Valentine’s day is fast approaching and it is the day to tell the person you love just how much you care. Do it differently his year by giving your valentine an alternative gift from great local retailers and businesses here in Harrogate.

• Don’t buy a Valentines gift she’s expecting like flowers or chocolate, visit Crown Jewellers of Harrogate and get your hands on a pieces of vintage or antique jewellery from contemporary silver to antique gold, and platinum pieces dazzling with gemstones, pearls and diamonds. Vintage and antique jewellery from Crown jewellers are one of a kind and you are unlikely to find anything else like it in Harrogate. If you’re not sure what to buy, Sue and Stephen at Crown Jewellers of Harrogate are experts when it comes to jewellery and would help you pick out that perfect Valentine’s day gift.

• Why not browse shop.harrogate.com to find that alternative Valentine’s day gift. Shop Harrogate have some great gifts that would make your valentine smile. We love the heart shaped cheeses from The Cheeseboard. Have you ever seen a heart shaped cheese? I know I haven’t! These quirky heart shaped cheeses are something completely different that would be ideal for that romantic night in.

• Give your valentine a gift that really matters and shows them just how much you truly care with life insurance or income protection from Stuart James Financial Solutions. Stuart James Financial Solutions is a family business themselves who are friendly and professional and provide a fresh way to manage your finances.

This is likely something you haven’t thought about before especially for a Valentine’s day gift. But this is a truly romantic gesture as you are protecting yourself and the one you love in case the worst should happen.  Just consider protecting you and your family so you have peace of mind for the future. You could start enjoying the time you have together now instead of worrying out what could be.

• If you decide to buy a more traditional Valentine’s gift like Champagne, why not do it a little differently this year. Don’t go for one of the main brands… consult the experts at Ake and Humphris who can help you select an amazing bottle of fizz that will exceed expectations. The Ferghettina Franciacorta DOC Milledi Brut 2011 for example comes highly recommended and is reduced by over £10 at shopHarrogate.com