Sustainable Gifting Ideas for Valentine’s Day!

Gifts are a love language. But in the era of climate change, what are we really saying?

Each holiday season or special occasion, we trudge out or go online, to try to choose gifts that communicate our love for friends and family. Each year, businesses look with anxious eyes and oft-updated spreadsheets to predict whether a season will be “robust” or “healthy,” i.e., selling more than the previous year – no matter what. These pressures, to find perfect gifts and to “grow” sales, inevitably results in other kinds of growth as well: growth in feelings of being overwhelmed, growth in clutter, and growth of credit card debt – not to mention growth in greenhouse gas emissions, growth in unfair labor practices, and growth in landfill tonnage. In this topsy turvy world of ‘climate change and sustainability’, before we click “buy,” we have an opportunity to rethink what we really want to say with our gifts.

Gifts are visual symbols of love. A critical form of communication, helping to express emotions, kinship ties, obligations, status, and more in cultures around the world.

But it’s delicate at best, and often frankly rude, to point out the social and environmental impact of gifts, especially when surrounded by wrapping paper and Legos and bathrobes. It is decidedly awkward to tell a loved that the new set of comedic refrigerator magnets are made of vinyl and are therefore not only unnecessary in your newly Marie Kondo-ed home, but also extremely toxic and will never biodegrade. It’s churlish to mention that the new grown-up sized footie pajamas were made by women who were separated from their children for months on end in order to earn a pittance doing forced overtime at the sewing machine. Because, of course, while you are surrounded with these compromised items, many of which will all too soon be returned, languish in an overstuffed closet, or eventually be sent to a landfill, you are also, at that moment, surrounded by expressions of love. Yet, our pattern of consumption is implicated in human rights abuses like Rana Plaza, the deadliest garment-factory accident in history, a plastic soup in the Pacific bigger than Texas, and up to 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Perhaps, then, it’s better to focus on ways to do it better, and to give gifts that truly communicate the goodwill and love we want them to. Here are different ways you can do that:

Buy Local Plants Instead of Roses

Instead of a traditional bouquet of roses, consider gifting a potted plant or locally grown, native flowers. Ask your local florist or farmers' market vendor for a lush indoor or semi-outdoor plant, depending on the space available or a bouquet of native flowers. Every area has its own small nursery making it very easy to put together this gift. A basket of tiny potted plants or a tastefully decorated terrarium also makes a very cute gift that continues to bring joy for months after!

source: A basket of succulents .webp

Gift Experiences Over Things

This is one way to fill someone’s heart and their life (and their calendar) without filling a landfill. It’s possible to give the gift of quality time or service, like arranging a date or a walk with a loved one. Instead of a tangible gift, consider planning a local, memorable experience for a low-waste Valentine's Day. This could be a romantic weekend getaway, a cooking class, or tickets to a local event — perhaps a concert or play. Experiences create lasting memories and typically have a smaller environmental impact than physical gifts, especially when they're local. For minimal environmental impact, choose an outing that's accessible by bus, train, bike, or foot.

Shop From Sustainable Brands

If you would like to gift something tangible, explore sustainable brands. Some Indian brands that are trustworthy, transparent and responsible about their products and bursting with options are: Brown Living Okhai Bare Necessities

source: Coconut shell candle, Brown Living .webp Coconut shell candle, Brown Living

source: Upcycled denim patched laptop sleeve Upcycled denim patched laptop sleeve

source: Hand Block-printed diary with handmade paper .webp Hand Block-printed diary with handmade paper

source: Bamboo Bedside Tray .webp Bamboo Bedside Tray

Give a Secondhand Gift

Shopping secondhand offers a unique way to find thoughtful, sustainable gifts with character. Each pre-loved item tells its own story and carries a nostalgic charm — perfect for a meaningful Valentine's Day gift. Consider a vintage frame displaying a photo of you and your partner, or a secondhand vase paired with a plant. These one-of-a-kind treasures not only show thoughtfulness but also help reduce your environmental impact. Here are some secondhand gift ideas to help you get started. If you’re new to secondhand shopping, start small and go bigger slowly. ‍

Consider Upcycled or Recycled Clothes

If your loved one is a fashionista, exploring the world of upcycled or recycled clothes might be a great place to start! There are many brands that are working hard to create lovely products without harming the environment. Your loved one can feel good knowing that what they’re wearing has not harmed any people, animals or the planet! Some brands you can explore are: No Nasties Okhai Doodlage

source: A Kantha patchwork jacket, Doodlage .webp

DIY Gifts

Get creative and make something special for your significant other. Handmade gifts, whether it's a personalized photo album, a homemade candle, or functional products like coasters made from wine corks, show thought and effort. DIY gifts are a unique way to express your love while minimizing the environmental impact associated with mass-produced goods and shipping.

A Favourite Meal

If cooking is your thing, go crazy and plan their favourite meal on their special day. A full tummy leads to a happy heart. You can make the meal special with the table decorated in their favourite style or colour, little handmade menu cards and great music. Even if cooking isn’t your skill set, order in something they love and make it look gorgeous using your best dinnerware. A last no-stress option is to take them out to a restaurant or bar you know they’d enjoy! A lovely evening spent with delicious food is something they’ll remember for a long time.

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Donate to an Animal Charity on behalf of the recipient

If your loved one has a soft spot for animals, donating towards the care of an animal is another gesture that will be very touching to them. Organisations like Wildlife SOS enable you to learn about each animal and what they need and donate money towards their care. Most zoos also encourage you to donate towards the upkeep of an animal of. your choice. Your loved one will be sent updates and details about the animal that has been supported on their behalf, leaving them with a warm fuzzy feeling for the rest of the year!

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Plant a tree in someone’s name

Bangalore based local environmental NGO Sankalptaru (and many others around the country) gives you an opportunity to plant a tree (or more) in someone’s name and customize the note and card for different occasions. Once the tree is planted you and the recipient can track the location and progress of the tree on their tech-enabled platform. What can be a better gift than watching a tree grow year on year, bringing greenery and prosperity!

If ever there was a time to re-evaluate our familiar patterns, it is now. We need to build a truly healthy and sustainable economy, where “robust” growth is fueled not only by exchanging new stuff, but by gifts of care, gifts of service, gifts of experience and, occasionally, gifts of truly good stuff. That way, we will know that we are choosing gifts that actually say what we really mean.