The ultimate guide to vegan Valentine gifting
Valentine's Day may be the prime time for gift-giving, but it is also a time of expanding that love and kindness to the planet and everyone we share it with. Cruelty-free, eco-friendly gifts that are also free from animal exploitation are more abundant than ever, making ethical gift-giving a piece of (egg-free) cake. From roses and chocolates to scented candles and much more, here are the ones we'll be wishing for come 14 February.
The classic: Hotel Chocolat Unbelievably Vegan Sleekster
Let's start with the timeless gift: a good box of chocolates remains unbeatable for V-Day. Hotel Chocolat's sophisticated selection of first-class dairy-free chocolates is a classic gift for the connoisseur. Smooth pralines meet exquisite truffles, rich flavors mingle with zesty ones – every gift recipient, vegan or not, will be over the moon with this one-way ticket to choco-heaven.
Credit: Hotel Chocolat
The self-care essential: LUSH Passion Shower Gel
LUSH are well-known for their Valentine's Day offerings – and with good reason. The ethical beauty brand's Passion shower gel is filled with the scent of rose petals, evoking a romantic atmosphere, counterbalanced with fresh passionfruit juice. Get ready for a steamy time with this intoxicating scent.
Credit: LUSH
The alcohol-free adaptogenic tipple: Sentia Gaba Red & Gaba Gold
Love to celebrate, but don't want a hangover? Sentia's got you: this brand of vegan-friendly adaptogenic drinks is completely alcohol-free, but always delivers on flavor. Ashwagandha, gingko leaf, and other health-boosting extracts meet a zesty taste sensation in these light yet luxurious tipples supporting Gaba, a neurotransmitter bringing relaxation and calm. We'll drink to that.
Credit: Sentia
The love blossom: FLOWERBX Red Naomi Rose
What says "I love you" more than a red rose? Twenty red roses, that's what. And with FLOWERBX's sustainability ethos, you're sending love to the planet as well: this B Corp company only works with seasonal flowers, closely monitors their carbon footprint, and delivers their blooms in electric vehicles.
Credit: FLOWERBX
The bedtime attire: Laume Linen Pilnatis Women's Linen Pyjama Set
Bedtime just became something to look forward to with Laume Linen's super-soft pyjama set that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and seduction. More importantly, it's entirely free from silk that cost thousands of silkworms their lives. Breathable, well-fitting and sustainably crafted, this pyjama set was made for sweet dreams.
Credit: Laume Linen
The addictive scent: Brooklyn Candle Studio Love Potion Valentine's Day Candle
Fully vegan and made in BrooklyN from soy wax, this subtly scented candle blends notes of jasmine blossoms with soothing lavender and uplifting mandarin to craft an atmosphere of calm and serenity. With a scent reminiscent of a bouquet of wildflowers, this candle is also free from phthalates and petroleum.
Credit: Brooklyn Candle Studio
The sweet treat: YumEarth Organic Gummy Hearts
Gummy sweets have been the bane of many vegans' existences for many years – but now, gelatine-free gummy hearts are here to bring that extra touch of sweetness to candy lovers' V-day celebrations. These ones from YumEarth are also organic and free from artificial dyes. If your loved one has a peanut allergy, you'll be pleased to know these were made in a peanut-free environment.
Credit: YumEarth
The special edition: Refugee Bath Company Love Bath Bomb Trio
These vegan, cruelty-free bath bombs come with a heartwarming story: Refugee Bath Company employs former refugees to create high-quality bath products with safe, natural ingredients. Their Valentine's Day special bath bomb trio is scented with jasmine, blackberries and cranberry seeds. Bonus: all packaging is recyclable and compostable.
Credit: Refugee Bath Company
The sustainable lingerie: Hanky Panky Signature Lace Low Lise Thong and Saxx Super Soft Vibe Boxer Love Check
It wouldn't be a Valentine's Day gift round-up without some lingerie. Hanky Panky is known for its thoughtful approach to sustainability. Aside from their lingerie recycling programme (as conventionally, lingerie cannot be recycled), they also work with natural, eco-conscious materials such as Oeko-Tex certified yarns, Supima cotton grown in the USA, and ECOVERO – the sustainably made viscose that was used in this his and hers boxer and thong set. Now, this is underwear you'll want to show off.
Credit: Hanky Panky
The kind gift: Farm Sanctuary Animal Sponsorship
A gift that will warm any animal lover's heart: this Valentine's Day, you can sponsor a pair of animals at Farm Sanctuary. The charity's #BetterTogether campaign invites potential donors to sponsor an animal couple who have a special bond, helping the pair thrive and live happy lives in freedom and serenity, forever. If that's not true love, we don't know what is.
Credit: Farm Sanctuary
Written by Sascha Camilli
Sascha Camilli is a writer, speaker and vegan fashion expert. She founded the world's first digital vegan fashion magazine Vilda, and is the author of Vegan Style: Your Plant-Based Guide to Beauty, Fashion, Home & Travel.
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