With Christmas and New Year firmly in the rear view mirror and the January pay check over the horizon, we’re thinking ahead to the next diary-worthy date – Valentine's Day!
We've put together a list of sustainable and vegan gift ideas for her and for him to suit all budgets. It’s a selection of thoughtful gifts that are good for the planet too. Whether you plan to treat your partner, friend, or yourself, there is something for everyone to love. And let’s face it, we could all do with a little treat to brighten our day in this third lockdown!
1. Octo Chocolate
For the one with a sweet (yet organic) tooth
Craft organic vegan chocolate that is out of this world! All of Octo Chocolate’s products are made from high-quality cocoa beans exclusively sourced from ecological farms. Handmade, these small batch chocolates are truly outstanding. Our favourites are the hazelnuts coated in coconut chocolate – delicious!
2. E5 Sourdough Bread course
For the budding baker
Led by one of their master in-house bakers the course covers everything you need to know about sourdough. Unfortunately due to COVID, all face-to-face classes are currently cancelled until further notice. But there are a range of fantastic online baking courses to choose from instead. This includes an Intro to Sourdough bundle that will teach you how to make and maintain a sourdough starter, and how to make a country loaf, sourdough buns, bagels, and seeded rye loaf. A perfect distraction to keep your loved one busy during this lockdown.
3. "Notes on a nervous planet" by Matt Haig
For the conscious and curious bookworm
A powerful book that looks at the link between anxiety and the modern world we live in, encouraging us to live in the present and put down social media. Impactful, honest and wise.
4. The Full House gift box by UpCircle
For the skincare lover with a conscience
The gift box offers the very best of UpCircle - one of each full-sized product. All products are vegan and handmade in the UK with repurposed ingredients. Not only are they good for you, they are also good for the planet. The products come in an ivory cardboard presentation box, tied in an UpCircle ribbon.
5. Loose leaf tea from Lalani & Co
For the tea connoisseur or anyone moving away from the unsustainable one-use tea bag
Lalani & Co are specialists in single batch tea. Each tea is chosen meticulously and with enormous care and focus. They know the seasonality of tea and which are the premium seasons to buy. This ensures that each batch is harvested at its peak and has its own story. If you are feeling extra indulgent, splurge on a beautiful tea pot or other teaware for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift.
6. Energy protection kit from SLC
For the witchy one
A beautiful kit put together with the intention to protect your energy and clear your space. It contains a full moon protection spray (super charged with universal reiki energy), a sage bundle and a moon bathed clear quartz crystal.
7. Patch Plants
For the one with green fingers
Flowers die but plants live on (with the help of Patch Plants and their advice and guidance!). Now even a novice can have an urban jungle. Aesthetically-pleasing and a big win for your air quality. Patch helps you choose the right plant, all sourced from the best suppliers in the UK. And, more importantly, they help you keep it alive! As we’re all spending a lot more time at home at the moment, it pays to make our home environments more appealing and good for our wellbeing.
8. Low rise brief by Project Pico
For luxurious intimates
Perhaps the most comfortable pair of underwear that will ever grace your bottom. Made in a small fairtrade factory in India with 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane, you can sleep easy knowing that these briefs are both earth and human friendly. Each pair of knickers begins its journey as a handful of organic cotton seeds, grown by farmer-run cooperatives in India.
Let us know of any other sustainable gift ideas in the comments below!
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