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Valentine’s Day is one of the most polluting holidays. Here’s a guide and a list of eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts to celebrate sustainably this year.

For most people, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Valentine's Day is cards, red roses, candlelight dinners, and chocolate boxes.

But, people aren’t aware that Valentine’s Day is one of the holidays that have the worst impact on the environment. 

A billion cards are sent each year, and most of them end up in landfills. Those red roses you give to your sweetheart are likely coated in pesticides. Cacao used to make chocolate you gift to your loved one probably comes from one of the countries that exploit child labor. Candles for your candlelit dinner are, in most cases, paraffin and cancerogenic. 

But, it doesn’t have to be this way.

I did days of research on how to have a sustainable Valentine’s Day.

Here are all the tips you need on how to celebrate your love more sustainably, as well as the ultimate guide to eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts.

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Valentine's Day Gifts?

The National Retail Federation says that a person spends around $142 celebrating Valentine’s Day. The holiday turned from a way to express our love for someone to a big business. 

One way to combat this is to turn to eco-friendly gift ideas.

This past holiday season, I learned how to choose eco-friendly gifts and what makes a gift eco-friendly. I applied the same knowledge when choosing sustainable Valentine’s Day gifts. 

Here are some things to look out for. Keep in mind a gift doesn’t need to have all of these characteristics to be considered eco-friendly. In many cases, one of them is enough.

Eco-friendly valentines day gift

Plastic-Free

Plastic is one of the biggest pollutants. One straw or a plastic bag needs 500 years to degrade. 

A good substitute for plastic items is glass, bamboo, or stainless steel. These materials are natural and can be either repurposed or compostable.

Hazardous Material Free

Hazardous materials are substances that can cause harm to human health or the environment. Some examples include paints, oil, acids, batteries, and more.

When choosing a gift for your Valentine, make sure it’s hazardous material-free. For example, if your sweetheart is artistic and you want to buy them some paint, choose non-toxic, organic, and water-based.

Company/Brand That Has an Eco-Conscious Mission Statement

A local independent maker is always a better option than a big corporation. Research if there are any local brands in your area, such as a winemaker, that you could support this Valentine’s Day. Also, you can always ask a local brand how eco-friendly their production process is.

If you decide to go for big corporations, that’s alright too. They are difficult to avoid. But, look for companies that have eco-conscious mission statements, so you know they are dedicated to helping the environment. Also, check if they offer carbon-neutral delivery, and take advantage of it.

The Product Helps Someone to Live a Sustainable Life

If you know the person you’re buying a gift for well, don’t get them something they already have. Instead, choose an item they really need and will use for a long time.

You can also choose something that will help them lead a more waste-free life. Who knows, you may inspire someone to live more sustainably.

Made of Recycled/Upcycled Materials

Products made of recycled or upcycled materials have a low impact on the environment, and they are popping up more and more. This goes hand in hand with buying something that helps another person have a more sustainable life.

Nowadays, you’ll be able to find everything from recycled activewear to Jenga.

Reusable/Biodegradable/Recyclable

Finally, the best sustainable gifts are reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable. This allows you to be creative. For example, gift some handmade chocolates wrapped in biodegradable wrapping paper. Or, go on a picnic, store food in reusable boxes, and bring reusable water bottles and compostable bamboo cutlery.

Think about items that can be disposed of in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

Best Eco-Friendly Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

1. Rose That Never Dies

A rose symbolizes love, and a rose that never dies symbolizes eternal love, so you can’t go wrong with this unique gift. 

This is a real rose, preserved and dipped in 24k gold. Because it’s real, no two roses are the same, and your loved one will have a unique, handmade gift. The petals are full and silky, and lines on the leaves are clearly visible. 

The rose comes packaged in a stunning, elegant box that makes it a perfect gift. 

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s durable, so it’ll last for a long time, and it’s preserved with natural protein resin, so there aren’t any chemicals.

rose that never dies

2. VIVAGO Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Is your Valentine a skincare enthusiast? 

Then, these makeup remover pads will wow the woman in your life. They cleanse the skin thoroughly while feeling pleasant and soft to the face. 

They are reusable, which means there won’t be any need to buy disposable cotton rounds, which will save money in the long run. They are easy to clean and dry quickly and can be used while traveling. 

The pack is completely eco-friendly: 20 pieces and a 100% cotton-made laundry bag, a bamboo holder, and packaging made of cardboard that’s extra durable.

Why is it eco-friendly?

The pads are made of cotton (70%) and bamboo (30%) fabric.

VIVAGO Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

3. Hu Natural Organic Vegan Chocolate

You can’t go wrong with chocolate, and this is a gift that screams Valentine’s Day. 

This Valentine’s Day, choose natural organic vegan chocolate. 

