The day of celebrating love is right around the corner. Are you fed up of buying or doing the same things every year? I’m sure you want to switch it up but struggle to figure out what to do or get, especially when all you see are advertisements of the same ideas every year. Not in a relationship? You can still use this holiday to express your love to anybody important in your life. Continue reading for some eco-friendly takes on the typical Valentine’s Day gift.
Flowers? Again?
One of the most common gifts for Valentine’s Day is flowers. Thousands of flowers are grown, purchased and given around this time of year. Although it can be wonderful to have a full vase of flowers on display, they unfortunately don’t last that long, end up dying and being thrown out. It seems pretty pointless to go through all that effort of growing the flowers, importing them from South America (it is the middle of winter so that’s where they usually come from), just for them to die a few weeks later if they even survive that long. If you still really want to buy some, try to find a store that has locally grown flowers to minimize your impact or purchase flowers during the summer time.
Instead, get your loved one an indoor plant this year. Not only is it something that they can learn to nourish and take care of, but it can also in turn nourish us back in different ways. I get it, you’re thinking how a plant can be so much work that you’re just not down for. It definitely is a commitment, but there are many types of plants that don’t require much effort to maintain and the results can be fulfilling.
My absolute favourite type of indoor plant is a pothos. I’ve had mine for about 4 years now and it’s doing better than ever! It’s so simple to take care of. All you have to do is water it once a week during the summer, and about once every two weeks during the colder months. As long as it receives some indirect sunlight, it will thrive. A great thing about a pothos is that it can survive despite some neglecting which is perfect for someone who has a busy life. On top of that, it actually works as an air purifier for certain air pollutants that irritate the eyes and nose, especially for people with asthma.
Another useful indoor plant, that I also have, is an Aloe Vera. Similar to the pothos, it doesn’t need to be watered all that much and just needs some indirect sunlight to do well. The aloe leaf can be used for many different DIY health products like to treat sun burns, acne, stretch marks, etc. I’m always looking for cool new ways to use the juice from the leaves.
For some other great and easy house plants, click here. There are many small boutiques that sell plants but most hardware stores actually sell them, check your nearest Canadian Tires, Ronas or Home Depot for their plant sections.
Typical cards or DIY love letters?
Some people absolutely love writing or receiving cards. Why not make it extra special by writing each other little love letters instead? Do it the old fashioned way by taking a piece of paper and just writing your feelings. An even better idea would be to use a piece of paper that would have otherwise been recycled. You can easily fold it twice to not show the side with print or writing. FYI - this could be the way you make cards for birthdays or other holidays if you aren’t already doing so.
Restaurant or home cooked meal?
Want to share your love with your other half by having a romantic meal? Although going out for dinner and exploring new restaurants or returning to a favourite place together can be fun, making your own meal can be very intimate. Whether you cook for each other, one of you cooks, or you cook together; they are all great bonding experiences.
If you decide to cook for each other, one of you can make either an entree or a dessert (or both!) while the other makes the main meal. This way you can both enjoy a little taste of something made from the other. Even if only one of you cooks for the other, this could also be an intimate experience and a way to show how much you care. Lastly, cooking together is a great way to bond and to see if you’re compatible with each other.
Overall, sharing a meal with your loved one, regardless of where it is, and taking the time to engage in deep conversations is an intimate way to show you care and to grow closer.
Jewelry, chocolate, stuffed animals or an activity?
Some other common gifts are jewelry, stuffed animals or chocolate. Purchasing these items for your loved ones can be very special, but sometimes an activity together can be more memorable. As it is winter time, going to an outdoor skating rink or skiing can be great activities to experience together. You can even do indoor activities like rock climbing, escape rooms, mini golf, etc. with each other, another couple or with some friends.
If you’re feeling extra daring, why not do a weekend getaway together? You can go up north and rent a cottage or even go to a spa, and get a couple’s massage! This is not only a great way to relax and de-stress, but also represents an excellent bonding opportunity.
Chocolate is still a great gift to buy or receive since it is something that you can enjoy and consume quickly, unlike stuffed animals (which may end up gathering dust). Other consumable gifts include: a bottle of wine, baked goods (e.g., cookies or muffins), etc.
Make your own gift!
Still unsure of what to do or buy? Why not make your own gift! DIY gifts can be very special to the person receiving it and can be a super easy way to reduce your impact on the environment if you use items that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin. Here are some ideas.
