Nothing kills the romance like repetition and predictability. Why then, do so many guys gift the same mundane tokens of affection year after year? (Hint: dinner, roses, and chocolates are so 2018.)
If you’re feeling fatigued from the repetitive drudgery of sending last minute, soon-to-wilt flowers or carb- and sugar-laden chocolates, then its time to move beyond the disposable and heart-unhealthy gift-giving of the past. Spark some originality this year by showing the fab female in your life that you care about her, her health, animal welfare, and the environment. Sorry Victoria’s Secret, but socially conscious is the new sexy.
Love is patient. Love is kind. But, no one ever said love had to be boring. So, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, treat the lady in your life to something she’ll appreciate and that reflects her values. Here are some great ideas to get you started.
1. A Nontoxic Skincare Subscription Box
Be a true love by helping her kick the unhealthy skincare habit. Love Goodly is a subscription box that shouts affection from their cardboard box tops, which are recycled and use plant dyes. Delivered every two months, each beauty and wellness box contains full-sized, vegan, 100 percent nontoxic, and cruelty-free beauty products. Think skincare and wellness products, healthy snacks, and eco-style accessories. Their February/March box also happens to be palm-oil-free with sales benefitting the Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Each box has an $80 retail value.
The February/March box includes Flower Mill’s Balm Shell facial cleansing balm. Great for makeup removal or as an overnight hydration mask, the blend of small batch oils consists of rose hip seed, lavender, and neroli. The box also contains Zatik Gratitude Face Serum. Let’s just say, I’ve been using it, and the love affair is real. A delightful sea and earth mixture, it’s made with organic herbs and something called oligosaccharide (that’s marine algae and seaweed to you and me). This serum offers perfect hydration for the dry, winter months. Another goody is the Aisling Organics Duel-Sided Luxe Shadow Brush, a cruelty-free duel-sided eye brush.
Finally, and to celebrate Valentine’s Day, this box contains Fine & Raw Chocolate. As a vegan myself, I was all taste buds devouring this mighty square of raw, dark vegan chocolate heaven. And, since cacao is a superfood, it’s (almost) guilt-free.
2. Organic Skincare, Body Care, Hair Care, & Cosmetics
Sure, at age 72, she may still be a blond bombshell, but the real Suzanne Somers is a far cry from ditzy Chrissy Snow from the 1970s sitcom, Three’s Company. Suzanne has dedicated her life to helping others eliminate toxins, and — 25 published books and a ThighMaster later — she’s still going strong with her online retail shop, SuzanneSomers.com. You’ll find her line of SUZANNE Organics includes skincare and body care, hair care, cosmetics, toxin-free home cleaning supplies, and supplements that are Certified ToxicFree!
Her anti-aging Organics 4-Piece Skincare Kit will have your gal glowing via the Everyday Cleanser, the Peach Exfoliating Cleanser, the Calming Toner, and the Bioactive Moisturizer. The collection is proudly made in the USA, is gluten-free, cruelty-free, and toxic-free. Plus, you’ll receive 25 percent off all toxic-free makeup with promo code MAKEUP25 through Valentine’s Day. And, you’ll always enjoy free shipping with any order over $100.00.
3. Eco-Friendly Greenery
While many people reach for the low-hanging flower bouquet to express their devotion, why not consider sending eco-friendly succulents, air plants, and other ornamental greens from The Bouqs Company instead? Not only will they last longer, but some plants help purify your indoor air.
According to research by NASA, plants such as peace lilies, spider plants, and English ivy can filter common indoor toxins such as formaldehyde, asbestos, and carbon monoxide from the air you breathe. But the green buck doesn’t stop there. Research reveals plants can reduce stress and anxiety just by touching and smelling them. And if that’s not enough, plants have been found in a study by the University of Exeter to increase creativity and productivity of employees by around 40 percent in their workplaces.
4. T-Shirts with Heart
Landfills are not sexy. The average American sends over 80 pounds of clothing waste to landfills each year. Yikes!
But, if your girl is a T-shirts and jeans kinda gal, she (and you) will love For Days. A zero-waste membership site for tees, you select the number of T-shirts you want — from tanks and V-necks to sweatshirts and crop tops. Wear, stain, rip, or stretch your tees worry-free; you can order a fresh For Days T-shirt anytime for a mere $8. When you’ve worn out your tees, send them back and For Days will recycle them into new yarn, making this a closed loop system. The fabrics are 100 percent organic, recyclable, and stylish.
Let’s recap: She’ll look great, you’ll save money, and everyone saves the planet. Sounds like win-win Valentine’s gift to me.
5. Nontoxic Cookware
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (my husband is no exception). So, why not heat things up in the kitchen with healthy cookware that’s pretty Insta-worthy, too? Not only does Le Creuset cookware contain no nasty PFCs found in most nonstick cookware, but it’s also energy efficient.
Le Creuset’s cookware requires just a low to medium heat to evenly distribute heat and is dishwasher, freezer, and oven safe. Whether she cooks for you, or you for her, hearts will be fluttering with Le Creuset’s vast array of Valentine’s Day-inspired enameled, cast-iron cookware and stoneware. Take a gander at the Heart Cocotte, Petite Heart Cocotte, or Heart Baking Dish, for starters. Plus, every girl appreciates a gift with purchase and right now, you’ll receive two heart ramekins with a $150 purchase using code LOVE.
I hope Cupid strikes your green heart this year and you to choose spend your money on Valentine’s gifts that are healthy for your loved one and safe for the planet.
Feature image courtesy of The Bouqs Co.