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Want to eschew wasteful gifts associated with Valentine’s Day while still celebrating love? Read our guide to alternative Valentine’s gifts, including items from more sustainable brands around the world.
Why approach Valentine’s Day more sustainably?
It’s said that we began celebrating Valentine’s Day centuries ago, but only in the 19th century did it evolve into the holiday we know today—heavy with consumerism, mass production, and societal pressure. And typical Valentine’s Day gifts can be extremely wasteful: carbon emissions associated with cut-flower production can be as high as 3g of CO2 per flower. And then there are the plastic-filled cards, balloons, and teddy bears.
But all this doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate love, and it can be helpful to think of Valentine’s Day as a day of appreciation, showing the people around us we love them. That could be a partner, partners, friends, family, pets, and of course, ourselves.
There are ways we can thoughtfully treat ourselves and others while protecting the planet and its inhabitants, so below, you’ll find a selection of ethical and sustainable Valentine’s Day gift ideas that will help you spread the love!
Cut flowers have an environmental impact, but there are other options
We already noted that cut flowers can have a negative impact on the environment, but there’s no doubt that flowers can be lovely to receive. If you’re set on offering them, you could explore locally grown and seasonal flowers, take a cutting from blooms in your own garden, or even propagate a plant that the recipient can watch grow—and think of you every time they look at it.
Lower impact sweet treats
Chocolates are also a very popular Valentine’s Day gift, and understandably. But most store-bought chocolates aren’t super eco-friendly or ethical.
In fact, some of the biggest candy manufacturers have a huge impact on the environment: chocolate production massively contributes to deforestation and species extinction due to the demand for sugar, palm oil, and cocoa beans. Some companies have also been found to source their cocoa from countries that use child labour or slave labour. And let’s not forget non-recyclable wrapping or packaging.
So instead, why not make your own treats? Cupcakes, cookies, cakes—there are so many recipes you can find online to satisfy your loved one’s sweet tooth (and your own).
Consider giving time and memorable experiences
Giving your significant other (or yourself) time is also a great, almost waste-free idea. It can be some alone time, spending time helping and supporting the other person, or other people in general, or it could also be experiences, such as classes, workshops, massages, spa days, retreats, staycations, and more.
More sustainable Valentine’s Day gifts
If you prefer offering a tangible gift, or if you think the other person would prefer a long-lasting present, why not choose a Valentine’s Day gift from one of these more sustainable brands that’ve been rated “Good” and “Great” against our methodology? Our editors have curated this selection with love in mind, selecting items focused on longevity, that have an element of handwork involved, or that promote wellbeing. They feel special, so are ideal for letting a loved one know you care.
1. BEEN London Cecilia Crossbody Bag
2. Santicler Handknitted Cashmere Sweater
3. Dilli Grey Hand-Block Printed Pyjamas
4. Neem Bandana with Exclusive In-House Print
5. Anekdot Amara Plum Bodysuit
6. Lanius Organic Cotton Striped Shirt
7. Sui Handspun and Handwoven Organic Cotton Shirt
8. Carpasus Organic Cotton-Flannel Shirt
9. Elvis and Kresse @ Brothers We Stand Recycled Firehose and Silk Weekend Bag
10. Disruptor London Calm Shampoo Bar for Sensitive Skin
11. Amt. Studio Handmade-Ceramic Bead Necklace
12. Kampos Hand-Poured Fig Candle
13. Sans Savon Boreal Forest Blend Body Wash Set
14. LaBante Robin Vegan Wallet
15. Bario Neal Oval-Cut Diamond Ring
16. Sans Beast Wheels Up Cardholder
We also recommend these retailers, which all have great gift selections for all kinds of budgets and styles:
Rêve en Vert
Rêve en Vert believes that holidays are a moment for considered and mindful consumption. The platform has everything from skincare to homeware and accessories.
Shop Rêve en Vert’s gifts – Shipping internationally from the UK
Immaculate Vegan
Immaculate Vegan is our go-to for gift ideas for vegans. The platform has hundreds of more ethical gifts across a range of budgets, including under £100 or under £50.
Shop Immaculate Vegan’s gifts – Shipping internationally from the UK
The gift of knowledge
Books are a great way to keep up to date with everything going on in the world, whether you read from a good old-fashioned book or on an e-reader. For the ethical fashionista or bookworm in your life, we recommend having a look at our selection of must-read books on sustainable and ethical fashion.
Not really into reading? Why not offer an audiobook or a subscription to a platform that gives you access to thousands of e-books?
No matter your gift decision, and even if you spend V-Day alone, remember that every day is an opportunity to celebrate love both from yourself and those lucky enough to be in your life.