Regardless of what you choose to do, I wish you all the best on this loving holiday.
By: Bianca Deltorto-Russell
Flowers? Again?
One of the most common gifts for Valentine’s Day is flowers. Thousands of flowers are grown, purchased and given around this time of year. Although it can be wonderful to have a full vase of flowers on display, they unfortunately don’t last that long, end up dying and being thrown out. It seems pretty pointless to go through all that effort of growing the flowers, importing them from South America (it is the middle of winter so that’s where they usually come from), just for them to die a few weeks later if they even survive that long. If you still really want to buy some, try to find a store that has locally grown flowers to minimize your impact or purchase flowers during the summer time.
Instead, get your loved one an indoor plant this year. Not only is it something that they can learn to nourish and take care of, but it can also in turn nourish us back in different ways. I get it, you’re thinking how a plant can be so much work that you’re just not down for. It definitely is a commitment, but there are many types of plants that don’t require much effort to maintain and the results can be fulfilling.
My absolute favourite type of indoor plant is a pothos. I’ve had mine for about 4 years now and it’s doing better than ever! It’s so simple to take care of. All you have to do is water it once a week during the summer, and about once every two weeks during the colder months. As long as it receives some indirect sunlight, it will thrive. A great thing about a pothos is that it can survive despite some neglecting which is perfect for someone who has a busy life. On top of that, it actually works as an air purifier for certain air pollutants that irritate the eyes and nose, especially for people with asthma.
Another useful indoor plant, that I also have, is an Aloe Vera. Similar to the pothos, it doesn’t need to be watered all that much and just needs some indirect sunlight to do well. The aloe leaf can be used for many different DIY health products like to treat sun burns, acne, stretch marks, etc. I’m always looking for cool new ways to use the juice from the leaves.
For some other great and easy house plants, click here. There are many small boutiques that sell plants but most hardware stores actually sell them, check your nearest Canadian Tires, Ronas or Home Depot for their plant sections.
Typical cards or DIY love letters?
Some people absolutely love writing or receiving cards. Why not make it extra special by writing each other little love letters instead? Do it the old fashioned way by taking a piece of paper and just writing your feelings. An even better idea would be to use a piece of paper that would have otherwise been recycled. You can easily fold it twice to not show the side with print or writing. FYI - this could be the way you make cards for birthdays or other holidays if you aren’t already doing so.
Restaurant or home cooked meal?
Want to share your love with your other half by having a romantic meal? Although going out for dinner and exploring new restaurants or returning to a favourite place together can be fun, making your own meal can be very intimate. Whether you cook for each other, one of you cooks, or you cook together; they are all great bonding experiences.
If you decide to cook for each other, one of you can make either an entree or a dessert (or both!) while the other makes the main meal. This way you can both enjoy a little taste of something made from the other. Even if only one of you cooks for the other, this could also be an intimate experience and a way to show how much you care. Lastly, cooking together is a great way to bond and to see if you’re compatible with each other.
Overall, sharing a meal with your loved one, regardless of where it is, and taking the time to engage in deep conversations is an intimate way to show you care and to grow closer.
Jewelry, chocolate, stuffed animals or an activity?
Some other common gifts are jewelry, stuffed animals or chocolate. Purchasing these items for your loved ones can be very special, but sometimes an activity together can be more memorable. As it is winter time, going to an outdoor skating rink or skiing can be great activities to experience together. You can even do indoor activities like rock climbing, escape rooms, mini golf, etc. with each other, another couple or with some friends.
If you’re feeling extra daring, why not do a weekend getaway together? You can go up north and rent a cottage or even go to a spa, and get a couple’s massage! This is not only a great way to relax and de-stress, but also represents an excellent bonding opportunity.
Chocolate is still a great gift to buy or receive since it is something that you can enjoy and consume quickly, unlike stuffed animals (which may end up gathering dust). Other consumable gifts include: a bottle of wine, baked goods (e.g., cookies or muffins), etc.
Make your own gift!
Still unsure of what to do or buy? Why not make your own gift! DIY gifts can be very special to the person receiving it and can be a super easy way to reduce your impact on the environment if you use items that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin. Here are some ideas.
Regardless of what you choose to do, I wish you all the best on this loving holiday.
By: Bianca Deltorto-Russell
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