The Valentine’s gift only you can give

No, that’s not it! This Valentine’s Day, the trendiest gift to give is one only you can create. Generic store-bought Valentine’s goodies will be frowned upon. You won’t get away with expensive gifts alone, either.

This generation of lovebirds won’t be easily swayed by items you can order from your device in minutes. Instead, you’ll have to invest time and thought into the most personalised, most customised declaration of love that there is.

Mandela

Nelson Mandela gave one to Winnie Mandela. Artist Frida Kahlo famously gave one to fellow artist Diego Rivera. French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte also gave one to his wife, Joséphine.

Love letters

Their love letters and proclamations were so powerful that they could outlive the joy any number of flowers, chocolates, perfumes or luxury handbags could bring.

The words they wrote to each other have stood the test of time. Mandela famously wrote: “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” Meanwhile, Napoleon proclaimed, “my love for you is a fire that will last forever.”

Words

In a world exhausted by consumerism and able to see through its fickle nature, your loved one deserves something no one else has and that you, yourself, will have to commit to doing. There’s spell-check and AI to get you there, but ultimately, the words need to resonate with your partner.

Here is how

Be yourself

No one is asking you to be a poet. The person you love surely adores you for who you are, so be authentic, express your love without frills.

Be creative

Get a beautiful piece of paper or write on the back of a restaurant serviette – just choose a medium that means something to you both. If you would like to gift a notebook, you can write your letter inside it. Even a short note inside a lunch box will have the same effect. You’re encouraged to handwrite your note to keep it intimate, but if you must, go ahead and type it up.

Personal

Begin the letter with a personal term of endearment you share. If you call your partner by a loving nickname, use it. Your letter will thrive in the personal details, of your love-story. Lean into shared memories. Be specific about memories and find what you most loved about the other person in those times. It may be useful to mention the challenges you have gone through together and overcome.

Couple

Talk about what you enjoy about your relationship. It’s pillars. What keeps you together as a happy couple? Talk about the future, express your hopes and dreams.

Affection

Remember why you are writing the letter. It’ not a summary of your relationship, it’s how you felt in those special moments. Be sure to write affectionately and end on that tone.