Feature Image by Fiona Murray
With February upon us, love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This holiday, cherished by couples worldwide, is a time to express affection and appreciation. Traditionally, gifts like flowers, chocolates, and sentimental cards have defined the occasion, but as we evolve, so do our gifting habits. Last year, I delved deep into the world of diamonds—covering the history of blood diamonds, the rise of lab-grown alternatives, and ethical brands to consider (check out the link here if you missed it). This time, I want to focus on something more heartfelt and personal. As we grow older, we realise that many gifts are things we could buy for ourselves. What truly makes a present special is its emotional value—something chosen with care, reflecting genuine thought and love.
The History of Valentine’s Day
The history of Valentine’s Day dates back to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13th to 15th. This festival, focused on fertility and purification, involved men sacrificing animals and using their skins to lightly whip women, as it was believed to enhance their fertility. We might think of it as an odd and old-style tradition, but that’s where this celebratory day stems from!
As Christianity became more widespread, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day in the 5th century, honouring a priest named Valentine who conducted secret marriages for soldiers who were not allowed to wed. Think of it as a symbol of love winning over anything. As time passed, Valentine’s Day transformed into a celebration of love, especially during the Middle Ages when poets like Geoffrey Chaucer romanticised the concept of courtly love. By the 18th century, the exchange of handwritten love notes became a common practice, and in the 19th century, mass-produced Valentine’s cards rose in popularity. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally, honouring love in all its forms, including romantic relationships, friendships, and self-love.
The Evolution of Valentine’s Day Gifting
The practice of giving gifts on Valentine’s Day has deep roots, as mentioned above, starting with the exchange of handwritten notes and tokens of affection in the 17th century. In the Victorian era, the gifting of flowers became a popular custom too, owing to the language of flowers (or floriography) that allowed lovers to express their emotions through carefully chosen blooms.
During this time, the tradition of gifting chocolates also emerged, notably popularised by Richard Cadbury, who introduced the first heart-shaped chocolate box in the 1860s. Straight after that, jewellery soon became a common Valentine’s gift, representing eternal love and commitment.
Over the years, commercialisation transformed gifting into an expected practice, often overshadowing the original meaning of sincere gestures. As a result, in today’s world, with the rise of sustainable and conscious consumerism, people are reevaluating their gifting habits, leaning towards more thoughtful and ethical choices.
The Rise of Galentine’s Day
You might have heard of this popular term. Galentine’s Day, a contemporary celebration of women’s friendships, made its debut in pop culture only in 2010. The first mention came from an episode of Parks and Recreation, where the character Leslie Knope devoted February 13th to celebrating her closest friends with brunch, thoughtful gifts, and genuine appreciation. What began as a fictional occasion quickly transformed into a real-life tradition, highlighting the significance of friendship and self-love.
Today, Galentine’s Day is a chance to honour platonic love and friendship, providing an inclusive alternative to the conventional Valentine’s Day. Whether through social gatherings, small tokens of affection, or simple acts of kindness, this day serves as a reminder that love extends beyond romantic relationships. And let me tell you, what a great way for single (or not) people out there to show their love for all their gal pals and not just their lovers.
A Guide to Meaningful Gifting
So whether it’s for your Valentine’s or Galentine’s, we’re all looking for a gift this time of the year. And in a world where we can buy almost anything we want at the click of a button, finding meaningful gifts has become more challenging. More often than not, the most memorable gifts are not about price or extravagance but about thoughtfulness and intention. My intention with today’s article is to give you some direction on how exactly you can buy a thoughtful gift for your loved one. One she/he/them will appreciate for what it is, a token of love.
Often, the thought behind the gesture is more important than the gift itself. Organising a special experience, like a home-cooked dinner or a surprise date night, can create lasting memories that surpass the value of material gifts.
- Select gifts with the recipient in mind. Rather than opting for generic presents, think about what truly aligns with their personality, interests, or values.
- Give them something they want, not just what they need. While practical gifts are appreciated, Valentine’s Day is a time for indulgence and thoughtfulness. Consider items they wouldn’t typically purchase for themselves.
- Ensure the gift comes from the heart. Whether it’s handmade or carefully selected, the most meaningful gifts reflect the unique bond between the giver and the receiver.
- Sometimes, the most memorable gifts are the least expensive. A heartfelt letter, a scrapbook filled with shared memories, or a playlist of songs that evoke cherished moments can hold more significance than costly jewellery.
Sustainable & Ethical Brand Recommendations
But, if you’re a gift giver (like myself), then of course I have a list of curated brands I’d recommend you buy from. Of course, think over my advice above and make sure whatever brand or item you choose, makes sense for the receiver. But if you want to buy sustainably this love season, I have brand recommendations sorted for you, as usual.
