Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your loved one how much you care. If you want to do that in an eco-friendly way, it takes some research and preparation. There are thousands of gifts out there that claim to help you learn how to live eco-friendly, but do they really?
We looked through some of the best eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gift ideas that live up to their reputation. These gifts are not only good for the environment but also show your partner that you care about their health and the planet.
From classics like flowers and chocolate to more contemporary gifts like grooming kits and cologne, there are more than enough eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas here. Let’s jump in!
1. Flowers from a Local Shop
Flowers are a classic Valentine’s Day gift, but if you want to make sure your bouquet is eco-friendly, you should buy from a local shop. Local flower shop selections are more likely to be grown sustainably and with fewer (or no) pesticides and manmade chemicals. Plus, they don’t have to travel as far to get to you, reducing their carbon footprint.
When shopping for flowers, look for a shop that focuses on sustainability. Ask the shop’s staff or owner about their growing practices and look for certified organic labels or information.
You can also look for a shop that displays “flower miles” which measures the distance the flowers have traveled, if at all. Typically this is a scale from 0 to 5, with lower scores indicating more locally grown flowers.
When it comes to buying flowers, there are several options, so make your purchase count. You can go for a classic bouquet of red roses or something unconventional on Valentine’s Day like a lily or sunflower.
You can also mix and match different flowers to create a bouquet that’s never been created before. The woman in your life is sure to appreciate this extra thoughtful gesture.
2. Certified Organic Clothing
If you’re looking for a gift that will last long after the holiday, certified organic clothing is a great choice. Organic clothing is made without the use of toxic dyes and chemicals, making it better for your skin and the environment. Organic fabrics like cotton also tend to be softer and more durable, so your loved one can enjoy their gift for years to come.
When shopping for organic clothing, look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. This is the highest standard for textiles used anywhere in the world, including cotton.
GOLS-certified products mean the clothing is made with at least 95% organic materials and follows rigorous environmental safety and manufacturing standards. You can also look for organic linen, hemp, and bamboo fabrics.
There are lots of options when it comes to organic clothing. You can get classic pieces like a t-shirt or hoodie, or something more special like a bathrobe or pair of the best pajamas. You can even get matching sets for the perfect couple’s gift.
3. Fair Trade, Sustainably Sourced Chocolate
Chocolate is a classic Valentine’s Day treat, but not all chocolate is made with the same ethical standards. If you want to make sure your loving gift is eco-friendly, there are benchmarks to look for.
Fair trade in general refers to a set of supply chain and labor requirements that demonstrate a manufacturer upholds ethical standards in its brand. Any consumable product with a certified fair trade label is produced in a way that’s beneficial for the farmers, environmentally sustainable, and materially transparent.
When shopping for chocolate, look for labels that prove the product’s legitimacy. Reliable fair trade certification programs include, but aren’t limited to:
- World Fair Trade Organization
- B Corp
Labels that indicate wholesome food sources include, but aren’t limited to:
- Demeter Biodynamic
- USDA Organic
You can also look for single-origin chocolates, which are made with cocoa beans from one particular geographic area. Single-origin products further support the goals of fair labor practices and greater flavor integrity.
When it comes to types of chocolate, go with what your recipient loves most. If you need ideas to get started, consider a classic box of assorted flavors or a custom flavor from a small or local brand. You can even find vegan-, keto-, and Paleo-friendly chocolates if your partner follows one of these diets.
4. An Organic Mattress or Pillow
Learning how to sleep better is crucial for both your mental and physical health. If you’re looking for an environmentally conscious Valentine’s Day gift that will help your partner get a phenomenal night’s rest, one of our own organic mattresses and pillows is the best choice.
When you buy My Green Mattress, you’re not just getting a clean bed, you’re getting one that lasts for years to come. Here are the leading features of all of our certified organic mattresses:
- Fully certified organic factory
- Certified by MadeSafe, GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold, and Underwriter Laboratories (UL)
- 100% hand-tufted for superior longevity and aesthetic quality
- Made with premium quality organic materials without egregious prices
- Proprietarily-designed, five-zone innerspring support base for total body support
We afford the same attention to detail and standards of excellence for our pillows as we do our mattresses. Here’s why our pillows stand out:
- Made with 100% certified organic latex by GOLS
- Full-bodied yet plush for greater flexibility and support
- Beautiful, handmade covers for a visually pleasing sleep environment
All of our organic mattresses and pillows are made with natural materials like organic cotton, organic wool, and organic latex. They’re 100% free of toxins and chemical flame retardants, making them safe for both people and the planet.
5. Cruelty-Free Cologne
Cologne is a great Valentine’s Day gift for men, but if you’re looking for something eco-friendly, you should look for cruelty-free colognes. Cruelty-free colognes are made without the use of animal testing, making them better for both people and the planet.
When shopping for cruelty-free colognes, make sure you look for certification labels that are reliable. Those certifications include, but aren’t necessarily limited to:
- Vegan.org certified vegan stamp
- BeVeg ISO certification
- Vegan Certified NZVS
Examples of cruelty-free cologne brands:
- Malin + Goetz
- Clean Perfume
- Aesop
- Tater Rounds Beauty
- Phlur
- Yardley London
It’s best to look for colognes that are made with natural ingredients like plant-based fragrances and as much water as possible. True cologne doesn’t need chemical scents to be effective; it just needs the right essence from nature.
