7 thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts and how to ship them

Loved-up consumers spend a lot of money and invest a lot of emotion in Valentine's Day. So, whether you're a retailer selling popular Valentine's Day presents or a business sending out promotional items, reliable shipping is crucial for capitalizing on this holiday season.

In this guide, we'll explore popular Valentine's Day gifts like chocolates, wine, perfume, and jewelry, providing tips on how to ship them safely.      

We'll also delve into some of the more unusual Valentine's Day gift ideas, such as engraved items, scented candles, and weighted blankets, which offer more unique ways for your customers to express their love and appreciation.

1. Chocolates

What makes chocolate a great Valentine’s Day present

Chocolate is a classic Valentine’s Day gift for many reasons, acting as a versatile way to express a range of sentiments. Since the Aztecs back in the 15th century, chocolate has also been considered a powerful aphrodisiac. The Aztec Emperor Moctezuma was said to drink large quantities of it before spending time with one of his many partners⁴! This enduring popularity translates into a significant sales opportunity for your business, allowing you to offer a variety of chocolates to cater to diverse tastes and budgets and capitalize on the Valentine's Day market.

Tips on shipping chocolates

When shipping food items locally, it's a good idea to re-confirm your local postal regulations, as some types may not be allowed. However, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to send your treats, using a reliable courier like DHL Express is usually a safe solution. 

For international shipments, it's wise to check the destination country's customs rules beforehand. Some countries have restrictions on certain foods, so you don't want any surprises at the border.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Keep the original packaging: It's best to keep your chocolates in their original packaging. This helps to avoid any confusion or customs issues, especially if you're shipping internationally.
• Use sturdy packaging: Make sure your chocolates are secure in a sturdy box. Fill any extra space with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper to prevent them from bouncing around and getting damaged during their journey.
• Consider shelf life: While chocolates typically aren't considered perishable, it's prudent to ensure they have a shelf life of at least six months from the shipping date, as some carriers may have restrictions on perishable goods.

Find out more on how to ship food safely here.

2. Perfume

What makes perfume a great Valentine’s Day present

Why is perfume looked upon as a romantic gift? Apparently, it’s because smells, emotions and sexual attraction are all processed in the same part of the brain: the limbic system⁵. This means that perfume can help to evoke memories, change a mood and even help people fall in love. This translates to a valuable opportunity for your business to capitalize on the emotional connection consumers have with fragrances. By offering a curated selection of perfumes and highlighting their potential to evoke cherished memories or a desired mood, your business can tap into the romantic appeal of fragrances and attract Valentine's Day shoppers.

Tips on shipping perfume

Shipping perfume can be tricky, as it involves fragile glass bottles and flammable liquids, often making them classed as hazardous materials. However, with careful handling and adherence to regulations, you can ensure your perfumes reach their destination safely. 

Here are some key points to consider:

• Packaging: Make sure your perfume bottle is secure. Use extra padding around the bottle inside its original box, then place that box in a slightly larger shipping box. Fill any gaps with protective materials like bubble wrap or foam to keep it from moving around.
• Regulations: Before you ship, check the rules of the country you're sending it to. Some countries have special requirements regarding shipping liquids or flammable products, including perfume.
• Carrier requirements: It's always a good idea to check with the company you're shipping with (like DHL Express) to make sure they can ship perfume, and to see if they have any special rules for packing or labeling.
• Leak-proof containers: Many shipping companies require you to put liquids in containers that won't leak, as a safety precaution.

By following these guidelines for shipping perfume internationally, you can be confident that they will arrive at their destination in pristine condition.

3. Jewelry 

What makes jewelry a great Valentine’s Day present

Gifting jewelry for Valentine’s Day is a relatively new idea, but it’s now one of the most popular ones. It likely originated back in the 1950s, when the jewelry company DeBeers ran a marketing campaign that associated giving diamonds with showing love⁶. The enduring popularity of jewelry as a Valentine's Day gift makes it a key product category for businesses. Its diverse range of styles and price points can allow your business to cater to various customer preferences and budgets, making it a versatile gift option for you to promote and sell during this romantic holiday.

Tips on shipping jewelry

Shipping jewelry, especially valuable pieces, requires careful consideration and adherence to regulations. Here are some key tips to ensure your jewelry arrives safely and securely:

• Check shipping regulations: Before shipping, verify the regulations in both your origin country and the destination country. Rules — and even import taxes — can vary based on the materials used, the value of the jewelry, and whether it contains any special metals or stones.
• Pick a reliable carrier: Source a shipping company that knows how to handle valuable products and that offers insurance. DHL Express is a viable option, with their experience in shipping high value items such as jewelry.
• Pack it tightly: If you can, use the original box the jewelry came in. If not, find a small, sturdy box and wrap your jewelry in something soft like bubble wrap, packing this inside a larger box.      
• Label it clearly: Make sure you put the shipping label on the outside of the big box and include any special papers you may need for customs.

By following these guidelines on shipping jewelry, you can ensure that it reaches its destination in perfect condition.

