Whether you are a fan of Valentine’s day or don’t usually practice it, showing love for the important people in our lives can be a fun activity. We’ve put together a last-minute list of Valentine’s Day gifts (and ideas) that you can share with others or give to yourself that keep the planet in mind, because who doesn’t want to know that their love is making the world a better place.

EXPERIENCES:

In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves short on time. So why not show love by giving your time and creating space to acknowledge the people you love.

Go on a hike:

Getting out in nature or even just take a new route around your neighborhood are nice ways to spend time with those you love- be they romantic or platonic partners. This could also be a good opportunity to start a new ritual for you and the people you care about!

SPA TIME:

Going to the spa is a lovely treat. Keep an eye out for places that use local, organic, sustainable, and cruelty-free products. However, a day out at the spa may not be in everyone’s budget. Not to worry. You can get creative and have a home-spa experience.

• Get your diffuser going and put in your favorite essential oil.
• Light a few candles to get some awesome mood lighting.
• Put on some relaxing tunes.
• Fill your bathtub with warm water. Toss in some Epsom salts. If you’re feeling fancy add a few drops of essential oils or some dried flowers. Voila! You’ve got yourself a foot bath.
• You could also take this opportunity to give your loved ones or yourself a manicure or pedicure.
• Make a soothing warm beverage like Lavender Moon Mylk which will help you relax and unwind.
• If you are feeling extra crafty, try your hand at making some home-made rose-water. It’s pink, it smells great, and feels awesome on your skin. Use a reusable bottle so you can refill it if you get into making it regularly. Here are a variety of methods and uses for rosewater.

MAKE A MEAL:

Try your hand at making food to nourish whomever you are showing love to. While cooking can overwhelm some people, a charcuterie board is delicious dish that accommodates most dietary restrictions. Build your board with your favorite crackers, dips, pickled things, fresh veggies, and fruit.  

GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING:

CANDLES:

Candles are a wonderful gift for anyone and can help set the mood or just create an awesome ambiance in general. Canadian companies like Lohn and Woodlot use high-quality, sustainable ingredients to craft their products. Focusing on the impact of the ingredients and whether they are ethically made and sourced means that when you purchase a candle, the implications are far-reaching.

FLOWERS:

Look in your area for florists that you use local, foraged, or organic flowers to ensure that the farming practices are sustainable. If you feel like testing out your green thumb, if you were planning on buying a bouquet, try buying a live plant instead, any size will do. If it is flowering plant, like a mini rose bush, pot it up and keep it in the house. Or, if you have access to an outdoor space, plant it outside so it can keep growing. This is a nice reminder and metaphor for the way love grows in our lives.

CARDS:

Ever the time of love notes and poems, cards often serve as the vehicles that convey our love for others. To reduce waste, try your hand at making your own card using a scrap piece of paper. Turn it into something personal and special with your own doodles and words. If that feels like too much, when buying a card, try looking for one that is made from 100% recycled paper and is plantable. Once planted, these cards will sprout up flowers. Etsy is full of various boutique artists that offer cards that you can plant.

CHOCOLATES:

Truly no Valentine’s day list would be complete without some mention of chocolate. Let’s be real, this is a pretty great aspect of Valentine’s day, no matter how you feel about it. Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, when choosing a chocolate try to find ones that are Fairtrade, organic, and/or local. Remember, not all chocolate treats have to be in the form of a bar. Shake things up this Valentine’s Day and have a hot chocolate inspired day with Reishi Hot Chocolate or Chocolate Turmeric Golden Mylk. Feeling extra inspired? Try making Reishi Chocolate Pudding with this healthy recipe.

Try these lovely (pun-intended) experiences with your loved ones, friends or on your own. Don’t be afraid to participate in Valentine’s day and show love in whatever way feels right for you! It is just a day in the year, but showing love is a beautiful thing, whatever form that takes.