5 Green Gifts to Give For Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is coming; are you ready? If you’re wracking your brain trying to come up with the perfect gift, we’ve got the perfect solution: put a “green” spin on traditional gifts. While you can find all sorts of fancy options when it comes to green gift giving, why not keep it simple and stick with the basics this year? By putting a new spin on old gifts, you’ll not only help the environment but impress your sweetie as well.

1. Flowers

Instead of buying your partner a bouquet of cut flowers that will die in a week, buy her potted flowers instead. If you aren’t lucky enough to live in a warm climate that has greenhouses open all year round, you can still make green choices. Rather than a bouquet of daisies, for instance, buy a few fake daisies at the local craft store or have your kids make paper daisies out of construction paper. Wrap your flowers with a lovely bow and include a packet of daisy seeds that can be planted in a pot now or in the garden come spring.

2. Jewelry

Men and women alike appreciate gifts of jewelry no matter the occasion, but you don’t have to rush out and spend thousands of dollars. Mining for gems can be harmful to both the environment and the people working the mines; be conscious of your choices and have an old piece of jewelry or an heirloom watch re-purposed. A great jeweler can do almost anything with jewelry; ask for their opinion and you’re sure to gift a piece of jewelry with both beauty and meaning.

One of our favorite eco friendly jewelry designers is the fabulous DeAnna Cochran, she uses precious metal clay which is made from reclaimed precious metals found in recycled electronics, check out her work here;

http://www.deannacochranjewelry.com/

3. Chocolates

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Nothing says “Valentine’s Day” like a great box of chocolates! Instead of a box of chocolates straight off of the shelves of your local drug store, put together a gift basket full of organic, environmentally friendly treats. You can find fair-trade chocolates online and in specialty shops and organic chocolates are becoming easier to find in your local grocery store. Buy an earth-friendly basket or fill a basket that is sitting empty on your living room shelf. Add a pretty bow, slip in a home-made card and you’ve got a gift she’ll brag about.

4. Candles

Soy candles are not only environmentally friendly but they burn cleaner and last longer. You can find soy candles almost anywhere as they become more and more popular. Just remember that you are buying a gift for your sweetie; choose fragrances that they will love, even if it’s not your favorite. Better yet, if your partner is crafty, put together a candle making kit complete with soy wax and scented oils. Not only is it a great gift for Valentine’s Day but it’s a fantastic way to let them try their hand at a new skill.

5. Music

Every couple has songs that they love. Whether they are songs that played at your wedding or the themes to your favorite television shows, a homemade CD is a wonderful, personal gift. If you can get away with it, skip the CD and create a folder on your partner’s Smartphone or Apple device. Download these songs to the special folder and play them while you eat a romantic dinner for two. Your lover will appreciate the time you took to create such a personal gift.

Going green for Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be difficult. By putting a new spin on some old classics, you’ll reduce your impact on the environment and earn brownie points at the same time. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Author Tanya Peterson resides in NYC and is a content contributor for watchrepairny.com, a Manhattan provider of fine services such as Rolex watch repair and engraving since 1978. Tanya’s grandfather was in the antique watch business and it’s been a fascination with her since childhood.