Ethical gifts for your valentine
Flowers, chocolates and bears, oh my! Over the years, these gifts have become nearly synonymous with the word “Valentine.” Don’t get me wrong, I love roses and little pink-and-white M&Ms as much as the next girl, but I’ve begun to think differently about the purchases I make ever since I began my ethical fashion journey. When it comes to giving gifts, I look for things that are ethically made, as well as things that are personalized to the recipient and that they can use for a long time.
So, whether your Valentine is an athlete, an artist or a hopeless romantic, we’ve got a thoughtful, ethical gift suggestion for you!
For the Athlete
This urban gym bag from Athleta is the perfect gift for your active Valentine. The recycled nylon shell and lining is sleek, sustainable and high-performance. One of the best parts—there is a compartment on the bottom for shoes to keep everything separate!
For the World Changer
This wristlet pouch from Malia Designs is the perfect vessel to take your world changer from day-to-night. Stick it inside a bigger purse for daytime - take it out and pack the essentials for night! The up-cycled canvas carry-on with the #CARRYACAUSE print is sure to be a conversation starter so your world changer can raise awareness about their cause wherever they go! The purchase of the wristlet pouch also supports the fight against human trafficking.
For the Host(ess) with the Most(ess)
If your Valentine’s love language is quality time, it may be difficult to think of a physical gift to give them. So, why not give them something that will enhance the time they spend with their loved ones as they host get-togethers? From Ten Thousand Villages, this gorgeous bottle-green embossed carafe is handmade by artisans at Tara Projects, an organization that enables hundreds of artisans in North India to sell their products internationally. Tara Projects is one of the pioneering organizations in the field of fair wages, as well as non-formal education programs for its member artisans and their children.
For the Sophisticate
If your Valentine appreciates the finer things, this artisan-made ring from Trades of Hope is sure to reflect their taste! The intricately woven design and pearly stone are more than just pretty to look at; the proceeds from every purchase go to support women in Nepal so they can receive education—including seminars on health, nutrition and women’s rights.
For the Musician
Help your Valentine create music and express their individuality with this fun guitar strap from CAUSEGEAR! Each guitar strap boasts excellent craftsmanship, and is reinforced with strap button holes, a heavy-duty custom metal strap adjuster and an optional leather string attachment. It comes in several colors, but the burnt orange is our favorite. The best part? The purchase of ten straps provides one day of freedom and employment for women at risk of human trafficking.
Bonus: For the Hopeless Romantic
Call me old-fashioned, but I think that perhaps the most thoughtful gift of all is a handwritten letter for your valentine, letting them know how much they mean to you! Taking the time to write out all of your thoughts and let them know how grateful you are for them is just about the most romantic thing you can do—and it’s something that can last for a lifetime.
About the Author
Micaela Ricaforte is a senior journalism major at Azusa Pacific University. In addition to writing, she is passionate about storytelling through photography and design.