Valentine’s Day is almost here, and we’re all about showing love with meaningful gestures that say, “You’re truly special to me!”. But let’s be real, what’s less lovable is the environmental impact of plastic-wrapped chocolates, imported flowers, and single-use cards. Why should love come at such a cost?
If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for ways to express your affection and care for the planet, and we’re here to help! Whether you’re spending the day with a partner, family, friends, pets, or treating yourself (because self-love is important too!), we’ve got low-waste date ideas and eco friendly gifts to make it unforgettable.
Need a little more inspiration? Check out our Valentine’s Day and Gifts for Yourself collections, filled with planet-friendly ways to celebrate love in all its forms Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we don’t know about you, but we’re excited to show our loved ones just how much we love them with a meaningful gift that says "you mean so much to me!".
The Cost Of Love: Why You Should Choose Eco Friendly Gifts
The best things in life are supposed to be free—love being one of them—but Valentine’s Day often tempts us to go all out in ways we don’t stop to think about.
Take this for example: In the U.S. alone, consumers were expected to spend a staggering $2.2 billion on candy for Valentine’s Day! Meanwhile, around 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged annually, making it the second-largest card-sending occasion after Christmas.
But here’s the less romantic side:
- Producing and transporting 100 million roses for Valentine’s Day in the U.S. generates approximately 9,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
- Valentine’s week sees the sale of 58 million pounds of chocolate, often wrapped in plastic that contributes to pollution.
- The production and shipping of cards lead to significant paper waste and carbon emissions.
This year, why not flip the script? Opting for eco-friendly gifts and experiences that focus on quality time is a more thoughtful and planet-friendly way to show your love.
Here are some low-waste date ideas paired with sustainable gifts to inspire a Valentine’s Day that truly feels good—for your loved ones and the planet.
How Are You Spending Valentine’s Day? Discover An Eco Friendly Gift To Match
Self Love
1. Bake yourself a sweet treat
Who doesn’t love the scent of freshly baked goods? Take your time to treat yourself by baking your favorite treat. With this reusable baking mat there’s no need for conventional baking paper – meaning you can bake to your heart's content, with no waste!
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Price: $20.99
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2. Pamper your one true love (you!)
Take care of number one with a self-care night. A relaxing bath followed by a with this botanical body oil will make you feel soft, luxurious, and truly pampered!
- Botanical Body Oil
- Price: $18
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Friendship Dates
3. Host a cozy movie night with friends
Get your closest friends round, put on a classic movie, and enjoy an indulgent hot chocolate – what better way to spend a winter’s evening then surrounded by love and cozy vibes? Plus, with these hot chocolate discs, you can trust the cacao farmers are paid fairly and all other raw materials are purchased in the local community market!
- Hot Chocolate Discs
- Price: $14
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4. Host a Galentine's pizza night
Get your friends round to whip up everyone’s favorite cheat meal: pizza! This set has everything you need for your pizza night, just add creative toppings and lots of laughter and you’re all set! Whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza is up to you guys.
- Pizza Making Set
- Price: $48
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5. Host a cocktail night
Mix, shake, and create your favorite cocktails or mocktails together. They’ll look great in these mason jars, complete with a bamboo lid and stainless steel straw.
- Mason Jar Kit
- Price: $18.99
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6. Host a paint and sip night
Is your crew looking for something more creative to do? Host a paint and sip night! Pour your choice of drink, find some recycled paper, and get painting with this set of all-natural earth pigments gathered from around the globe.
- Earth Paint Set
- Price: $35.99
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Couple’s Dates
7. Prepare a candle-lit dinner
Food is the way to the heart, so it's time to put your signature dish to the test on the one you can’t stop crushing on. And for a little extra flair, make your dinner table oh-so-romantic with the sophisticated Amber + Moss Soy Candle in an elegant vintage-inspired jar.
- Amber + Moss Soy Candle
- Price: $23.99
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8. Go on an outdoor adventure
Embrace your shared love for the great outdoors on a romantic hike through fresh forests and calming lakes. Pack a flask of hot chocolate, your favorite snacks, and wrap up warm with this beanie that’s as practical as it is stylish. There’s a color to suit the both of you and each purchase plants a tree!
- Organic Cotton Beanie
- Price: $24.95
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9. Create an at-home spa night
You don’t need to break the bank on a fancy spa trip – with this massage candle you can create a romantic and intimate spa experience right at home! With its dim light, seductive fragrance, and ultra-hydrating texture, this massage oil candle will set the mood straight away.
- Massage Candle
- Price: $14
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10. Go out somewhere special
Being treated – or treating someone – to a meal or experience somewhere nice? We love to see it! Bring a sophisticated touch with this elegant necklace. With its timeless design and recycled gold coating, you won’t be sacrificing your values either!
- Gold Tiny White Topaz Necklace
- Price: $90
- Shop Now
Pet Lovers
11. Snuggle with your dog
There’s no love more loyal than man’s best friend! Treat your best cuddle buddy to this plastic-free bone toy, made from compostable hemp and organic cotton. You’ll be glad to know it’s squeaker-free, ideal for night time snuggling!
- Hemp Dog Bone
- Price: $16.99
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12. Embrace the cat lady life
More of a cat person? Your feline friend will love your Valentine’s Day company, and with these adorable toys, you’ll have plenty of fun together. Made from 100% organic and cruelty-free certified wool, these toys are completely compostable at the end of their life so there’s no need to worry about waste.
- Wool Enchanted Forest Cat Toys
- Price: $18
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With the family
13. Cook up a storm
This Valentine’s Day, get the whole family involved making and sharing a delicious meal. With this Homemade Tortilla Press, you can make quesadillas, tacos, and burritos without buying plastic packaged ones – let’s just hope they’re less messy to make, than they are to eat!
- Homemade Tortilla Press
- Price: $48
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14. Play with your little ones
You’re never too young to celebrate love! These finger paints are made from fruit and veg extracts, perfect for making finger-print love-hearts and creating homemade Valentine’s Day cards on recycled paper.
- eco-kids Finger Paint
- Price: $16.99
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15. Plant a garden together
Celebrate love and growth by planting a family garden! Whether it’s herbs, flowers, or vegetables, this activity fosters connection and gives back to the planet. Use this biodegradable seed starter kit to make the process easy and fun for all ages.
- Seed Starter Kit
- Price: $15.99
- Shop Now
Final Thoughts
At EarthHero, we believe in spreading love while caring for the planet, and we hope these ideas inspire you to make this Valentine’s Day both special and eco-conscious.
Ready to start planning your planet-friendly Valentine’s Day? Shop the Valentine’s Day and Gifts For Yourself collections and find more inspiration to make your celebration unforgettable!
