MNN - Mother Nature Network

If you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day (or are, uh, strongly encouraged to by your beloved or other family members), it can be a tough holiday to give a gift for; there's just so much cheesy stuff. Whether you are giving a traditional gift of flowers or jewelry, or a less conventional one (a fun experience or a home massage), there are some great green options to keep your presents low-impact. 

Give a local experience

A gift of experience always cuts down on the clutter. With GiftHit, you can buy an interactive Valentine’s Day eCard beginning Feb. 12 that will accompany the eGifts upon their delivery. Artwork for the eCards comes from established Etsy artists and will feature a variety ofValentine’s Day themes, so you can find the perfect match for your giftee (from coworker to lover). How does it work? 

1.       Shoppers browse merchants and gift selections by city to find the perfect gift

2.       Personalize the gift with Valentine’s Day eCards and send via Facebook, email or text

3.       The gift is received immediately and redeemed simply by showing the GiftHit to merchant

Merchants and gifts are available primarily in the founders’ home city of New York, but GiftHit has expanded to include other major cities like Boston, Palo Alto, Portland and D.C.  Gifts include cycling and yoga classes, ice cream treats, golf lessons, special coffee, cocktail experiences and mani-pedis. 

Give eco-friendly jewelry 

Color by Amber bracelets, earrings and necklaces are made from eco-resin (which is composed of 40% recycled material) and a portion of their collection uses materials purchased from countries around the world such as Nepal and Mexico, and employs low-income women in Fair-trade situations, employing those who might otherwise be impoverished. These inexpensive pieces are great gifts for friends and family to show them some love. 

Give a home-made aromatherapy massage

Dorey aromatherapy gives you the tools to make a spa experience in your own home. Using their all-natural Emotional Support Cream, which is made from "organic or wild crafted pure, authentic essential oils of Melissa, rose otto, ylang ylang, and organic evening primrose in a pure botanical base cream." Finish up the massage with aromatherapy oils from 21 Drops, which comes in all kinds of experience mixes; calm or passion are both great Valentines for your lover. 

If you have to give flowers....

Some people won't be happy on Valentine's Day unless they get flowers. I personally send Organic Bouquets to anyone who needs a floral gift and have always been pleased with the company's quality and service. Organic Bouquet's flowers are not only grown in a way that is safe for workers and sustainable for the land, but "each purchase helps to improve the life of a flower farm worker, their family and the local floral community. A company focusing on environmental, social and economic sustainability, Organic Bouquet provides workers in underdeveloped countries everything from zero-interest loans, childcare, healthcare, education, environmental protection, supplies and more."