Celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special someone, Galentine’s day with friends, or celebrating self love with some much-needed YOU time? We've got eco-conscious and ethical Valentine's Day gifts for everyone!
Valentine's Day nowadays is almost synonymous with consumerism, but it was not always the "Hallmark" holiday with bouquets of roses and disposable candy boxes lining the store shelves.
The holiday originated in ancient Rome during the Lupercalia fertility festival, which was held in mid-February and celebrated the coming of Spring. In the late Middle Ages, February 14th came to be known as a day of romance, and in the 1700s people started sending messages of affection and love (or "valentines"). It wasn't until the mid-1800s when Valentine cards were printed and sold commercially so people could send greetings to each other.
Boxes of truffles aside, for me the true spirit and heart of the holiday is to show affection and appreciation to those I love the most, and now that it's difficult to travel and see family one must get creative beyond the usual eco-friendly experiences like going out to dinner and baking sweet treats. There are lots of ways to show someone you care without buying them a present (like a good conversation!), but sometimes a little surprise treat and kind message can brighten someone's day!
To help you celebrate, here's ten alternative eco-conscious Valentine’s Day gifts ideas that don't harm the planet!
1. For the valentine with the sweet tooth
Elements Truffles' delicious fair trade chocolate bar is a mindful treat for chocolate lovers with its infusion of sweet oranges and lovely crunch of puffed quinoa. Curcumin in turmeric stimulates the body's own antioxidant mechanism and also helps keep you feeling young.
2. For the valentine who's a wild soul
A upifting blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and grapefruit, Warm Human's all-natural vegan aromatherapy solid perfume celebrates the wild spirit inside us all.
3. For the valentine who loves good vibes
Handmade by an indigenous brand, this all-natural aphrodisiac formula increases sensuality and repels bad energy, leading to a state of total plenitude and inner peace. It can be used to meditate as well and includes a rose quartz inside.
4. For the valentine who needs a little shut eye
5. For the valentine who loves animals
The Animal Lover's Guide to Changing the World is an inspiring, accessible, and empowering book for everyone who loves animals and wants to live a more animal-friendly life.
6. For the valentine who loves a good soak
Who doesn't love a good soak? Handcrafted using wild yarrow, roses, wild chamomile, and lavender gathered around our fields and gardens here at the farm in Washington State, this rejuvenating wildcrafted bath soak combines restorative Epsom salts with Himalayan pink salt and organic, sustainably-sourced essential oils. Unplug from the world and relax in luxury to feel calm and refreshed.
6. For the valentine who loves to cook
These gorgeous salad servers were handcarved from olive wood by a group of artisans in Kenya. Acacia Creations partners with artisans around the world bring alleviate poverty and support local economies. The olive wood sourced comes from fallen trees the makers find and they are dedicated to using other sustainable materials in their creations such as scrap fabric.
7. For the valentine who loves the ocean
This stylish, stainless steel adjustable wave ring comes with an inspirational message "Go with the Waves." For each ring sold, we'll donate 10% to the Coral Reef Alliance.
8. For the valentine who loves plants
9. For the valentine who loves to bake
10. For the valentine who loves the Earth
