With Valentine’s Day upon us, it’s easy to get sucked into the annual chaos of supermarket shelves packed with teddies, hearts and flowers, not to mention the expensive jewellery that floods our social media feed. Literally everywhere you turn, there seems to be something pink, red or covered in hearts. But aside from the wilting roses, a box of I’m-on-a-diet-but-it’s-okay chocolates, and the jewellery that might not quite be their style but feels Valentines-ey enough to get, what actually stands out as unique and meaningful?
Classics are very obviously classics for a reason, and there’s nothing wrong with hearts, flowers and chocolates, but sometimes we feel like we want something a little more grounded? Something that says “I’ve got you” without needing a giant teddy bear or fanfare to say it for us? Something poetic, symbolic and a part of our daily lives well beyond this one day of devotion, escaping the fate of being stored at the back of the wardrobe or relegated to the loft.
I was browsing online for Valentine’s day gift ideas when I came across Oswin Hyde, famed for their craftsmanship, and stumbled upon their Ivan Black Umbrella which can be personalised. It instantly got me thinking, is there anything more quietly romantic than an umbrella? Hear me out!
The Gift Of Shelter
Think about what an umbrella actually is. It’s a piece of portable architecture, a personal shield against the elements in the form of an arms-wide-open hug. When you give somebody the gift of an umbrella, you’re not just giving them a fashion accessory; you’re giving them love and protection.
There is something so deeply symbolic about this form of shelter, where life is filled with unexpected downpours, both literal and metaphorical. By gifting a high-quality umbrella you’re saying, “I can’t stop the rain from falling, but I can make sure that you stay safe and dry.” It’s such a protective, nurturing gesture that makes a loved one feel near to you, even when you’re miles apart.
Making It Personal
What sets the Ivan umbrella apart from a standard supermarket purchase is the fact that it isn’t just any black umbrella that you’d accidentally leave on a train home. It’s a work of art and made from true craftsmanship.
Expertly made from premium 210T pongee fabric for durability, its strong fibre glass frame features luxurious brass tips, with exceptional windproof quality which has been rain tested in England. Oswin Hyde also offer a beautiful personalisation service where you can add a persons initials, a memorable date perhaps, or even a phone number, which is a lifesaver if you do leave it on a train.
Imagine your partner opening a gift on Valentine’s morning. At first glance, it’s a sleek, sophisticated black umbrella that is undeniably timeless. But then they see it: their initials or the date that you first met, discreetly placed on the handle with love and attention to detail. Suddenly, it’s not just any umbrella, it’s their umbrella. A piece of your history and story etched in time, and perhaps the starting point of a romantic walk in the rain? Why not!
Being Together, Even When You’re Not
The concept of this gift that really touched my heart is its ability to be there for somebody when you aren’t physically by their side. We all want to be the one sharing our umbrella with our favourite person in the world when the sky greys over and the clouds break. But life happens, work trips, long commutes, or simply different schedules.
But when you’re walking home in a downpour and your hand touches the personalisation on the wood, you feel the sturdy weight of the handle and breathe a sigh of relief for a shielding canopy above your head. A safe space in a storm. A constant and tactile reminder that someone cares about your comfort. For me, that’s what love feels like.
And while we’re talking about that one day of love in February, the beauty of this umbrella is that it works for everything. Perhaps a milestone birthday gift, a congrats on the new job gesture, or even just a meaningful treat for yourself. I’m a big believer in romanticising your own life, because let’s face it, why shouldn’t we have a beautiful, personalised canopy to walk under?
So, if you’re looking to move away from the clichés this year, why not treat yourself or a loved one to this Ivan Black Umbrella. It’s practical, incredibly stylish, and carries a message that lasts way longer than any bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates. A poetic reminder that true love isn’t just about enjoying the sunny days; but it’s who wants to stand with you under the umbrella when the rain starts to pour.
Use code “TRACYKISS” at Oswin Hyde for an exclusive discount!
