
On a budget, or flying solo these days? Don’t let the commercialization and hype regarding Valentine’s Day ruin your mood – take heart knowing you’re not alone and be sure to treat yourself to a simple indulgence that makes you happy. Light a few candles, pour some essential oil & Epsom salt in the bath and take a relaxing soak; or call a buddy to reminisce and have a few good laughs. Move to your own beat – compile a music mix of all-time faves for your listening pleasure.
Got a few bucks to spare? Here are a few fun ways to embrace loved ones, mother earth & yourself:


(above, from top) men’s organic cotton boxers from goodandfairclothing.com (in white or black; $26). Sexy bralet & cheeky thong by g=9.8; find more of our favorite eco lingerie for her and organic underwear for men @ bynature.co.uk

(above) Heart & Stone handcrafts personalized charms, rings, key chains and necklaces for men and women; pricing varies … Tiny Tags jewelry can be customized with names, dates and birthstones; $195-$395

(above) Coco-Zen offers fresh, deliciously decadent Fair Trade Certified chocolate truffles as well as pampering body and bath products. Feast your eyes on an array of gift ideas starting at $3, or snag a Green Gift Set of either Chocolate to Eat, Chocolate to Wear or a Combo Gift Set, $64 – $110.

(above) Gifts with heart and soul – from Alex & Ani’s Charity by Design collection, pretty expandable bracelets made from recycled material; designs customized to reflect the message and beauty inherent in each organization; 20% of all sales of the Best Friends Bangles are donated to the American Heart Association. set of 2, ($48)

(above) For body-friendly pleasure, babeland.com has you covered; recharge your battery with the newly designed rechargeable We-Vibe II.

(above) Be still my beating heart … get swept off your feet with a well-deserved hot-stone massage – add a healthy dose of massage oil (SpaRitual.com) or massage balm (badgerbalm.com) to totally unwind.
Love those traditional bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolate? Just be sure they’re Fair Trade and organic so they’ll meet with mama earth’s as well as your sweetheart’s approval; try Whole Foods or OrganicBouquet.com … Happy V-Day!
Related: more eco-friendly gift ideas from The Alternative Consumer.

























hmmmm babeland – sounds good! I just might have to try that.
The Heart & Stone Rivet Rings are especially cool…love the Stack!
Superfun tiffin-packaged Truffles-To-Give at Coco Zen! Yummy vegan options too, including Chocolate Chai Spice, Chocolate Covered Coconut, Chocolate Mint Bliss, and their signature Dark Chocolate (VegNews “Truffle Shuffle” taste test winner!).
Thanks for all the great ideas!