ALT-1 Eco Friendly Valentine Gifts
Show her what a thoughtful person you are this Valentine's Day by caring for the planet while you spoil and impress your lady. Typically, Valentine's gifts consist of large amounts of paper, packaging, and items that go to waste. Here are some valuable alternatives that she will truly love receiving, and will show that you put some thought into gift-giving, instead of grabbing the first thing you spotted on a store shelf.
Fresh-cut, long-stem roses go way up in price for the month of February, and they generally do not survive more than a week. Instead, pick a potted flowering plant, such as a miniature rose plant, or some of the fragrant, flowering Spring bulbs that start coming up this time of year: tulips, daffodils, and various types of lilies are popular. These eco-friendly plants can eventually go into her garden for enjoyable memories year after year.
Rather than a traditional paper Valentine card, visit a specialty paper store for hand made paper that has wild flower seeds within it. This biodegradable paper can present her with your words of love and admiration, and later be scattered in the back yard for a beautiful surprise in the coming Summer months. If you're feeling creative, the most romantic impact will come from making your own card with this. Otherwise, ask the store clerk for pre-made Valentine cards with seeded paper. Either way, you've shown that you went the extra mile to give her a special card that will keep on giving, both to her and to our precious planet.
Perfume makes a lovely gift for your Valentine, but the commercial selections are often full of chemicals, and may have gone through an Earth-harming production process. As a more endearing alternative, visit a fragrance store that carries pure essential oils, and play the role of mad scientist as you mix up a fragrance that appeals to you. Simple tips are to blend just a few florals together, or add a touch of vanilla to any citrus fruit oil. She will be amazed that you made the effort to make her own new signature fragrance, and because you mixed an aroma that you love, you will want to move in closer every time she dabs it on.
Lastly, instead of a traditional box of chocolates in a wasteful cardboard package, shop for a beautiful porcelain dish or decorative bowl that she can reuse. Now visit a local chocolatier, and fill the bowl with a divine selection of hand made truffles and treats. Again, your thoughtfulness really comes through when you show that you didn't just grab a box off the shelf, and the benefits go deeper than her heart-felt smiles on Valentine's Day.
