Sustainable folks usually like to keep it clutter free and focus on quality over quantity. They are more than likely passionate about wellness and the environment too.
If this sounds like the person you are shopping for, then this post may have some gift ideas for you. Let’s check out some sustainable Valentine’s Day gift ideas that are sure to impress!
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What Makes a Gift Sustainable?
The three pillars of sustainability are economic development, social development and environmental protection. Economic development is being able to offer people what they want more easily and without compromising the quality of life.
The key factor of social development is awareness and legislation to protect the health of people from pollution and other harmful activities. Environmental protection is just that—eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
People’s ideas and motives for sustainability will be slightly different but hopefully this post will offer a little something for everyone.
Some people seek to buy as little as possible and drastically reduce their waste while other are just looking to purchase things from companies who do a good job caring for individuals’ health as well as the environment.
How to Have a Sustainable Valentine’s Day
There are lots of ways to have a sustainable Valentine’s Day. You could have a special dinner out and skip the gifts or stay home and make a nice meal together. You could opt for a day or evening of quality time together–whatever that looks like for you.
A sustainable Valentine’s Day would simply be one that is not filled with a bunch of meaningless purchases and waste.
Sustainable Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Her
Recycled Jewelry
There are many options for jewelry made from recycled materials these days. Etsy is a great place to browse. One of my personal favorites is Bottled Up Designs, who sells via their website and on Amazon.
These recycled vintage 1940’s red beer bottle glass and sterling silver earrings would make a lovely Valentine’s gift.
I have purchased several pieces from the company and have been pleased. They aren’t lifetime pieces, but they’re beautiful and more sustainable than most jewelry.
Lizardi Jewelry makes stunning pieces from argentium silver, which is created from 100% recycled silver. They have pieces starting at around $40 as well as many high-end pieces.
Purse/Bag
Similar to wallets, there’s the leather (may last forever) option or the recycled, synthetic option. Wool and cotton canvas are other great options for bags and purses.
Made Trade makes the list again as a sustainable choice for casual bags. Their bags are eco-friendly, and fair trade. Many are made from GOTS cotton canvas using low impact dyes.
Portland Leather makes beautiful bags if your lady prefers the timeless look of leather, which, like Made Trade, makes the list a second time. Their bags are absolutely gorgeous.
Tea Kettle
Sustainable teapots might be those with a lifetime warranty or those made from ceramic or glass. My top pic for stainless steel is this All-Clad 2-quart stainless steel kettle. Hario, a Japanese brand, offers lots of beautiful glass teapots.
Blanket
Find me a woman who doesn’t love blankets! I really don’t think I know one. We have dogs, so the blankets in our home have a life cycle of sorts. When we get a new blanket, we pass the old one down to the dogs.
The Vermont Flannel Company offers cozy blankets crafted from GOTS cotton. While I haven’t purchased one yet, I’ve had my eye on since last Christmas, when I discovered them.
Robe
Many Valentine’s Days ago, my husband bought me a plush red robe made from polyester. It’s a special memory from one of our first holidays together, but today I’d choose a cotton one.
This Under the Canopy blush robe made from organic cotton would fit the bill for a practical and sustainable Valentine’s gift.
Serving Dish
Glass is my favorite sustainable material for dishes. My go-to brand for glassware is Anchor Hocking. This lovely glass serving set makes a timeless budget-friendly gift idea.
Ceramic options come in vibrant colors and can also be sustainable options. Fiesta is a lead and cadmium free brand that is made in the U.S.A. This stunning serving bowl is perfect for ladies who love to host dinner parties.
If none of these gift ideas jumped out at you, check out my related, more comprehensive post, Sustainable Christmas Gifts for Her.
Sustainable Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Him
Wallet
A quality wallet can last for years and years, and that’s something guys need anyways. Made Trade is a one stop shop for ethically and sustainably made goods. They offer a nice selection of men’s wallets that you can feel good about purchasing.
