Thinking of what to get your loved one that will be sustainable but also won’t hurt your wallet? Here are some ideas that will help you feel better about your environmental impact this Valentine’s Day, as well as make it more unique then the typical Valentine’s gift.

Give a Succulent, Cactus, or Any Potted Plant and Skip the Roses.

Since this time of year roses are not growing in the States, most flowers get shipped from Colombia or Ecuador this time of year. To get roses for Valentine’s Day, large carbon emissions are produced for roses that last one to two weeks. Vox says “30 cargo jets fly from Colombia to Miami every day in the three weeks leading up to the big day and a similar amount fly out from Ecuador, amounting to more than 15,000 tons of flowers delivered in less than a month.” This is just for one city in the United States. Imagine the impact across the entire country!

Try buying flowers that are more local to your area and ask the florist where the flowers came from. You can get your loved one a potted plant as well like a cactus, succulent, or air filtering plants that do not take much maintenance. I also like to say that potted plants represent the growth and prosperity of a relationship :). But that may not be the best for people that seem to think they are bound to kill plants.

Buy Them Chocolate From a Local Chocolate Shop and Bring Your Own Container or Buy in Bulk at the Store

My favorite toxicology fact is that phenethylamine is a form of dopamine our bodies produce particularly when in a relationship and sometimes we crave chocolate when we’re feeling low on phenethylamine. I crave chocolate, in or not in a relationship, but many chocolates in the store are wrapped in plastic or containers that can’t be recycled. Support your local chocolate shops and get some of their loose chocolates and ask them to put your sweets in your container.

Many places such as Whole Foods, Co-op, and Sprouts also sell chocolate or chocolate covered items in bulk. Bring your bag or container and buy them in bulk to munch with your favorite person.

Make Them Their Favorite Food

I personally love to cook and bake. I notice that people find it more valuable when I spend the time to make something for them rather than buying them food because it shows I took the time and effort to make it for them. Make them their favorite meal or dessert, and that way, you can be in control of where the ingredients come from as well as how much packaging it comes in. And if you’re not great at cooking, then hire your friend that’s a great chef for the night to be your personal chef.

Make Them a Gift

Just like cooking, a gift that is made from the heart can show your true love for your significant other. Whether it is painting, sewing, making a graphic design, sculpture, or homemade card, express your love through art. I personally love doing embroidery and every embroidery gift I give has been cherished by my friends and loved ones. These are also very relaxing activities so it can be a great way to take a break and know they will love what you make them.

Spend the Day Doing an Activity You Both Love

Showing your love for each other does not need to be shown through buying objects. Make the night eventful by going out dancing, going roller skating, or seeing a movie. Maybe go on a day hike at your favorite hiking spot. Or spend time at the place you first met. This day is about showing how much you love one another and you should make the most out of it while having a good time.

Buy Antique Jewelry

If your partner does have a craving for shiny objects, buy something for an antique or thrift store. Maybe even giving a piece of jewelry from your family lineage that is as special to you as they are. Hopefully won’t be as expensive as a brand new necklace or bracelet and maybe have more sentimental meaning behind it.

Any other ideas you can think of or have done for your significant other? Let me know!