Valentine’s Day is a marketer's dream. Whether you celebrate it or not, someone special in your life would love to receive a gift and you don't want to disappoint them.
Spouses, partners, children and friends are all eagerly awaiting the day to see what Valentine's gifts they might receive. It is no longer just a day for those in relationships. Here are some meaningful gift ideas (besides the usual chocolates and flowers) that show real love without breaking the bank.
Why not give the gift of an experience?
Making memories together can strengthen your relationship and give you stories you can talk about for years. Go for a hike, pack a picnic and go somewhere beautiful, take a day trip, try something new you've both been wanting to do the opportunities are endless.
Instead of spending a fortune on flowers (or fruit), take your loved one to a beautiful destination to pick your own. You can pick roses at Chart Farm in Wynberg, litchis at The Litchi Orchid in Umhlali and organic strawberries at Lakeland's Strawberry Farm in Tyger Valley. Be sure to call ahead. Another option is to collect sea shells on the beach.
Instead of costly gemstones and metals, you can give inexpensive bracelets in support of worthy local causes, among them the Amy Foundation, Shine Literacy and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Relate Bracelets is a 100% handmade beaded bracelets to raise money for charities globally and to create jobs for South Africans.
Visit Relate's online shop for more information. Support a cause your loved one cares about, or suggest you do something together to help a charity or organisation.
This article was first published by Cape Times on 03 February 2017.