A WEEK on from B-Day, it might feel a bit too soon to be celebrating anything. But V-Day is a week today, so it’s nearly time to show you care.

Yes, we know the whole thing is just a cynical plot to squeeze cash from the coupled-up, but if you source your greetings from independent Scottish makers then you’ll be sharing the love. A win-win!

You can say it with a cheeky wink with an “I pure fancy you” card from Glasgow-based illustrator Claire Barclay, or commit for the long-run by proposing “Let’s grow auld the gither” with one from Melissa Creighton’s Melabella Gifts, created in the Aberdeenshire village of Rothienorman.

Prove your love can go this distance by telling your Valentine you would walk 500 miles for him or her, show someone you think they’re foxy with a gorgeous geometrix design from Prism of Starlings or keep things simple with a rustic “I love you” greeting from Insch-based brand The Wee Loft, which also offers super-cute cushions with “a bosie”, ie a hug.

The National:

Gift-wise, with Dry January in the past, it might be time to crack open some Valentine’s Gin — infused with “soothing notes of chamomile and lemon balm, uplifting lemongrass and Kaffir lime leaf, and subtly sweet traces of rose and hibiscus” — from Edinburgh Gin, or an assortment of single malts — Glenfiddich 12 Year Old; Glenfiddich 15 Year Old and Glenfddich 18 Year Old — which come in a presentation box with their own tasting glass.

If wine is more to your taste, a bottle holder from our Maker of the Month Phil Rao makes a quirky yet practical gift. Phil makes a range of wooden gifts — including tealight holders, tapas servers and bottle openers — from sections of wine and Scotch whisky barrels, but at this time of years it’s tablet orders that keep him the busiest. Show your Valentine your sweet side with an inscribed tablet heart, or channel Outlander with a bag of mini hearts bearing the message “Da mi basia mille” (Latin for “Give me a thousand kisses”).

The National:

Slightly more enduring messages are stamped in Lindsay Macleod’s custom enamelled jewellery and gifts from Ullapool, which include a lovely bracelet bearing the words “còmhla gu bràth” (Gaelic for “together forever”), while Glasgow-based Planet Peach Jewellery offers lots of vibrant heart-shaped pendants, earrings and bracelets including resin tartan hearts.

Last but by no means least, Iguana Chocolate offers gifts including a dark selection of 24 Belgian chocolate carraques and a fabulous edible make-up set (both of which are vegan and gluten-free) and you can’t go wrong with a “love you” bath bomb (£6 for four from Unique Creations Soap on Etsy) or a gift from Arran Aromatics — the hand care set in Glen Rosa (a combo of honeyed fig and crushed green leaves) is our choice for February 14.