Made with love: 14 ethical Valentine’s Day gifts
Valentine’s Day can be a sweet reminder to show the special people in your life, including yourself, just how much they mean to you.
But instead of heading to the mall for yet another boring, plastic-wrapped present, why not celebrate your loved ones in a way that’s both unique and meaningful?
We’ve curated a list of our favourite Valentine’s Day gifts that are conscious, purposeful, and kind to the people who produced them.
Say it with an ethically sourced card
Make this day extra warm and fuzzy by surprising your loved ones with a personal card!
Whether you’re going for a heartfelt message or a witty note, these Trade Aid cards handcrafted by skilled women artisans from Bangladesh are perfect for penning your feelings.
Keep it classic with Fairtrade chocolate
Let’s face it - there’s no Valentine’s Day without a little chocolate indulgence. Unlike a lot of mass-produced, additive-filled chocolate, these brands grow their ingredients in sustainable conditions and ensure that their workers are treated fairly.
For the dark chocolate lovers in your life, Bennetto Natural Foods presents cute gift bundles made up of Fairtrade organic bars with unique flavours like ‘Orange with Chilli’ and ‘Amaranth & Sea Salt’.
If you’re after a more immersive chocolate experience, plan a date at the Wellington Chocolate Factory! Take a tour of their Eva St factory or join their masterclass, where you and your plus one will spend the day tasting high-quality chocolate together and crafting your own special bar to take home.
Pamper them with something precious
This year, ditch the poorly made trend pieces for ones that your loved ones will truly cherish with Reca’s handcrafted jewellery.
Reca works with former refugees in Cambodia and the Philippines to design beautiful pieces like the Blue Lace Agate Necklace and Mini Heart Studs. Crafted with high-quality materials and made to last, these pieces will surely capture the heart of your babe.
As a bonus, every purchase goes towards helping their amazing women artisans build a better future for themselves.
Learn more about Reca here.
Dish out some love with brekkie in bed
Date night is great, but why wait until dinner to wow your Valentine? Surprise them with a romantic breakfast in bed made from these amazing ethical products!
All Good’s bananas are just what you need to whip up some delicious banana pancakes or a hearty breakfast loaf for your love. Find the recipes here.
Pair your breakfast with some loose leaf organic tea from Charity Tea or try The Lucy Foundation’s top-class Pluma coffee, which empowers disabled individuals through fair employment. Coffee lovers will also love our newest partner, Common Good Coffee, who support farmers through fair trade organic supply chains
For pastries, slices or even a wholesome brunch, head down to Crave Cafe in Morningside, Auckland or Addington Coffee Co-op if you live in Christchurch. These community-owned cafes exist to connect and support their neighbours by donating their profits towards addressing social poverty.
Browse more ethical food and drink brands here.
Stay practical with ethical essentials
If your other half isn’t keen on traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, consider a gift that they might actually need.
Whether it’s a classy tote or a sleek laptop sleeve for work, you can’t go wrong with Duffle&Co. Aside from being a certified B Corp that respects their talented artisans, every purchase you make plants five mangrove trees in Indonesia!
Another ethical leather brand you’ll love is The Loyal Workshop, who provide fair employment to women from backgrounds of poverty and abuse. The Alongsider Wallet is the perfect choice for its slim yet functional design, making it a daily essential that will stand the test of time.
Skip the sexy lingerie this year for a cheeky pair of undies from Thunderpants that your partner will love, feel good in and use long after Valentine’s Day.
Gift boxes that do good
Receiving a gift box can be a fun surprise, especially if it's thoughtfully curated with your loved one’s favourite things! These brands support and work closely with impoverished communities overseas to empower their producers and help them gain independence.
27seconds wine offers a range of beautiful gift boxes like A Good Night In, which contains your choice of wine paired with organic snacks. All of their profits help survivors of modern-day slavery so you can feel good knowing that your gift is making a difference.
Skincare lovers will love this gift pack made up of Fairtrade hand wash and hand-squeezed coconut oil moisturiser from ETHOS & Co.
We also recommend checking out the range of gift sets from Etico that has something for everyone - from an eco shave set for him to a self-care bath and body kit.
Discover more ethical and sustainable brands here.