Valentine's Day Feel-Good Gift Guide
by Noelle Tate
"What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of…”
These words, made famous by Jackie DeShannon in the 60s, got me in the mood for Valentine’s Day this year. We all could use a day to remind us to celebrate and embrace love and romance. Whether you are hoping to find something special for a significant other, a friend or family member, or someone that needs a little love right now, I hope these gifts provide the perfect inspiration. I have put together a handful of beautiful items that are total feel-good purchases. These companies have done their research, focus on sustainability and delivering high quality and purposeful products. Please check them out! I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
‘WHALE LOVE YOU’ card
by Night Owl Paper Goods
These adorable cards are made in the USA from sustainably-harvested birch wood and are 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Handcrafted by two sisters in Alabama, these cards are unique and special. I love the one that I gave to my husband on our wedding day. Not a whale fan? They have plenty of Valentine’s Day options! Find them HERE.
‘FLY ME TO PARIS’ Signature Sustainable Handcrafted Candle
by Arrow & Phoenix
This black-owned and all female business has nailed the sustainable candle game. Handmade in New Orleans, all candles have a wooden wick, live florals, and a reusable matte black glass jar. The jar is reusable and can be returned for discounts and store credit. I love that the brand empowers women and body positivity (check out their swimwear) while including sustainability in every step of their production process. The 'Fly Me To Paris' scent is described as warm and
inviting with rose and vanilla. Hope this sets the mood! Get one HERE.
‘GET IT ON’ Body Wash
by Plant Apothecary
Wow, this body wash is super sexy. The aphrodisiac smorgasbord of organic sandalwood, ginger, and cedar essential oils really spice up your shower and after-shower activities. This squeaky clean brand is vegan, cruelty-free, free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum, silicones, and chemicals, and great for sensitive skin. What more can you ask for?
Get it on HERE.
‘FOG & LACE TRIANGLE BRA’
by Brook There
Sexy lingerie is always on the mind around Valentine’s Day. How about we go with a more delicate and romantic look this year? Brook There ethically creates options for comfortable and beautiful lingerie. This particular bra is made of organic cotton, cut and sewn in Mass. from GOTS-certified yarn, milled and dyed in California, and arrives in eco-friendly packaging. The production process involves high ethical and environmental standards that avoid plastic and unnecessary transportation.
Feel so pretty HERE.
‘BOX OF TRUFFLES’
by Elements Truffles
How can you pass up chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Elements Truffles is a women-owned, organic, vegan, fair trade, fair pay company that donates 25% of profits to Care for Children. They say it best, they were "born at the intersection of two things that make us happy - chocolates and meditation. We are an Ayurveda inspired line of clean chocolate that tastes good and does good - for the body, mind and community.” In the assorted box of truffles you might find flavor combinations like Raspberry with Beet Root, Peppermint with Lavender. or Sea Salt with Turmeric - yum! While there is no dairy (or gmo or gluten!), the truffles are sweetened with raw honey. For the beegan, try the Ashwaghanda infused Dark Hot Chocolate mix! Sweeten it up HERE.
‘REJUVENATING BODY RUB’
by Moon Valley Organics
Organic mint, lavender, and arnica make this rub a tension relieving and total chill-out experience. Reduce stress and increase relaxation by incorporating massage into your Valentine’s Day schedule. Made in Washington state, this rub is gluten-free, smells delicious, and 10% of profits go to protecting pollinators as part of Moon Valley’s mission to expand the pollinator habitat. They also own a 4 acre pollinator sanctuary farm and provide education and volunteer opportunities. The tube and box are 100% recyclable too! Grab your rub HERE.
‘SHIELD RUBY SLICE PENDANT’
by Bario Neal
If you are looking for something a little extra special this Valentine’s Day, let’s check out a sustainable option in the jewelry department. Bario Neal is an environmentally conscious, conflict-free company handcrafting their pieces in Philadelphia. They use 100% recycled and fairmined metals, such as the reclaimed 14kt yellow gold for this gorgeous necklace’s chain and pendant, as well as fully traceable gemstones from responsible mines to market. The stunning and bold ruby slice featured in the pendant is of African origin and is the perfect red for this holiday. Bario Neal is known for their LGBTQIA advocacy and their website states, “A belief in the right to love and marry whomever and however you choose is one of the core principles of Bario Neal’s jewelry.” Check them out HERE.
‘ONE MONTH MEMBERSHIP’
to Space Love Strength
Space Love Strength is now offering one month memberships - so easy to gift - for access to unlimited fitness classes with Allyson as well as a library of on-demand workouts to do at any time. Get 50% off of February with the promo code below for the low price of $12. Gifting experiences like this is the epitome of being sustainable! Working out with Allyson is fun, purposeful, and makes me feel awesome inside and out. A chair dance workshop is in the works for February and that will definitely inspire a sexier Valentine’s Day!
Use code SLSVDAY at checkout for a little extra love.
Local Business Feature:
HOW DELISH HD in West Orange, NJ
Interested in shopping local this February? Check out How Delish HD in West Orange. This women-owned, black-owned, and family-run business makes stellar vegan desserts that anyone would drool over! Laiquan is the owner and mastermind behind the recipes, baking, and restaurant and has the full support of her vegan hubby and dedicated sons. I have seen her 10 year old working alongside her and the team! With a background in engineering (go figure) and a passion for community, design, and absolutely delicious vegan food, Laiquan has brought her vision to life and there are lines outside her storefront that prove it was an excellent vision. I chatted with her this week and she will be coming up with something special for Valentine’s Day. Personally, my favorites are the cookies and cream cake or the cheesecake ‘vrownies’. You can also choose from a handful of fantastically decorated mini cheesecakes, Banana Pudding Cheesecake being the hottest item on the menu right now. Follow @howdelishhd to see what’s upcoming for Valentine’s Day and check out their community page as well!
Drool over the menu HERE.
~Noelle Tate is a self-made expert on all things wholly good for you, your health, and the health of the environment and all living things that surround us. She is an avid supporter of sustainable products, causes, and routines that improve our body, mind, and world. Noelle is also the Artistic Director of Ground Up Collective. Find out more at noelletate.com.