Say it with Fairtrade this Valentine’s Day

Occasionally Valentine’s Day can shine a light on insecurities we have in our relationships and in ourselves.  Instead of focusing on just romantic love, I think we should use Valentine’s Day to celebrate the love we experience every day, whether it be with our friends, our family, a special someone, or ourselves (Yes, you should love yourself. You’re great).

One of my favorite ways to show someone I care is to gift or make them something meaningful. A donation to a charity, a gift that sends a percentage of the cost to a good cause, or a thoughtfully chosen Fairtrade product with a handmade card. With a Fairtrade gift, you and the recipient are not just showing love for one another, but also for the environment, and the farmers and workers the world over working to harvest the goods that ultimately end up on store shelves.

Below, I’ve listed my suggestions for the top Valentine’s Day gifts for the loved ones in your life. Feel free to mix and match as you see fit and #SayItWithFairtrade.

1) For your great romance

Whether you’ve been together forever, or you’re looking to make it clear that you’d like to be, jewelry is going to be your best bet. Reflective Images Jewelry has a wide selection made with Fairtrade gold to help you show someone just how much you love them. And if you’re looking to pop the question on Valentine’s Day (6 million couples will), check out their line of Fairtrade gold engagement rings. And don’t forget the flowers. Our new partner Be My Rose delivers direct to your door from Ecuador. Their Valentine’s Day selection features cheeky names such as “A Burning Flame” and “An Invitation to Stay Over”.

2) For the person you just started dating

Following on the heels of the holidays and smack in the middle of cuffing season, Valentine’s Day can fall at an awkward time of the year. The way you approach it can make or break your springtime relationship status. In order to rock that cool, devil may care attitude (that is apparently what everyone is looking for these days), the key is to gift something that is an elevated version of how you’d normally spend a night together. Enter: Fairtrade wine. With selections from Chile, Argentina, and South Africa, you will have no problem finding the perfect bottle (or two) to curl up on the couch with for a romantic (but not overly committal) night in. Partner that up with any of the chocolates featured here, and you’re ready to go.

3) For your BFFs

Sometimes the best way to spend Valentine’s Day is with your squad. I suggest pulling a Taylor Swift: don matching onesies, have a dance party, and treat yourselves to an at-home fair trade spa day. Start with an invigorating DIY coffee face scrub using any of your favorite Fairtrade coffee brands. Then, get your hair looking its best with an avocado and honey hair mask using Trader Joe’s brand honey and any of our Fairtrade avocados. Finally, brew yourself a cup of your favorite Fairtrade tea, and then use the leftover tea bags as a soothing eye mask. If you really want to be the host with the most, give your guests some Lasting Smiles lip balm as a fun takeaway.

4) For mom

Of course, moms deserve to be showered in gifts every day, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to give her some extra special attention. Two fail proof options are flowers and chocolate. As I mentioned above, Be My Rose sells their Fairtrade blooms online and will deliver direct to your favorite people, i.e. your mom.

For a chocolate treat that mom will love, EMVI chocolate sells the most adorable chocolate figurines. Treat mom to one of their Fairtrade certified Valentine’s day options, such as the Fairtrade Valentine’s Day Chocolate Heart or the Valentine Fairtrade Teddy Bear.

5) For you

If being on your own is how you prefer to spend your Valentine’s Day, more power to you. No reason to be completely alone though. Why not invite your two favorite friends: Ben & Jerry. With a huge selection of Fairtrade ice cream flavors, you can feel good about yourself while you indulge. Check out their “10 Reasons Why Ben & Jerry’s Thinks it’s Awesome to be Single” while you’re at it.