Valentine's Gifts for Men

Please take a few moments to fill in the poll below before you start reading!

Historical background

The origin of the tradition of Valentine’s Day has been well documented, the most common theory attributing the celebration to a priest during the days of the Roman Emperor Claudius II.

Legend has it that Claudius forbade his subjects to marry, as this meant fewer men were joining his armies because they were reluctant to leave wives and families behind. However, the priest Valentine appeared to have secretly performed Christian marriages in order to unite lovers in holy wedlock, a transgression which he paid for with his execution. Before he died, he apparently left a letter to his gaoler’s daughter who had been especially kind to him during his captivity and signed the note with: “I am your Valentine”. Valentine was executed on February 14^th.

Ironically Valentine was a MAN, in love perhaps with his gaoler’s daughter and wanted to show his love and affection with his ‘gift’ of a letter Why is it then that today, so many men (not all) just ignore this tradition? And so many women (not all) set such great store by it.

There are several interesting websites which go deeper into the historical aspect of the tradition and describe other theories regarding the origin of the tradition: For more information you can visit :

http://www.meridiangraphics.net/lupercalia.htm

http://www.morning-glow.com/holidays/valentine/valtext.html

So it is almost Valentine’s Day and you are trying to think of the perfect gift for the man in your life. Of course you can always surprise him (or not) with something you may know he needs, which he will probably appreciate very much. Because generally, incomprehensibly for some women, MANY men seem to welcome PRACTICAL, USEFUL gifts. Unfortunately, the concepts of 'practical' and 'useful' are very relative. What is 'practical' to one person may seem completely 'impratical' to another, especially between the sexes. However, if there is nothing that springs to mind you may need some suggestions. The following selection of items has tried to consider at least SOME element of 'practicality', although it may have failed miserably!

The Poker/Bridge (or other card game) Decorated Sugar Cookie Gift Tin by Wisconsinmade is great fun for a night in playing cards with the mates!

Another more practical suggestion is the Golf Gift Basket. This includes, a mug, golf towel, golf balls and tees apart from tasty snacks for enjoying while playing to keep energy levels up!

Keep Your Motor Running Gift Basket is another practical gift with fun! This gift basket includes an ice-chest, photo-frame and cute cuddly toy along with some handy snacks, all on a motoring theme to show you have been thinking about him!

Also these gift items have an element of fun in them which can add a different dimension to your gift!

The Chocolate Tool Set really is only for fun, (about as much use as a Chocolate tea-pot!) but it might put a smile on his face!

The Chocolate Body Talk Tattoo Gift : Safety first! Please read instructions carefully! (Not sure how 'practical' this may be!)

Liqueurs are a good choice as someone is bound to enjoy!

101 things every man should know!

A light-hearted look at what could be considered essential for men to know, including tips on how to fight a bear and how to be a super-hero.

Even more essential could be the chapter on the 'Impressive man'. This carefully describes 14 ways to a woman's heart and has ideas for planning a romantic evening. (Men DO need this spelling out sometimes).

I hope some of these ideas have been of some use or at least given some FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!!

Does Valentine's Day have any real meaning today? Has it become too commercialised? Do too some people take it too seriously? Can it really have any significance in couples in a meaningful, long-term reationship?

Please leave your comments below concerning this very popular celebration!