Be my valentine - gifts that last, that aren't naff and get better with age...

Personally speaking – we don’t ‘do’ Valentines – we never have over the past 25 (or so) years, and we can’t see this changing over the next 25 (or so) years.

We don’t believe in it, yet here we are chatting about it and about to offer you some recommendations of what you could possibly buy for your loved one.  We certainly aren’t selling out to sell more. We reckon it’s each to their own and if you want to show your love on Valentine’s Day – go for it.  But perhaps think twice about the gift you’ll give – let us help you find something special, rather than some straight to landfill tat, that really shows you care and understand what will make your loved one happy.

So here’s our guide to non-tokenistic, non-transient gifts that will last for years (unlike flowers or chocolates) - that you could get for the Tinkerer and Fixer in your life.  For the partner that’s into making, growing or mending.  Presents that gain patina over time (as does any partnership), that will evoke memories and sentiment:

• Elementary Screwdrivers: with their beech handle, they not only age beautifully, but they get better with age - as relationships hopefully do too. 
• Niwaki Secateurs: their carbon steel keeps the sharpest of edges – but needs to be maintained – surely there’s an analogy for keeping love alive  in there somewhere?!
• The Lost Tools:  an extra 13mm spanner and 10mm socket to replace those lost somewhere in the workshop is always a good thing. And it's a gift that says, we know you lose things, but it's ok, I've got your back?
• Carharrt Aprons: with virtually indestructible cotton canvas, they soften with wear – moulding perfectly to you. 
• If you do want something that ‘says’ valentines – i.e. it’s coloured red – what about a the Milwaukee 6 in 1 Utility knife  Or Niwaki snips – your loved one will love their red handles as they stop them from getting lost in the garden. Or what about a red Japanese toolbox – they are beautiful pressed steel when bought, but even better with a few dents (again, add your own analogy as required!)

And - of course - we also have a few great cards that you might like - particularly for a partner who is into DIY.  And yes, Edd did buy me this card. That's how we 'found' the designer, the brilliant Bewilderbeast.