Think Outside the Little Velvet Box this Valentine’s Day

Gentlemen (and ladies too)—why not consider a creative alternative to the little jewelry box this Valentine’s Day? If you put your mind to it, you can present your loved one with a gift of jewelry in an original way.

Here are some ideas for ways to present fine jewelry as a gift:

—Arrange the jewelry item inside a box of fine chocolates.

—Nestle a pair of earrings into the petals of a single rose. Gold looks beautiful in a red rose, while silver or platinum pop against pink petals.

—Drape a chain with pendant or a bracelet around the outside of a bottle of fine wine or champagne.

—Jewelry in a small drawstring bag can be slipped into your loved one’s pocket (or purse), for a lovely surprise later in the evening.

—Choose a larger box from an unrelated item and carefully wrap the jewelry in layers of tissue paper or bubble wrap to hide inside. It might look like a toaster, but it turns out to be a lovely bracelet or pendant.

—Present her with a teddy bear or other stuffed animal wearing the necklace or bracelet.

Some up with some ideas of your own—the sky’s the limit. With a little creative thinking, both you and your loved one will be delighted with your Valentine’s Day gift and the little box can wait for another day.