Your Valentine can eat this chocolate guilt-free because it’s completely healthy, and it’s a perfect choice for people who eat clean and lead a healthy lifestyle. It’s also great for lactose intolerant people, as it’s dairy-free.

Choose dark chocolate made from house-ground cacao that has rich caramel notes. 

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s vegan, paleo, and organic. It doesn’t have any emulsifiers, gluten, refined or cane sugar, and no soy lecithin.

Hu Natural Organic Vegan Chocolate

4. Milk Makeup

If your girl spends hours watching Youtube makeup tutorials or is just a makeup enthusiast, she’ll love Milk Makeup. 

This is a clean beauty brand that offers everything from skincare to makeup.

If you’re not sure which product to get for your Valentine, choose something from their bestseller options. You can’t go wrong with those.

Or, send them a picture of your Valentine, and get recommendations straight from the experts.

Why is it eco-friendly?

Milk Makeup is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free. Their products aren’t tested on animals.

Milk Makeup eco-friendly valentines day gift

5. Hochance 3D Rose Crystal with LED Colorful Light Base

This crystal night lamp will not only provide ambient lighting but be a great decoration for any room. 

The lamp has 3D laser engraving, which says, “I love you,” which makes it a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. 

The crystal material is high-quality. It’s clear and durable, and it won’t lose the shine over time.

The lamp has six lighting modes, and it’s easy to use. Just press the Touch Switch button on the base to turn on/off or change lights. As a plus, it can work on both batteries and a USB cable.

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made of 100% non-toxic ABS and PVC material.

hochance 3D Rose Crystal with LED Colorful Light Base

6. ESNA HOME 100% Natural Vegan Soy Candle

Here’s a gift that can also set the mood for your Valentine’s Day date. 

ESNA HOME candles are a combination of a high-quality botanical fragrance enriched with citrus oils and finished off with cocoa and vanilla aromas. 

This candle is cruelty-free and soot-free.

Best of all, it’s housed in a reusable glass jar that can be used once the candle burns out. The package comes with a platinum-coated, engraved metal snuffer lid.

Why is it eco-friendly?

It's a 100% natural soy wax candle made with 100% pure lemongrass essential oils.

ESNA HOME 100% Natural Vegan Soy Candle

7. Boma Jewelry Sterling Silver Pull Through Hoop Earrings

Boma Silver Jewelry is a US company that's been operating for 31 years. 

Their jewelry is shipped straight from the US, which cuts down on gas emissions.

If you’re looking for long-lasting, eco-friendly gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, this could be the one.

The hoop earrings are a classic piece.

They are handcrafted by silversmiths and engraved with .925, which ensures this is a genuine Boma Jewelry piece. 

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made with pure 925 sterling silver that’s naturally hypoallergenic nickel-free and will last a lifetime.

Boma Jewelry Sterling Silver Pull Through Hoop Earrings

8. Astor & Orion Jewelry

Arion & Orion is an ethical jewelry company. 

Their creation process includes zero waste and pollution.

They offer a wide range of necklaces and earrings, including everything from hoops to ear studs. My favorite eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gift is the Wise Heart Gold Charm Necklace that sends the message “knowledge becomes wisdom when it's applied with love.”

Feel free to browse their website. You’re guaranteed to find something for the special woman in your life.

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made with recycled materials and designed in a way that can easily be recycled again.

Astor & Orion Wise Heart Gold Charm Necklace

9. Costa Farms Mini Succulents

If a rose is too cliché for you, go for something unexpected — mini succulents! 

Costa Farms offers a choice pack of 8 succulents that are different shapes and sizes — from growing straight-up to round and compact.

Succulents are easy to take care of, and they don’t require much work and input. You can also gift these on holidays after Valentine’s Day, so your Valentine can have her own succulent garden, as the plants come in pots with premium soil with slow-releasing fertilizer.

Why is it eco-friendly?

The pot is made from 100% recyclable material, and succulents will last a long time.

Costa Farms Mini Succulents

Best Eco-Friendly  Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

1. HZMAN Norse Vikings Runes Amulet

If your man is a fan of Assassin Creed or Viking tv shows, he’ll love this amulet. 

It’s made of stainless steel, so you can be sure it’ll last for a long time.

The amulet stands out due to runes. Runes are letters in the runic alphabet, which was used in Germanic languages before the introduction of the Latin alphabet. 

The amulet comes on an attractive-looking chain, and it looks so cool you’ll want one for yourself.

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made of Grade A stainless steel material that’s resistant to rust, corrosion, and tarnishing. 

HZMAN Norse Vikings Runes Amulet

2. Trader Joe's Shaw Organic Wine

No list of eco-friendly gift ideas for Valentine can be complete without some wine. 

To be eco-friendly, choose Shaw Wines.

They currently offer 6 wines made with organic grapes.

