| There are many people obliged to spend | | | | little more durable and something that means a lot |
| Valentines Day far away from the people they | | | | more than the soft centers found in that |
| love due to circumstances beyond their control. | | | | beautifully gift wrapped and delicious but none the |
| They include young kids away at school; military | | | | less transient box of chocolates. |
| and naval servicemen; rig workers; off shore | | | | This Valentines Day, the trend is to search for |
| workers. | | | | something with a little more than the tired and |
| The difficulty of finding a Valentines gift for | | | | worn out train of teddy bears, cupid dolls and ill |
| someone who is not physically present is even | | | | fitting red panties with 'love me forever' written in |
| more challenging. Anyone who has spent a long | | | | sequins across the back (or front!) A gift that tells |
| and agonizing time away from their loved ones will | | | | someone you love you are thinking of them all |
| say the same thing - it is the meaningful gift that | | | | the time, not just on Valentines Day, qualifies as a |
| makes them feel connected. | | | | successful present. |
| Well that's fine but where do you find a gift so | | | | Natural gifts are welcome this year - gifts that |
| great it makes people feel connected? | | | | come from the earth yet do not deplete the |
| The answer is in simplicity. It is easy enough to go | | | | earth's resources. Stone jewelry and friendship |
| online and order a dozen helium balloons, a | | | | stones are among the best selling gifts available |
| bouquet of three dozen red roses and an | | | | and they do not break the bank. Friendship gifts |
| accompanying two kilo box of chocolates. Not | | | | for Valentines can be small tokens rather than |
| that such a gift would be unwelcome! However, | | | | sweeping statements yet mean so much more |
| none of these things can be looked at three | | | | than a passing emotion. Give a gift you can share |
| months down the line in May or June, by which | | | | for maximum Valentines impact! |
| time the balloons will have deflated, along with all | | | | The exchange of gifts at Valentines is one of the |
| the well meant sentiments tattooed on them; the | | | | most touching rituals still observed the World over. |
| flowers will have wilted and the chocolates will | | | | This year, give a gift that carries the right |
| have been eaten long ago... | | | | message to loved ones who are separated by |
| Traditional Valentines gifts are usually short lived | | | | miles - a gift they can hold in their hand and look |
| and either die or spoil, rather like short term loves. | | | | at every night before they go to sleep; a |
| A longer lasting affection deserves something a | | | | Valentines gift to remember. |