The day of love? Valentine’s Day is in a couple of weeks, although ideally – and I’m sure everyone will agree – every day should be a day of love! I thought I’d put together a Valentine’s Day gift guide for the eco-conscious.
Whether you’re in a relationship, or single (like moi), this is not a day that you can possibly ignore, whether you like it or not. It’s still a good day, when you set aside your cynicism about the hyper-commercialization, and is worth celebrating in its own right. But let’s do it in your way, with low impact gifts and activities. Of course, the lowest impact would be doing absolutely nothing special. Which I also recommend.
But in the interest of having more options to consider, here are some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for women. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one, or for yourself (although you should count yourself as a ‘loved one,’ ha!), this is the place to check out eco-friendly options.
We also have an entire guide on eco friendly gifts.
>> Incurable Romantic? Get Eco-friendly Lingerie
Oh, yes. The eternal Valentine’s Day favorite: lingerie. Luckily, if you’re in the mood for some fancy innerwear, you can treat yourself without causing excessive harm to the environment. Check out these eco-friendly lingerie brands for some gorgeous options:
Azura Bay
Curated collection of ethically made & eco-friendly lingerie
Luva Huva
Handmade ethical lingerie
Only Hearts
Recycled lace collection | Shop Amazon
>> Like unique items? Try handmade jewelry
Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that no one else has, you’ll also be supporting local businesses and artisans. Win-win.
The handmade necklaces in the image above are (clockwise from top left):
Vintage Crescent Moon Locket Necklace
Midnight Goldstone Star Necklace
Birch Tree Silver Necklace
>> Got a green thumb? Buy a plant
It’s literally green, this AeroGarden Ultra (LED) with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit:
Or, this adorable sitting plant pot.
>> Stress getting you down? Get a massage
If you don’t relax on this day, then when will you? Sign up for a relaxing full-body massage at your local spa, or book one online. Check out these fancy eco-friendly spas if you’re in the mood to splurge on yourself.
>> Try a beauty box
Vegan, cruelty-free beauty boxes are da bomb:
Petit Vour
The Clean Beauty Box
100% Pure’s Valentine’s Day Gift Set
>> Refresh your bedroom with organic bedding
Time to spruce up your old bedding? Great reason to opt for organic bedding on this day of love:
Coyuchi
Boll & Branch
ettitude
Related: The Best Organic, Fair-Trade Bedding Brands For Non Toxic Sleep
>> Indulge your senses with fair trade, vegan chocolate
Ahem, who doesn’t love chocolate? What would make chocolate even more satisfying? If it’s fair-trade and vegan!
Related: Five Fair-trade Chocolate Brands You Need to Try
>> Practical? Invest money
Ok, so you’re beyond all these silly reasons for spending money. I get ya. Why not invest some money instead?
Own Your Financial Future with Motley Fool’s investment tips.
>> Volunteer for a cause
This is, hands down, one of the most radical things you can choose to do this Valentine’s Day. Head to your local animal shelter, soup kitchen, or organization of your choice, and volunteer to make a difference. It’s a sign of love, and it’s love for those who need it the most.
>> No time? Donate to a cause
If it’s not possible to spend time, why not spend some money – no matter the amount. Donate to a cause that’s close to your heart, and spread the love.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya
Every Mother Counts
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WAIT! Want to buy nothing, and waste nothing?
Some tips for you, my friend, to celebrate the love without celebrating ‘Valentine’s Day’:
- Switch off social media and the TV and spend the weekend before 14th being present with your loved ones.
- Spend a quality no-spend weekend with your loved ones (no purchases, no sales, no madness)
- Plan for your future with your significant other, and have an hours-long discussion about, well, anything you want to.
- Make some popcorn, put your phone on silent, and watch your favorite movie(s) together (or alone).
- Make a plan with your friends and/or neighbors, and spend some quiet downtime with them.
So, that’s it, guys! A few low impact, eco-friendly options to consider this Valentine’s Day. It’s been commercialized for sure, but let’s not forget the underlying emotion behind all the material hype. We all need more love, any day.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
If you liked this post, please share it. Spread the love!:P
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Thank you so much for the zero-waste option! I feel so validated now because my partner and I often do this for special days and people usually think we’re weird! haha
I’m always in need of new ideas and the planning in particular is mind-blowingly great! I never thought of it, but thank you for putting it on my radar, ’cause that’s super romantic if you ask me! <3
You and your partner aren’t weird (maybe the cool weird, haha). If only everyone was “weird” like this! Thanks for stopping by and checking out so many posts:)