Stackers
For those who love to keep their jewellery and accessories organised, Stackers offers elegant and customisable storage solutions for this. Their Heart-shaped Travel Jewellery Box is designed for both home and travel, and is perfect to keep treasured pieces safe and organised. It features dedicated sections for rings, earrings, and chains, along with a zipped pouch for extra storage. Crafted from soft faux leather with a plush velvet interior, it’s a stylish and protective gift for a loved one. The “Classic Jewellery Box” is also a chic and practical gift; it’s both a stylish and functional Valentine’s Day gift.
Astor & Orion
Astor & Orion is a jewellery brand that seamlessly blends aesthetics with ethics, making it an ideal choice for a sustainable Valentine’s gift. Committed to circular design, 3D sculpting, and third-party certified ethical manufacturing, the brand ensures that every piece is crafted with both beauty and responsibility in mind. By prioritising sustainability at every stage of production, Astor & Orion offers timeless jewellery that aligns with conscious consumer values—perfect for expressing love in a way that respects both people and the planet.
Maya Chia
Maya Chia, known for its high-performance, clean beauty products, offers luxurious skin care solutions infused with chia seed oil and powerful botanicals. Their “Super Couple” face oil stands out, providing deep nourishment while promoting a radiant glow. If your loved one enjoys self-care, their “The Refresh Mint” exfoliating mask is another perfect pick to revitalise tired skin.
Grace & Stella
Grace & Stella is cruelty-free brand creates skincare and wellness products designed to pamper and soothe. Their Energizing Eye Masks are perfect for anyone in need of a little TLC, while the “Foot Peeling Mask” is a fun and unique gift for soft, baby-smooth feet. Grace & Stella makes thoughtful self-care gifts that add a spa-like touch to any routine.
Johnny Loves Rosie
This ethical handbag brand specialises in timeless, personalised accessories. Their “Taylor Tote Bags” can add a classy touch to any outfit, from day to evening, and can make for a thoughtful gift if your loved one is a bag lover. Johnny Loves Rosie’s pieces are all handmade in London from premium leather and sustainably sourced vegan leather. So a real treasure!
Step One
Comfort meets sustainability with Step One’s bamboo underwear collection. Their super-soft boxer briefs and bralettes are breathable, hypoallergenic, and made from ethically sourced bamboo fabric. A great gift idea for those who appreciate everyday comfort with an eco-friendly twist. For him and her and all things in between.
Thousand Fell
A pioneer in sustainable footwear, Thousand Fell creates stylish, 100% recyclable sneakers designed for comfort and durability. Their classic white sneakers are a timeless gift that blends fashion with sustainability. Plus, with their closed-loop recycling system, your loved one can send their worn-out shoes back to be repurposed, making this a truly waste-free option.
YBD Finds
If your loved one is a vintage lover, then you want to gift them the experience of being able to find a curated selection of independent, ethical designers in one place. If that’s the case, then YBD Finds gift cards are the way to go as the brand offers unique and sustainable fashion pieces all year around. Their handmade scarves, organic cotton loungewear, and artisanal accessories make perfect gifts for those who love one-of-a-kind, conscious fashion. But of course, just like all the good vintage out there, the pieces come and go fast, so it’s an adventure to try and get what you love out of them before it’s gone!
the spark company
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BEEN LONDON
PLAINANDSIMPLE
This minimalist brand focuses on eco-conscious fashion and lifestyle essentials. Think basics such as short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, jumpers, hoodies and tracksuit bottoms. All are free from any logos or harmful chemicals. PLAINANDSIMPLE’s collection makes for a thoughtful gift for anyone who values sustainability without compromising on style.
St. Eval
Specializing in beautifully crafted, hand-poured candles made with sustainable practices, St. Eval offers scents inspired by nature. Their “Tranquillity Candle” blends lavender, orange, and ylang-ylang for a relaxing aroma, while the “Sea Salt” candle brings a fresh coastal breeze into any space. These candles make a romantic, eco-friendly gift that sets the perfect mood for a cosy evening.
and finally....
This Valentine’s Day, let’s shift away from the pressure of materialism and focus on the heart of giving—love, thoughtfulness, and sustainability. Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship, or self-love, choosing ethical and meaningful gifts can make this special day even more memorable. If you have any sustainable gifting recommendations you’d like to share with the Suzstainable community, just comment below and let’s get the conversation going. And with that, I wish you all a Happy Valentine’s!
Related Article – Last Minute Valentine’s Gifts That Don’t Cost The Earth
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