Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. What can you get someone for Valentine’s Day that is “green” and eco-friendly? Tons of things! It’s definitely possible to participate in Valentine’s Day traditions without buying completely into the commercialism.
There are a wide array of ideas as to what you can purchase or make for your significant other that meet the green standard. Check out some of these awesome gifts and ideas below.
Adopt an Animal (a wild one, that is!)
You can adopt a wild animal online. This makes the perfect gift for just about any occasion for your animal-loving eco-friendly friends or family. It can be the perfect Valentine’s gift as well. Oftentimes, when an animal is adopted, the organization will send you photos of the animal and merchandise from the adoption service. These items are great to give as an actual open-able gift after paying for the adoption and support of the animal.
Check out the WWF site here to see the many animals available for adoption and to find information on how to adopt one of them.
Donate to Charity
For those who have a favorite charity, and who truly care about donating and helping that charity, making a donation can be the ideal gift. Oftentimes, charities will let you make a donation in their name and print off a certificate saying you did so to give them. There are tons of charities out there, but be sure you know which cause they care for the most before donating.
Plant a Tree
Plant a tree together! Whether your yard needs one, or your significant other has always wanted a fruit tree, a tree is a very green gift. Head over to your local nursery and pick out a tree together, and then plant it in your yard. A tree is the perfect gift for a nature lover. If you purchase a fruit tree, it will also keep on giving every year.
Make Something
If you’re not sure what to get your significant other, making something from recycled materials is a good way to stay green. Think about something that they may need, and see what you can find to make that item. Try out some of the things found in this post on Suburble.com for him. For her, there are many things that can be made, such as sugar scrubs, candles, soaps and more that she will enjoy. Pinterest is your friend for DIY gifts.
Vintage Jewelry
Let’s face it, women love jewelry! Instead of spending a ton of money on a brand-new, not-so-eco-friendly piece of jewelry at the store, try purchasing something vintage. Etsy has tons of vendors that sell jewelry that has been passed down and reused. Many of the items are gorgeous, not too pricey and, since they’re recycled, they meet the green standard.
Craft Your Own Card
Write a handwritten letter or poem on the back of an old photograph — a new one that you have taken or on an art piece — to express your feelings rather than purchasing a premade card. It saves that paper and makes a keepsake gift that will last forever.
Organic Chocolate
Another thing that everyone enjoys is chocolate. But those chocolates in the store sometimes either aren’t even real, or contain some not-so-great ingredients. There are many 100 percent organic chocolate brands on the market now, so you have plenty to choose from to gift the chocolate lovers in your life.
What green gifts are you giving this Valentine’s Day?
Feature image courtesy of Borislav Dimitrov