4. Wine

What makes wine a great Valentine’s Day gift

Wine is often seen as a sophisticated and romantic gift, making it a popular choice for Valentine's Day. Sharing a bottle of wine can be a special way to celebrate the occasion, whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a virtual toast with loved ones. Gifting wine also allows for personalization, with customers often choosing a type that reflects the recipient's taste or a bottle that holds special significance, such as one from a memorable trip or a vintage that marks an anniversary.

Tips on shipping wine

Shipping wine requires careful consideration to protect the delicate bottles, ensuring they arrive in optimal condition. Here are some key guidelines:

• Packaging: Use a sturdy outer box and protective inner packaging, such as molded pulp or die-cut corrugated inserts, to secure the bottle and prevent breakage during transit.
• Temperature control: Wine is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Consider using insulated packaging and coolants for shipments during hot weather or to destinations with warm climates.
• Labeling: Clearly label the package as containing fragile items and indicate the upright orientation to ensure proper handling.
• Carrier selection: Choose a carrier with experience in shipping fragile items and that offers appropriate insurance options. For instance, DHL Express provides secure and reliable shipping solutions for wine and other delicate goods.

Compliance: Ensure you comply with all relevant regulations and restrictions regarding alcohol shipping, both domestically and internationally.

5. Engraved items

What makes engraved items a great Valentine’s Day present

Whether it's a romantic message for a partner, a heartfelt quote for a friend, or a personalized token of appreciation for a family member, engraved gifts offer versatility and emotional connection. Offering engraved items as Valentine’s Day gifts opens up opportunities for your business to cater to this large and diverse range of customer preferences and needs. 

Tips on shipping engraved items

Much like shipping diamonds and other jewelry, engraved items often require careful packaging and handling to protect their delicate engravings and ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Here are some tips for shipping engraved items:

• Protective packaging: Use appropriate cushioning materials, such as bubble wrap or foam inserts, to protect the item from scratches and damage during transit. Consider using a sturdy box with extra padding to prevent movement and potential impact.
• Secure the engraving: If the engraving is on a delicate surface, consider adding an extra layer of protection, such as a thin layer of tissue paper or a protective film, directly over the engraving.
• Handle with care: Clearly label the package as "fragile" to ensure careful handling during the shipping process.
• Carrier selection: Choose a shipping carrier that offers reliable tracking and insurance options for added peace of mind, especially for high-value engraved items. DHL Express provides secure shipping solutions with tracking and insurance options to protect your valuable engraved gifts.

6. Scented candles

What makes scented candles a great Valentine’s Day present

Scented candles have a unique appeal, that makes them an attractive gift for Valentine's Day. This popularity, combined with the variety of scents and styles sought after, offers your business a valuable opportunity to take advantage of the demand for these gifts, catering to diverse preferences and creating curated collections specifically for the occasion.

Tips on shipping scented candles

Shipping scented candles requires careful consideration to protect their delicate wax and glass containers. Here are some key tips: 

• Secure packaging: Wrap the candle in protective, shock-absorbing materials such as bubble wrap or corrugated cardboard. Place it in a sturdy box with ample cushioning to prevent movement and potential damage during transit. 
• Temperature considerations: Candles are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Avoid shipping during very hot or cold weather, as this can cause melting or cracking. If necessary, use insulated packaging and coolants to maintain a stable temperature. 
• Fragile handling: Clearly label the package as "fragile" to ensure careful handling during the shipping process. 
• Carrier selection: Choose a reliable carrier with experience in handling delicate items, and that offers insurance options for added protection. DHL Express provides secure shipping solutions for candles and other fragile goods.

7. Weighted blankets

What makes weighted blankets a great Valentine’s Day present

Weighted blankets are a unique and comforting gift option for Valentine's Day, offering your business a way to tap into the growing wellness and self-care market. The therapeutic benefits of weighted blankets, such as reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep, appeal to a wide range of consumers. By showcasing these benefits, your business can position itself as a supplier of thoughtful Valentine's Day gifts and boost your sales.

Tips for shipping weighted blankets

Weighted blankets can be bulky and heavy, so careful consideration is needed for shipping. Here are some key tips:

• Choose the right box: Choose a sturdy box that's just the right size for your weighted blanket — big enough to fit snugly, but with a little extra room for cushioning to prevent it from shifting around too much.
• Provide ample cushioning: Use cushioning materials like packing peanuts or bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces in the box, to protect the blanket from shifting or potential damage.
• Seal securely: Use strong packing tape to seal the box completely, reinforcing any seams or edges to prevent accidental opening during shipping.

By following these tips for shipping large items, you can ensure your thoughtful gift arrives safely and in perfect condition, ready to provide comfort and warmth to your loved one.

Shipping unusual Valentine’s gifts

Aside from those mentioned above, many other types of Valentine's Day gifts also require extra care and attention when shipping. For example, if you're shipping a custom portrait or a framed photo collage, it's essential to ensure it's packaged and shipped correctly to avoid damage.

For businesses shipping a large volume of diverse Valentine's Day gifts, DHL Express offers reliable and efficient solutions. Their expertise in international shipping and customs regulations ensures that your shipments reach customers worldwide safely and on time. Contact a DHL representative today to ensure all your holiday shipping needs are met with the utmost care and efficiency.