Made Trade is also a family-owned small business.
Portland leather offers beautiful, sustainably made wallets. They partner with the beef industry to obtain materials that would otherwise go to waste. Their items are not synthetically painted or coated making them more eco-friendly than traditional leather products.
Chemex
If your man drinks coffee and doesn’t have a Chemex, he’s missing out! This is my all-time favorite way to make coffee, and I don’t see that ever changing. It’s simple, it’s healthy, and it offers amazing flavor.
After all, you don’t get nearly 8,000 5-star Amazon reviews by accident!
Watch
If your guy wears a watch, this is a no brainer. There are lots of sustainable watch brands these days from recycled materials to high-quality metals and leathers that are designed to last a lifetime.
Nordgreen is a Denmark company that makes some of the most sustainable watches on the planet while also giving back generously.
Triwa designs watches that are ethically made from ocean plastic. They also offer beautiful steel options. Their watched are designed in Stockholm, Sweeden and destined to be conversation starters.
Wool Socks
Socks may seem lame, but I absolutely love getting awesome high-quality socks as an adult. I don’t think I’m alone on this.
My favorite natural fiber sock brand is Darn Tough, which is made in Vermont. While the socks are made from several fabrics, the company prioritizes Merino wool that meets the Responsible Wool Standard.
Hat/Scarf
Natural fiber hats and scarfs can make a really nice and practical Valentine’s Day gift idea. Cotton, hemp and wool are all sustainable materials. Tenntree has a nice selection of men’s hats including beanies and ball caps.
Sustainability is a top priority for this company. They plant trees for every purchase made.
Tools
Who doesn’t need tools? Whether your guys is a “Mr, Fix It” or a “Call a Guy to Fix it,” every home needs a basic set up tools. Craftsman, Cobalt and Husky tools are come with lifetime warranties. While not all aspects of tools are sustainable, buying a quality set is a sustainable approach.
Craftsman and Channellock make many of their tools in the U.S.A.
Another way to avoid holiday waste is to go the consumable gift route. Some gifts are both consumable and sustainable.
What are Consumable Gifts?
Consumable gifts are things that get used up rather than left to sit around. Consumables can be food, paints, candles, bath and body products, etc. Some popular consumables for Valentine’s Day are candles, chocolates and perfumes.
As someone who is completely obsessed with chocolate and never goes a day without it, naturally I wrote an entire post on healthy and sustainable Valentine’s Day Chocolate.
Looking for an outside of the box Valentine’s Day gift idea? Let’s keep digging …
What are Some Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts?
Some unique Valentine’s Day gifts might be a couple’s activity like dancing or horseback riding. You could hire someone to create a custom piece of artwork or piece of jewelry with special meaning behind it.
Our local shelter does Puppy Cuddle Grams. As a dog lover, I can’t think of a sweeter gift than cuddling a puppy … the only problem would be giving it back. Or maybe you are ready to adopt a pet. A trip to the shelter sounds like a pretty romantic Valentine’s Day to me.
If in doubt, reminisce on your love story. Take a trip back to the location of your first date or go do something you used to love doing together but haven’t done in a while.
On a tight budget? There’s still lots of ways to make someone feel thought about.
Make Valentine’s Day Special Without Spending Money
Valentine’s Day is about showing love. Simply take some time to tell your other half how much you appreciate and care for them. Write them a letter, create a song if you are musically talented. Make a special dinner … you have to eat anyways, so it’s not really spending extra money.
Go for a drive with your favorite coffees or go for a long romantic walk. If it’s cold where you are, build a little fire and have dessert together. Give your loved one a full-body massage—this one’s a personal favorite of mine ;).
Final Thoughts
I suspect most of us, guys and girls, just want to know that our significant other is thinking about us. I hope this post gave you some sustainable Valentine’s Day gift ideas and set you up for a fantastic holiday with the one you love.
