From dark origins during the Roman empire (think martyred saints and animal sacrifices), Valentine’s Day evolved over centuries to become the loved-up holiday we know today. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticised Saint Valentine’s Day in poetry. In the 18th century, the first Valentine’s Day cards (handmade!) were sent. These cards were discreetly slipped under doorways or tied to the door-knocker of a beloved one. Then, in the early 1800’s, mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards began circulating.

Today, we celebrate Valentine’s Day with cards, flowers and chocolate, gifts, and a date! It’s also quite common to celebrate the day by getting together with friends and loved ones. We’ve put together some gift ideas to show someone in your life, whether it’s your partner or a close friend, that you love them!

Centre: Handmade teddy in pink Donegal Tweed
Right: Pink Herringbone pashmina
For more gifting inspiration, check out our gift guide here. And don’t forget to check out our Valentine’s Day city escape on social media, which we’ll be gifting to one lucky couple! The offer includes a night in the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, and one of our Made to Measure suits from Magee 1866 on South Anne Street in Dublin.

From everyone at Magee 1866, including chairman Lynn Temple above, happy Valentine’s Day!