Not only are the wines organic, but they come with a resealable cork that twists off. It’s never been easier to open the wine — there’s no need for a corkscrew, just hold and twist the top.

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made with 100% organic grapes with no pesticides and herbicides, and it’s certified by the National Organic Program

Trader Joe's Shaw Organic Wine

3. GARDEN REPUBLIC Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit

If your loved one is a gardening enthusiast, this is one of the best green gifts that you should get.

The starter kit comes with all the necessary supplies, like seeds, shears, burlap grow bags, soil disks, and even a large wooden planter (the box that contains all supplies). 

He wouldn’t need to visit the nursery for anything. 

Also, the starter kit fits perfectly on the window sill — which is getting more and more popular in modern apartment gardening. 

Why is it eco-friendly?

Nothing is more eco-friendly than growing and caring for plants! Plus, the packaging doesn’t include a shred of plastic — only wood. 

GARDEN REPUBLIC Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit

4. WHISKOFF Whiskey Glass Set of 2 - Bourbon Whiskey Stones Gift Set

To continue with drink choices, here’s an all-in-one whiskey stones gift set, perfect for all whiskey-loving men in your life. It contains round rocks glasses and 8 natural granite whiskey stones to keep the ice from diluting the drink. 

There are also tongs and two slate table coasters to round up the set. My favorite part is that it comes in a sturdy but elegant wooden box.

The set can also be used for bourbon and scotch. 

Why is it eco-friendly? The glasses are made of lead-free glass, and drink stones are made of natural granite and are washable and reusable. 

WHISKOFF Whiskey Glass Set of 2

5. Sanuk Men's Chiba Loafer

If your Valentine isn’t a drinker, these loafers will be the perfect gift. 

Sanuk was founded in California in the 90s by surfers. Their loafers are casual and versatile due to the edgy, modern look provided by the frayed edges.

The loafers are slip-on, comfortable, and non-slip due to the rubber sole. They have comfortable footbeds and can be washed in the machine. 

They come in all sizes and three colors: brown, tan, and black.

Why is it eco-friendly?

The loafers are vegan and made with sustainable materials. 

Sanuk Men's Chiba Loafer eco-friendly valentines day gift

6. Hammockable Handmade Maple Wood Sunglasses

Here’s something that’s a great gift on its own, or together with the loafers above. 

These polarized sunglasses come in six colors. They provide UV400 rated sun protection.

The sunglasses are equipped with stainless steel double spring-loaded hinges for a comfortable and easy fit.

Best of all — they float, so they can be safely worn at the beach, and you or your man won’t ever again risk losing a pair of shades in water.

Why is it eco-friendly?

They are made of 100% natural maple wood, and two trees are planted for every purchase.

Hammockable Handmade Maple Wood Sunglasses eco-friendly valentines day gift

7. BOBO BIRD Men's Retro Zebra Wooden Watch

To round off the look completely, here’s a handmade wooden watch. 

The watch has a Sony battery and imported 2035 quartz, so it’ll always stylishly show the correct time.

If you’re on the lookout for a unique eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gift idea for him, this is the one.

Each watch is unique, as it's handmade, and it comes in a special box. The retro look will be an eye-catcher for sure.

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made with natural zebra wood without any chemicals and genuine leather.

BOBO BIRD Men's Retro Zebra Wooden Watch eco-friendly valentines day gift

8. XIKEZAN Upgraded Beard Grooming Kit 

If your Valentine is a magnificent bearded gentleman, look no further. 

This beard grooming kit contains a beard conditioner, shampoo, oil, beard balm, brush, comb, and scissors.

It comes with a storage bag and even an e-book for instructions on how to use each product.

The brush and comb are made with boar bristles which massage the facial hair, stimulate oil production, and remove dirt. 

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made with 100% natural ingredients that stimulate beard growth, hydrate, and clean the beard. The natural ingredients protect from irritated skin and itching. 

XIKEZAN Upgraded Beard Grooming Kit

9. Grown Ass Man Co. - Solid Shampoo Bar

Another grooming product is a shampoo bar. It’ll wow straight from the packaging with a strong scent.

This shampoo bar has a rich lather, making all the ingredients reach the hairs and the scalp.

As a bonus, you can use the shampoo bar for your beard and as a full-body wash. 

The essential oils help condition the scalp, which means it’ll keep dandruff away and help have a healthy scalp. Finally, the shampoo bar is long-lasting. It’ll last as long as 2 to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo.

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made from natural ingredients, certified organic oils, and has a low carbon footprint. 

Grown Ass Man Co. - Solid Shampoo Bar

10. Access Denied Vegan Leather Bifold Wallets For Men

The final item on the eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts list is a leather wallet. 

