Your Valentine’s Day Ethical Gift Guide For Guys And Girls (that won’t break the budget!)

by Kate Hall January 21, 2018

February the 14th is quickly approaching. The day where florists rejoice, chocolate is sold exclusively in love heart shapes, and holding hands is compulsory. That’s right; it’s nearly Valentine’s day!

Usually filled with excessive consumerism, why not make this Valentine’s day different? Opt to vote with your dollars by purchasing from sustainable businesses and treat your loved one to something unique and meaningful.

A sustainable valentine’s gift does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Check out our top recommendations to ‘woo’ your lover whilst saving your pennies and celebrating sustainable businesses.

For the babes in your life:

The Botanic Alchemist - Face Elixir $49.95NZD

Nothing says thoughtful like a vegan friendly, cruelty free, and non-toxic face oil. Show you care about their wellbeing and treat them to something they may be too shy to buy for themselves. The Botanic Alchemist carefully create their products free of water and fill them with all the good organic stuff instead!

Anchal - Handmade Cotton Square Scarf Rust and Gold Check $46USD

If your gal likes vintage, she’s bound to love this scarf made from vintage sari material. Anchal empower women through multiple training courses, educational workshops, health benefits, and financial security. Each purchase supports livelihoods of women who are proud of their work, treated fairly, and able to look after their own families and loved ones.

Artisan & Fox- Nguvu Brass Cuff $40USD

Drop the idea of another boring necklace from the mall; this brass cuff is a show stopper. Made in Kenya, Artisan and Fox work with artisans all over the globe, collaborating to share traditional craftsmanship and skills through exquisite jewellery.

For the dudes in your life:

Bohome and Roam- Leather Wallet Black $55NZD

Something simple and practical that will make your man think of you every single day of the week. Plus, this wallet has a story. It’s ethically made from sustainable, vegetable tanned leather, meaning the cow/buffalo was naturally deceased. Cool huh?

One Happy Leaf- Customised Initials Cufflinks $50AUSD

Customising a gift shows you’ve not just given into the idea of Valentine’s day; you truly care about them. We’ve made it easy for you to pick the initials you want on your laser cut cufflinks. You can even use our ‘Afterpay’ system if you need time to save up. Every order = one tree. We are crazy keen about looking after the planet, and work hard to reduce our footprint.

Rocky Clark- Repurposed Military 5-Panel: Non-Waxed Woodland Camo $44.99USD

Literally made of old military jackets, these hats will make your partner feel like the macho man that he is. Will his mates have a hat made of military dead stock? I don’t think so! Rocky Clark founded their company core around sustainability. 3% of every sale is donated to Animal Welfare, and all products are produced ethically in the USA.

Valentine’s day has turned from a “holiday of love” into mindless consumerism. Ditch it! This year, buy less, shrug off the pressure, and make the people you love know that you care.

Kate Hall

Author

Kate is a word smith, kombucha addict, serial smiler, and zero waste enthusiast. She believes life's too short to think of yourself as one tiny person who can't make change. Slow fashion and green living are what gets her up in the morning, and her hand-raised bird will forever be found nuzzling into her shoulder.