Valentine, who later became St. Valentine, was a priest who sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine.”
True story or not, if you are looking for interesting things to do this Valentine’s Day in
New York City and Harlem there are some interesting choices to celebrate these fallen lovers who have somehow managed to turn an incarcerated man’s pining for love into a holiday celebrated around the world.
In Ghana on Feb. 14 it’s National Chocolate Day, which was began by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and Cocoa Processing Company, Ghana Cocoa Board, and other stakeholders in 2007.
In South Africa, most couples celebrate the day with romantic dinners, chocolates, and gifts. However, some people follow the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, from which some historians draw links with the origin of Valentine’s Day.
In South Korea, couples celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month. The day of roses is celebrated in May, the day of kisses in June, and the day of hugs in December. Valentine’s Day is celebrated monthly from February through April. On Feb. 14, women woo their men with chocolates, candies, and flowers. On March 14, a holiday known as White Day, men return the favor by showering their lovers with chocolates and flowers.
Here are some gift suggestions for the loved one in your life, that might have a long-lasting and practical impact.
FOR HIM & HER
The best way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach. To that end try using one of the best knives on the market—Hast—designed for modern cooking. The simple, clean, ergonomic shape is intuitive, universal, and natural. Hast knives inspire you to cook more and unleash your creativity. They are designed to create a seamless cooking experience with a long-lasting sharp blade. Plus, Hast knives are the winner of the Red Dot Design Award for combining a timeless design with improved functionality.
The NEO Manual Espresso Maker is a manual espresso maker from Flair, built for beginners and those seeking convenient, affordable espresso in their homes. The secret to The NEO is its custom Flow-Control Portafilter, which restricts the flow of your brew water through your coffee grounds to help ensure the proper pressure and extraction time, regardless of your beans or how well you’ve been able to dial in your grinder. The result will stay the same: delicious espresso, topped with crema, in your cup.
If you are yearning for the perfect, single-cup coffee machine that tastes like you’ve employed your very own barista, I suggest The Bruvi Bundle which makes coffee, espresso, cold brew, and more. Breakthrough guilt-free toss B-Pods. The Bruvi Bundle includes everything you need to brew better. Including the 22 B-Pods, premium water filter, and reusable Japanese knot bag.
Kenu’s Stance Compact Tripod + Bottle Opener for Smartphone—This tiny tripod has a built-in bottle opener because all those selfies can make you thirsty. Great for hands-free video chat, live streaming, and watching videos. Just plug it into your phone’s charging port (does not provide charging). Not recommended for large screen phones.
*Micro-USB version does not include key ring feature.
Pharrell’s natural skincare routine Humanrace—Outside of music, Pharell is known for his super clear skin and young looks, and now he’s made his skincare routine available for everyone. The three-step routine includes rice powder cleanser, lotus enzyme exfoliator, and humidifying cream.
Telfar Dance T-Shirt—Founded by Liberian-American Telfar Clemens in 2005, Telfar is best known for its unisex handbags, but the brand also sells clothing and accessories. This T-shirt features a unique graphic depicting people dancing.
FOR HER
They say that eyes are the windows to the soul—and eyelashes certainly help to make those windows a lot more dramatic. I offer African American-owned Quon Eyes created to turn heads with minimum effort and high impact. The lashes are long-lasting and easy to apply.
Mugler Fragrances introduces the newest star in its universe—Angel Nova Eau de Toilette. A new captivating fragrance that brings key notes of bergamot, rose, and cedarwood. Following in the footsteps of Angel Nova Eau de Parfum, the iconic star’s pink bottle is now dressed up in new shimmering tones for Angel Nova Eau de Toilette.
Dr. Nigma’s Serum No. 1 is designed to deeply hydrate and plump all complexions. Developed with “Light Water Technology” to enhance the absorption of age-reversing plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid and marine snail peptides into the skin, this hard-working elixir instantly improves elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The handy dropper makes application a breeze.
ADORAtherapy—These are handmade, vegan aroma-perfume and body care that are uniquely formulated (organic) oils made to balance your moods and chakras.
FOR HIM
Founded by James Whitner, A Ma Maniere took over the sneaker industry in 2021. Following the release of the widely popular A Ma Maniere x Jordan 3, the brand is now releasing an Air Jordan 1. The A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 1 uses a combination of luxury accents to symbolize the resilience and beauty of the Black community.
Lyrically Correct 90s & 2000s Hip Hop/R & B Edition—Created by Tiffany Jones, Lyrically Correct is a Jeopardy-style trivia game based on all of your favorite hip hop and R&B songs from the ’90s and 2000s.
Blackstock and Weber Loafers—Founded by Chris Echevarria, Blackstock and Weber is a Brooklyn-based footwear brand that has high-quality unisex loafers if you’ve been looking for some snazzy shoes that are built to last.
Ceylon Skincare Set —A skincare regimen intended for twice-daily usage. Finish with your favorite sunscreen to achieve a smooth, even skin tone and texture. Highly effective for pigmented skin and suitable for those struggling with common skin problems.