Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to express your love than through thoughtful, sustainable gifts that align with your eco-conscious values? This year, let's embrace the spirit of sustainability and show our love for the planet as well. Here's a curated Valentine's Day Gift Guide featuring tips on how to source sustainable and eco-friendly presents, (including shameless plug: Day Owl Bags), along with other delightful choices that we love.

1. Day Owl Laptop Backpack – Functionality Meets Sustainability

Kick off your eco-conscious journey with the sustainably-made Day Owl Laptop Backpack. Crafted from waxed canvas, this bag not only exudes style but also embraces sustainability. Its water-resistant exterior, complete with storm flap-protected zippers, ensures durability for all your loved one's adventures. Plus, the eco-friendly touch – Day Owl is committed to using completely recycled materials and has the lowest carbon footprint on the market, making it a perfect gift for the environmentally conscious.

2. Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Consider gifting sustainable jewelry made from recycled materials or ethically sourced gems. Look for pieces crafted by local artisans or brands committed to eco-friendly practices. Opt for materials like recycled gold or silver, ensuring your gift sparkles with love and environmental consciousness. We love Azlee, not just because they give a portion of proceeds to Ocean restoration initiatives, but because the founder believes the same thing we do, that craftsmanship and durable, well made pieces are at the core of any good sustainability strategy

Image Courtesy of Azlee

3. Sustainable Skincare and Beauty Products

Pamper your Valentine with skincare and beauty products that prioritize sustainability. Choose brands that use eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free ingredients, and sustainable sourcing. From organic facial serums to refillable lip balms, there are plenty of options that align with your eco-conscious values.

We’re big fans of Elate. They offer a complete look at sustainability that we can, well, relate to.

Elate publishes stats on what type of impact they are actually having (Photo courtesy of Elate)

4. Indoor Plants

Bring nature indoors with a gift that keeps on giving – an indoor plant. Not only do plants add a touch of greenery to any space, but they also improve air quality. Opt for low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or pothos, and consider repurposed or upcycled planters for an extra eco-friendly touch.

Plants are pretty naturally great for the environment, but beware long shipping distances to keep your carbon footprint low. We like The Sill, as they uses compostable packaging. We’ve also bought from Bloomscape with good results!

5. Reusable Coffee Cups or Water Bottles

For the coffee or tea enthusiast, a reusable coffee cup made from sustainable materials is a practical and eco-friendly gift. Pair it with a set of fair-trade coffee beans or organic tea leaves for a complete and thoughtful package. Similarly, a durable and stylish reusable water bottle encourages hydration while reducing single-use plastic waste.

We’re big fans of Ocean Bottle, out of Britain.  They have a very similar view on plastic supply chains and they care about color and design in the same way Day Owl does. They also have a “brew flask” that nests perfectly inside their everyday water bottle, which in turn fits perfectly in the insulated internal water bottle pocket in our Pro Backpack.

The Ocean Bottle Everyday Water Bottle (Photo courtesy of Ocean Bottle)

6. Sustainable Fashion

Choose clothing or accessories from brands committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Look for brands with timeless designs that are big on durability, recycled materials, and resale.  From cozy sweaters to fashionable scarves, sustainable fashion items make for a stylish and eco-friendly addition to your Valentine's Day gift.  

Here’s what we’ll say about fashion.  Most brands kind of stink at it. So our pick here took some time. We know that Eileen Fisher tends to age up any look, but we’re telling you, their sustainability practices are ROCK solid, and their stuff is truly great looking and TIMELESS.

7. Experience Gifts

Create lasting memories with experience gifts that minimize environmental impact. Consider gifting a cooking class you can walk or take public transportation to, a weekend getaway to a sustainable retreat (no flying if you can avoid it), or tickets to a local concert or theater show. Experience gifts show thoughtfulness 

8. Upcycled Home Decor

Give the gift of unique home decor crafted from upcycled materials. Whether it's a handcrafted vase made from recycled glass or artwork created from reclaimed wood, upcycled home decor items add a touch of creativity and sustainability to any living space. Go with the Citizenry. Their founding story is similar to Day Owl’s, their care about wages, and they get fair trade in a way that many seem to gloss over.

Conclusion

This Valentine's Day, let your love shine through thoughtful, sustainable gifts that reflect your commitment to a greener, eco-conscious lifestyle.  Of course, we’d love if you started with Day Owl.  However, exploring other sustainable options like eco-friendly jewelry, indoor plants, reusable items, sustainable fashion, and experience gifts allows you to create a personalized and environmentally friendly Valentine's Day celebration. Show your love not only to your special someone but also to the planet with these heartfelt and eco-conscious gift ideas. Happy Valentine's Day!