We love the fact that Valentine's Day is no longer solely focused on romance, it has blossomed into day where we celebrate all kinds of love for our most treasured people - from best friends, family members and even our neighbours.
The Shropshire Petals team had a discussion this week on the types of gifts we'd like to receive on this day of love and we got on to the topic of sustainability. Billions is spent annually on throwaway gifts, from fresh flower bouquets, teddies to heart shaped balloons (to name just a few). So, this year we want to encourage you to think about spreading the love in a more sustainable way.
We have put together 5 sustainable gifts that would mean the world to us SP girls and help it too. Hopefully they will help inspire you on the run up to February 14th.
We're also big believers in self-love, so there is nothing stopping you from treating yourself to one of these lovely gifts!
We all agreed that you can never have too much perfume! Even better when it's handmade in England with the most natural and cruelty-free ingredients. Haoma offers five delightful scents; their signature blend No1, Lavender (our favourite), Ylang Ylang, Frankincense & Myrrh and Orange, each housed in a simple yet elegant glass bottle and eco-friendly packaging.
They take pride in using only certified organic, pure plant ingredients and are a brand with a wonderful story. All their founder wishes for the earth is sustainability, harmony and a bright future.
Chocolate that Makes a Difference
Chocolate we love not only for its amazing taste but also for its mission. Whilst Tony's Chocoloney are crazy about chocolate they are also crazy about people, their mission is to change the whole cocoa industry, which is characterized by inequality and issues with modern slavery and illegal child labour.This Valentine's they have a Valentony chocolate bar, that you can personalise the wrapper (which is 100% recyclable), even adding a photograph of your loved one if you wish.
Dried Flowers
We may be bias but receiving a Wildflower Letterbox Bouquet would certainly bring a big smile to our faces and sunshine into in our homes. Made up of flowers grown and handpicked on our Shropshire farm, it features a mixture of vibrant purples, bright yellows, violet lilacs, natural greens and delightful peaches. If they love colour, they will certainly love this long-lasting bouquet.
Our dried flowers are 100% natural and biodegradable, meaning that they are eco-friendly and great for the environment too! When harvested fresh cut blooms require continuous refrigeration and water, while our dried flowers are simply cut by hand and hung on stillages on the farm. They are also much less wasteful than fresh blooms, which last a significantly shorter length of time than dried.
The fact that they don't wilt or require any water makes our letterbox bouquets a great-smelling, thoughtful Valentine's gift no matter who you are sending them to.
Image: Wildflower Letterbox Bouquet
Reusable Gift Set
Firstly, this beautifully designed ceramic reusable cup and bottle is available in pink (blushing to be exact), there are other colour options available but we are sticking to the theme! This Frank Green set is the gift that keeps on giving, helping to stop the use of single-use plastic products too!
We love that not only would we look good drinking our morning coffee or staying hydrated throughout the day, we would also be playing a small part in building a more sustainable world. In gifting this eco gift set you would be inviting your loved one to play a part too - isn't that lovely to know!
Image Credit: Frank Green
Local Restaurant Treat
We love a surprise and there is nothing better than hearing 'Be ready for 7pm, I've booked us somewhere nice'. If you are planning on treating your Valentine or Galantine to a meal out then consider supporting a restaurant in your local area that isn't a fancy chain.
Do your research as not only does supporting your local restaurants help the economy, it also means that your food hasn't done an around the world trip before it hits your lips - most local restaurants use local ingredients unlike some chains who have a big impact on our carbon footprint.
Image Credit: Unsplash
We do hope that some of our favourite sustainable gifts will inspire your Valentine's gift search. Whatever, your plans are this Valentine's Day - enjoy spreading the love and being loved!
Love SP x
