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Top 10 Must-Have Zero Waste Valentines Gifts

zero waste Valentines

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It’s nearly that time of year again when we express our undying love for each other. The most common way we do this is by giving gifts and cards. In 2017 UK consumers were set to spend nearly £1 billion on Valentine’s time day gifts. That’s a lot of money!

 

Personally, we don’t tend to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We both dislike the idea that we ‘must’ tell each other how we feel on one particular day. It also encourages consumerism of single use items that ultimately end up in landfill;  helium-filled heart balloons anyone!

 

It appears we’re not alone in this as a recent survey revealed over 81% of the participants that took part felt that Valentine’s Day is now too commercial. Also, over 52% felt that Valentines Day was a waste of money.

Not only can it be a waste of money but it also generates a lot of waste!

 

  • Over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold
  • 190 million roses grown
  • 1 billion cards bought and sent (source)

 

However, after saying all of that and putting a real downer on the whole day, I do appreciate that others do wish to celebrate it. So I’ve put together a list of 10 zero waste Valentines gifts for the conscious consumers among you.

10 Zero Waste Valentines Gifts

Potted Plant

 

Plants in pots are a great way of giving flowers that don’t need to be thrown away after a few days. If like me, the receiver is rubbish at keeping them alive then opt for an ‘easy’ plant-like succulents.

 

Related Post: Accenting your Home Ambience through Terrariums and Planters

potted plant zero waste Valentines gifts

Reasons I Love you Jar

 

I made one of these a few years ago for the other half. They are pretty simple to do and use up items that you already have in your home.

All you need is an empty glass jar and some scrap paper. You need to cut the scrap paper into little strips and write one reason why you love your partner on it. Then simply fill the jar. It’s a thrifty and thoughtful gift to give.

Give an Experience

Experience giving is my favourite type of zero waste gift and there are so many different types out there now.

Here are some examples of ones suitable for Valentine’s day gifts…

Soap

 

This one may sound a little boring but for any serious zero wasters out there soap is a must! They can also be pretty expensive for a decent *all natural soap so giving one as a gift should be well received.

 

My Mother bought me soap for Christmas and I was very happy with it!

soap zero waste gift

A Meal Out

 

I guess this one could go under the ‘give an experience’ category but I felt it needed it’s own section as you could combine an experience with a meal out.

 

Plant a Tree Gift

 

There are lots of companies out there where you can plant a tree for someone. A few that I have come across include The National Forest, Trees for Life and Woodland Trust.

Plant a tree gift

Donate to your Partners Favourite Charity

 

There are hundreds of different charities out there that allow you to donate money as a gift for someone. Some good examples are…

 

 

There is a really handy list of charity gifts over on the Money Saving Expert blog. It’s definitely worth checking out.

 

This really is a lovely zero waste Valentines gifts idea as not only are you not producing any waste but you are also helping others in need.

 

Edible Gifts

 

Food gifts make great zero waste presents especially if they are homemade. You can present them in leftover glass jars.

edible gifts zero waste

Plantable Pencils with Seeds

*Plantable pencils with seeds are another great zero waste gift. Once the pencil is too short to use the receiver can plant it in a pot. 

Reusable Products 

 

This could be anything from a reusable coffee mug, a stainless steel water bottle, reusable bags and other reusable products for the home.

 

For even more ideas check out my Zero Waste Gift Guide post.

 

So what about you? Would you consider getting any of the above zero waste Valentines gifts for your loved one this year? 

 

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**Gypsy Soul is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Top 10 Must Have Zero Waste Valentines Gifts

About Gina Caro

Gina is a content creator and award-winning blogger. Her aim is to help you live a more sustainable & simple life.  Her blog covers zero waste, minimalism, wellbeing & thrift. She currently lives in Cornwall with her partner, two kids and Charles the dog. 

Georgina Caro Gypsy Soul

6 thoughts on “Top 10 Must-Have Zero Waste Valentines Gifts”

    1. Hi Polly,
      Glad you like the post!
      It is sad isn’t it. We are really trying to scale back in all big events and trying to make it more about what’s really important, like spending time together etc

  1. We don’t normally go overboard either, Gina, although we do give cards. These are great ideas though, for the times you do want to give something. (And I love soap too – it makes me very happy to receive it!)

    1. Hi Elaine,
      Good to hear it’s not just us! You start to think you’re just being miserable by not conforming to these things.
      Glad you like my ideas 🙂

  2. I have never heard of the seed pencils before, what a great idea:) Have to admit the year we paid over the odds for a meal out which was truly awful put us off celebrating. This year I have made a pompom heart wreath, but I tend to think we should tell our loved ones we love them regularly, with no need for a special day!

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