A Gift for Your Valentine
In the midst of this long lockdown, Valentine’s Day is looming, and with it comes the opportunity to share an extra dose of love. If you’re looking for natural (and healthy) gifts for your Valentine, I’ve rounded up my favourite picks. Inspired by this Valentine’s Edit you can send a thoughtful gift to friends or family, both near and far – but don’t forget to save an essential indulgence for yourself!
Be Still, My Beating Heart
Pukka Herbs, LOVE Tea
£2.99 for 20 teabags
When your heart skips a beat at the mere thought of your beloved, this tea will sort you out. Actually, it’s a beautifully calming mix of chamomile, lime flower, elderflower, marigold and liquorice, with a touch of lavender and rose flower too. So if you want to steal a moment for some quiet and calm for yourself, then put on the kettle and make yourself a cup of Love.
Everything’s Coming Up Roses
Jason, ROSE BODY WASH
£9.50 for 887ml
If you give a hoot about what goes on your body AND the impact of what washes away down the drain, then products free of the unpronouncables (parabens, sulphates, phthalates and petrolatum) will tick the boxes. This creamy, floral body wash is perfectly scented and incredibly moisturising too.
Scence, SHINING ROSE FACE BALM
£24.50 for 20ml
With handcrafted products that are free from parabens, alcohol, palm oil and aluminium AND biodegradable, compostable packaging without a trace of plastic in sight, Scence is creating a little bit of natural magic. This creamy balm delivers all the benefits of roses – helping to soothe irritations, reduce redness and moisturise the most delicate of skin.
Have a Heart That Never Hardens…
and a Touch That Never Hurts
OG, OMEGA-3 PLUS
£39.99 for 150ml/120 sgels
It’s unlikely that Dickens was musing on cardiovascular disease when he wrote this line but it’s certainly a health goal that would appeal to us all. This omega-3 is pretty special – delivering a potent mix of omegas; EPA, DHA and DPA, along with vitamin D, antioxidant vitamin E, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s like the Mediterranean Diet in a bottle, and you know how protective that is of your heart and general health.
Another plus is the packaging: 100% plastic free and made entirely from aluminium, the bottles and jars are recyclable and reusable.
Perfume Is The Key To Our Memories
Maya Njie, EAU DE PARFUM TOBAK
£90 for 50ml
Maya Njie, EAU DE PARFUM DISCOVERY SET
£20 for 20ml
For now Zoom seems to be the best alternative to a real-life meet up with friends and family, but while sight and sound are covered, the elements of touch and smell are missing. This natural connection now feels like the height of luxury, and I imagine you’ll be keen to indulge in it once again.
So with her intention to capture the scents of her memories – a small Swedish summerhouse of childhood, visits to grandparents, a family wedding from long ago – Maya Nije is a woman after my own heart. She’s created an enchanting range of 5 perfumes – artisanal, cruelty-free, vegan.
Scents which evoke memories of happier moments are perfect for these times. Any one of them would be a delightful Valentine’s Day present but her Discovery Set (£20) allows you to gift them all.
Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates
Booja Booja, CHAMPAGNE TRUFFLES
£1.99 – £19.99
I believe these are THE best chocolate truffles – all beautiful packaging and boozy charms. And while each day does seem to bring endless challenge and surprise, if there are a few Booja Booja days thrown into the mix, I’m positive you’ll be more than able to muddle through.
This year, Valentine’s Sunday presents us all with an opportunity to indulge in some love – for friends, families and neighbours, and of course some for ourself.
If an exchange of gifts is something you love to do, then a natural and healthy selection has a huge appeal. And whether you decide to share all you finds (or save one or two for yourself!) you may find a nurturing and nourishing item will tick many more boxes than a frivolous ‘treat’.
Images at Unsplash.com
Joanna Kosinska