If there is one thing that dominates Valentine’s Day in Portugal it is the tradition of giving gift baskets filled with different types of goodies to one’s sweetheart.

Every country has its own unique customs when it comes to observing Valentine’s Day. And in Portugal, it is gift baskets of different shapes and sizes and material that are an integral part of the celebrations. Each basket also has a special significance, depending on what is inside it.

What goes into these quaint gift baskets? Goodies of every type! One gift basket could be laden with just chocolates, another with wine and cheese, still another with fruit. There could be gift baskets of gourmet food and snacks, those containing exotic spa products, gift baskets of delicious cookies, and gift baskets of candy. On Valentine’s Day in Portugal, the men can also eagerly look forward to receiving gift basket of aged liquors from their sweethearts.

Interestingly, the contents also give a clue to the feelings of the young man. ‘I love you’ baskets to ones meant only for a sweetheart are available! For the shy in-love-but-cannot-confess young man, these baskets are heaven sent as they express his feelings far more eloquently than he himself ever could.

These gift baskets are more than just holders of their gourmet and exotic contents. To have received one from that someone special makes the basket that much more cherished and personal.