Sustainable Gifting | St.Valentine’s Edition
The History
The true origin of Valentine’s Day is a bit mysterious. Here are some interesting stories…
One theory attributes the celebration to the honor of St. Valentine, a Roman priest who chose to marry couples in secret after the King declared marriage unlawful due to his belief that single men make better soldiers. Another theory suggests that St. Valentine was imprisoned for helping Christian refugees escape Roman prisons and while serving his sentence, fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. It was to this young woman that the first “valentine” was sent—from St. Valentine himself!
but we are not going to bore you any further…
The Numbers
The first mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards were made and sold in the US in the 1840s. Since then, commercialized cards have become the standard. Now, $8.6 million is spent on sparkling wine in the week leading up to the holiday, 50 million pounds of chocolate are purchased, and $4.3 billion is spent on flowers alone.
Americans are expected to spend more than $143 each on Valentine’s Day. Let that sink in… We didn’t always spend so much on commercialized love, but big companies have carefully, deliberately, and very successfully marketed their way into our hearts and our pockets.
According to a survey taken by the NRF, most people take part in Valentine’s Day out of obligation. That doesn’t sound very lovely, isn’t it?
Our – sustainable – Approach
As you may already know, we love love, sustainability, good quality products and creating memories with our loved ones! We would never shy away from the opportunity to celebrate love. But how can we do it in a more sustainable way?
Share your love all year long, at any opportunity and use that day as an occasion to do something extra for your loved ones. That does not have to be materialistic – plan a surprise walk in your city, visit museums, go to the cinema, watch a play.
Say “I love you and I want to spend time with you”. Love is what we need!
Make a nice dinner for your beloved ones. Food is throughout the history and location one of the greatest forms of love sharing.
And if you want to make them a present in a sustainable way, here are some things that you can have in mind when you are choosing your gifts:
Choose something that they need or want!
Think if the present that you have in mind can stand the test of time, it is something they will cherish for years to come and can follow you both on your life journey. For example, books, music, jewellery or even something handmade by you will be a representation of your special connection.
Plan ahead and chose to make them something custom made. For example, you can design with us a custom made jewellery piece that will be unique and special.
Buy them a gift-card by their favorite shop so they will be able to chose something they really like and fit their needs!
Buy from local and small businesses with a positive environmental approach and support your local economy.
Avoid plastic wrapping or reuse things that already have!
Reminder of the day:
The greatest thing you can gift someone is your time and presence!
Support small, support local, choose love ♥
xx
Apiliotis team