When it comes to the final cologne you’ll choose, there are lots of options. You can go for a classic woody or musky scent, or something more unique like a citrus or floral fragrance.
You can even find colognes that are designed for special occasions like weddings or date nights. No matter what you choose, your man is sure to appreciate a scent you handpicked for him.
6. Ethically-Sourced Jewelry
One of the most timeless Valentine’s Day gifts is jewelry, but if you want to make sure your gift is eco-friendly, ethically sourced jewelry is a must. Ethically sourced jewelry is made with materials that have been sustainably and morally sourced, making it the right choice for the planet and people.
When shopping for ethically sourced jewelry, look for the following industry-leading jewelry certifications:
- Certified Responsible Source
- Fairtrade Certified Gold
- Institute for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)
- Responsible Jewellry Council (RJC)
- Fairmined
When it comes to jewelry that suits Valentine’s Day, the possibilities are endless. You can go for a classic heart necklace or earrings, or a custom-made design with your lover’s favorite color or pattern.
7. Organic, Vegan Wine
Wine is a great Valentine’s Day gift, but when you’re ready to find an eco-friendly gift, look for wine that’s both organic and vegan. Organic wines are made with grapes that are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals, making them better for the environment. Vegan wines are made without the use of animal products or byproducts, making them better for your partner’s health.
Believe it or not, some wines aren’t fully vegan. Specific animal products are used as filtering agents and therefore create a conflict of interest for some products.
Thanks to Barnivore, an alcohol brand rating website, here are some known vegan wine brands:
- Adair Vineyards
- Adastra Wines
- Hope Family Wines
- Backsberg
- Power Winery
- Charles Smith Wines
- Banfi Vintners
- Barnard Griffin
- Barnstormer Winery
When it comes to vegan wine for Valentine’s Day, you have nearly limitless options. You can pair your meal with a traditional red or white, or something with a bit more zest like sparkling or rosé.
8. Organic Gardening Starter Kit
If your partner loves gardening, an organic gardening starter kit is the perfect eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gift idea. Organic gardening kits are designed to help your loved one grow plants without the use of toxic chemicals or fertilizers, making them one of the greenest choices out there.
When shopping for organic gardening kits, look for labels like “certified organic” or “sustainably sourced.” Look for kits that include organic soil and natural fertilizers to take it one step further.
9. Men’s Grooming Kit
Men’s grooming is important for both health and appearance, so an eco-friendly men’s grooming kit is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your guy. Eco-friendly men’s grooming kits are made with natural ingredients like plant-based oils and butters, offering a luxuriously soft experience without any environmental drawbacks.
Go with a classic shaving kit if your man has traditional taste. On the flipside, many younger men get excited about beard care and beard oil kits. With a little research and knowing what your dude likes, it’s hard to go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Day Options
The eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas here are more than enough to start with, but what if you’re looking for more? If you want to maximize your chances of getting a one-of-a-kind gift, chances are you’re doing a lot of research.
The same kind of research led us to uncover the most frequently asked questions about eco-minded Valentine’s Day ideas. Take a look at our answers below and use them to your benefit:
How Can I Be Eco-Friendly On Valentine’s Day?
There are many ways to be eco-friendly on this widely celebrated holiday. Here are a few ways to raise your level of eco-friendliness:
- Wrap your gift in recycled or zero-waste wrapping paper / bags
- Choose a farm-to-table restaurant for your meal
- Pick an eco-friendly or recycled greeting card
- Create an upcycled gift
- Give your loved one a plant or other sustainable gift
What Can I Send Instead of Flowers for Valentine’s Day?
Tired of giving the same old flower gift for V Day? There are dozens of other great Valentine’s Day gifts. Here are just a few:
- Vacation or hotel reservation
- An art or cooking class
- Concert or theater tickets
- Organic blankets or pillows
- A book or movie
What Can I Do for Valentine’s Day With Little Money?
Tight on cash but still want to celebrate? Have no fear. There are all kinds of ways you can enjoy Valentine’s Day on a budget. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Create a photo memory wall
- Reminisce with letters, pictures, notes, and events from your relationship history
- Create a charcuterie board together
- Customize a playlist of your favorite songs
- Set up an at-home scavenger hunt
What Can I Get for Valentine’s Day Instead of Chocolate?
Don’t want to give your beloved the old-school gift of chocolate? That’s good news, because there are thousands of alternatives. Here are just a few highlights your loved one is sure to be surprised by:
- Brand new bedsheets or pillowcases
- Eco-friendly hygiene kit
- Indoor potted plant(s)
- Wine tasting kit
- Personalized glass art
- An AirBnb reservation
- Conversation starter card deck
- A new article of clothing
- Tabletop projector
An eco-friendly gift goes a long way for Valentine’s Day–a holiday already rife with unoriginal gestures. Use one of these gifts for your loved one or as inspiration to find something even more powerful for your sweetheart.
One gift for Valentine’s Day is kind, but a mattress is one gift that truly keeps giving. Shop our amazing beds now or reach out if you have any questions.
