Roses are Red
Violets are blue
You're perfect as a picture
So I got one for you

Valentine's Day is known for chocolates and wine, and long walks holding hands. But if you want to go a bit outside the box, why not consider a unique, personal canvas print of an image with great meaning for you and your significant other.

Whether its a copy of the Monet painting you were both admiring when you met, or a photo of the two of you together, the picture will offer a thousand words and hundreds of reasons why you care.

PICKING THE PERFECT GIFT

There are lots of ways you can figure out the best Valentine's art gift for your special somebody:

• Snoop around his or her house. Not into drawers and closets, but try to get a feel for the lucky person's decorating scheme. If they like delicate wallpapers and pastels, consider a similarly themed image in pale colors: one of her favorite flowers, or his favorite scenic views. If he or she is all about bold splashes of color, a playful or intense image - the two of you skydiving perhaps? - could just perfect.

• Bring up home decor-related conversations, and then listen. Does she mention an area she wishes was better decorated? Does he tell you about a color scheme he's planning? If a blank wall is a subject of despair, try to sneak a measurement so you can order an artwork of the perfect size.

• If you're unable to browse yourself, chat with other people who know your partner well, or make use of your own knowledge. Does he have a favorite city he's always longed to visit? Does she jet off to New York whenever she gets the chance? A cityscape or skyline of that special place, to hang above the bed or in the hall, could be the perfect pick.

• Take hobbies or interests into consideration when picking an image. An avid guitarist might love a picture from a favorite concert, or the sheet music from a favorite song. A gardener would be tickled pink to receive a close up image of one a flower he or she planted this year.

• Once you've settled on the type of image, consider the presentation. Do they already have a number of canvases hanging in the home? If so, you might choose to stick with that display, or pick out one of our beautiful canvas floater frame to accentuate the picture.

• If you don't have access to the perfect image, or for any other reason you're unable to select a canvas print or frame, why not let them pick their own, on you! We offer Gift Certificates in custom denominations. We can send the recipient the code via email, or print a physical certificate and mail it straight to them!

ORDERING

Our general production turnaround chart is shown below.

HISTORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY

The date we recognize today was named St. Valentine's Day in the 5th century, though celebrations and shows of love didn't come into it until the Middle Ages. It's thought the date was chosen as the day of romance because it fell at the beginning of mating season for birds.

The oldest known valentine is a poem, penned by a duke imprisioned in the Tower of London in the 15th century. By the middle of the 1700s, friends and lovers would often exchange small gifts and handwritten letters on the day. By 1900, pre-printed cards could be shipped to your valentine. So began the commercialism for which the holiday is widely criticized today.

Regardless of whether you celebrate this one special day, or choose to shower gifts on your loved ones all year round, a canvas print is an excellent choice for a one-of-a-kind, memorable gift that shows you're thinking of them.

A division of USAOnCanvas.com Chicago Laser Engraving & Cutting Services