This wallet has a bifold closure. It’s handmade and stitched with precision. There are 2 cash compartments, 9 credit card slots, 2 pockets, and 1 ID window. 

Best of all, this wallet has RFID blocking technology, which means all sensitive information will be protected. 

Why is it eco-friendly?

It’s made with 100% vegan, cruelty-free leather with faux leather lining.

Even though this is vegan leather, it feels like the real thing to the touch, and it’s good for the environment. 

Access Denied Vegan Leather Bifold Wallets For Men

How To Have An Eco-Friendly Valentine's Day?

I’ve covered eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gift ideas, so you can choose a sustainable gift this holiday. 

While gifts are one of the main issues that make Valentine’s Day a huge pollutant, the way you spend the holiday is also important. Go a step further, and celebrate the love you feel while also showing your love and appreciation for our planet. 

Here are some ideas on how to have an eco-friendly Valentine's Day.

Have a Home Cooked Meal

Sharing a meal is a Valentine’s Day staple. If you’re keen to roll up your sleeves and put your chef hat on, you can make the Valentine’s Day meal better for the planet:

  • Get some organic wines, or if your date prefers coffee, start things off with a sustainable coffee brand.
  • Keep the meal vegan-friendly. Check Pinterest for vegan dinner recipes and plant-based meals.
  • Stick to seasonal foods. They are healthier and create a lower carbon footprint.
  • Don’t overcook. The last thing you want is to throw leftovers.

Be Smart When Choosing Flowers

Yes, a bouquet of fresh flowers is nice, but most likely imported. As Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday, the flowers probably traveled thousands of miles until they reached your Valentine. 

Also, the flowers are usually shipped by air and not the sea to ensure they arrive fresh, which drives the carbon footprint up.

Instead, choose flowers that can be composted and potted plants. Potted plants last much longer than cut flowers, and your Valentine will think of you every time they water and take care of the plant. 

Chocolate

60% of the chocolate supply comes from the Ivory Coast and Ghana, and cocoa trees have replaced 10% of all forests in Ghana. A similar situation is happening in the Ivory Coast as well.

Instead of buying commercial chocolates, get the sweet treat that’s been Fairtrade certified. This means the cocoa used for chocolate has been sustainably sourced, and the farmers were paid a living wage. There’s no illegal deforestation or local exploitation. 

Or, bake something yourself. Your Valentine will appreciate the effort it took to make a dessert from scratch. Pinterest is your best friend once again. There’s no end to dessert ideas and shapes you can use to express your love.

Greeting Cards

A lot of Valentine’s Day cards are laminated and decorated with glitter, ribbons, and other embellishments, which means they can’t be recycled. 

Make sure to get a card that’s only made with paper. Several sellers offer eco-friendly cards, so pick a design you like. Better yet, use an e-card, or make a card yourself with recycled paper.

Learn a New Skill Together

Instead of giving gifts, why not gift an experience? Instead of buying unnecessary gifts and using tons of wrapping paper, you can learn a new skill together this Valentine’s Day. 

This can include anything from a baking class to cooking or a pottery-making course to playing a new sport together. 

You’ll make memories together that will last a lifetime. This will show you’ve put some thought into the gift, and it’s a great way to learn something new about the other person.

See New Art

Spend the holiday supporting local artists and connect with your Valentine at the same time.

You can go to a local art gallery or visit a theater. Some exhibitions are free, and local theaters are usually reasonably priced.

This will be a better gift than flowers that’ll wilt after a couple of days. And, you’ll be supporting other people and their craft.

Staycation

How about some Netflix and Chill? If you and your loved one are busy and don’t have much time to see each other, this is a perfect time. 

Don’t let the holiday pressure get to you. You don’t have to do something over the top to have a meaningful Valentine’s Day. You can make it special right where you are. Pick your favorite movie, cook a meal or order takeout, and spend meaningful time together.

Or stay close to home. Yes, the world is full of cliche romantic destinations, but you’ll be surprised how much fun it can be staying at a hotel a couple of hours away from home. Check Trip Advisor for places to go close to you. You’ll probably discover a place you never thought about visiting before, and you won’t be making a ton of carbon emissions on long-haul flights. 

Let’s Make a Change with Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts This Year

Even though Valentine’s Day has become a commercialized holiday, we can still express our love to the important people in our lives. And, let’s also show some love to our environment this Valentine's Day.

No matter if you decide to pick something from the list of eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts or celebrate the holiday more sustainably, our planet will love you more for it.

Think about the person you’re buying the gift for when making a choice, and you’re guaranteed to get something they’ll like. I’m sure the gift will be even more appreciated once you explain how eco-friendly it is.

Let’s spread some love this Valentine’s Day to both people in our lives and our planet!

Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic. When not writing, she can be found with her nose stuck in a book or trying out new baking recipes.

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