When it comes to the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, it’s all about balance

It’s ingrained in us to show our loved ones how much we really love them by spending money on stereotypical things come 14 February, like perfect red roses and luxurious chocolates on this one “special” day of the year.

In the UK, it’s predicted we will be spending more than £1bn on Valentine’s Day alone. And what will we have to show for that – a hangover, some dead flowers or an expensive restaurant bill?

On this date in Japan, women are expected to buy male colleagues chocolates, known as giri choco, which literally translates as obligation chocolate. They’re supposed to show appreciation, but some shun the celebration as it risks offending any accidentally left-out colleagues.

In China, there’s an anti-Valentine’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating being single on 11 November, chosen because the number one in China symbolises someone who is alone. Since it started in the nineties, it’s become the largest shopping event in the world, where rock-bottom deals are offered everywhere.

For everyone, single or not, 14 February comes with its problems: the rub-it-in-your-face reminder you’re sans partner, or the pressure to max out your plastic just to feel like you’re doing “the right thing”. For us at IndyBest, it’s all about the balance.

We’re tasked with finding the best products among the thousands on offer that are worth spending your cash on, and although the aforementioned flowers and chocolates are staples for some, there’s also nothing to say you can’t give someone a less traditional V-day gift. Don’t worry, it certainly won’t mean you love them any less.

We’ve been mindful to offer our readers a balanced offering of gifts for whomever they chose to give to: forget a macho toolbox solely for men and a pink know-your-place apron for women. Anyone can enjoy a really luxe pair of pjs, the top of the charts book, or a really great bottle of gin – to share, or not, depending on how good it is.

Romance isn’t dead. Long may it live, in fact. But just remember to think a little outside the box. I bet your Valentine will thank you for it.

Yours,

Emma Henderson

IndyBest editor