C. exquisitely machined, this lightweight knife is built to last. Easy to clean and maintain. Perfectly balanced blade at the index finger notch for controlled cutting and seemingly weightless action.
A Luxurious Leather Clutch Never Goes Out of Style
If your Valentine would prefer a clutch (or small purse), the Roam Clutch or the Roam Mini could be a real find! Choose from black or brown top grain, U.S. leather, with a soft wool interior. The Roam Clutch has a rear exterior phone pocket. The Roam Mini is more compact overall and has extra depth in the main slip pocket, so a phone fits inside. The elegant designs give easy access with the secure double snap closure. A perfect Valentine’s gift when you want to make an impression!
Takeaways – The Best Valentine Gift Ideas for 2023
There’s no doubt that the best gift ideas are the ones you’ve thought about – which is why they say, “it’s the thought that counts.” But usually, when they say that, they mean “that was a crappy present!” Don’t risk getting a crappy gift this Valentine’s Day! When you shop at Trayvax, you have the 65-year heirloom warranty behind you. Ultra-high quality made in U.S.A. products from Trayvax will thrill whoever receives them.
So, Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Trayvax!
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