You’ve worked so hard. This Valentine’s Day, get double-the-love out of your gifting by choosing gifts that do good — and happen to give right back to you. These Valentine’s Day Gifts that Give Back will ensure a memorable, intimate, feel-good holiday for you and the one you love.
Lingerie
Whether you’re male or female, you and your partner both get enjoyment from fancy, lacy, lovely lingerie. It makes one feel beautiful and look irresistible. Do good: The Brits seem to have charity lingerie figured out. A purchase of a beautiful Gossard Daffodil bra and panty set sends $10 per item to Marie Curie Cancer Care. While you’re at it, if you need to get rid of old bras, send them to BreastTalk.co.uk to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign (UK).
Couples Massage
This isn’t just a sneaky ploy to get the same massage you’re giving; couples massages are usually given in the same room, side by side, with romantic music and aromatherapy. This gift relaxes body anxieties and creates a deep intimacy that you and your partner will both love. Do good: Many spas are already involved in giving back to their local communities. Call up your local spa and ask what they’re doing for charity. If they say nothing? Pick another spa. If you need some help, try visiting SpaFinder.com and search Charity in your area.
Diamonds
A girl’s best friend and perhaps a man’s best weapon, diamonds are a traditional way to show your lover you love them so much, you want to adorn them with shiny, sparkly things. How does this give back to you? Because it never fails to please. Do good: Simmons Jewelry Co. has an entire selection of Green Initiative jewelry which donates to the Diamond Empowerment Fund (“to raise money for the development and empowerment of the people and communities in Africa where diamonds are a natural resource.”) Rachel Bilson recently designed for them.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a Valentine’s Day classic, and unless your partner is a completely out of touch with reality, you usually get to share some of the delicious decadence. Do good: Compartes Chocolatier has an entire selection of chocolate gifts which benefit Relief International in Darfur, or, for a more local flavor, John & Kira’s Bee My Lovebug set (pictured) supports the masterminds behind Project Mintpatch (benefiting Philadelphia urban gardens and schools).
Travel
In the eyes of many, the gift of vacation is the supreme gift. The only thing that perhaps trumps even diamonds is a sandy beach, a villa in Tuscany, or whatever your shared pleasure. Do good: There are a lot of ways to travel better, from keeping it local to visiting responsible hotels. Check out CruisesForCharity to get on a cruise which has a cause, or Voluntourism.org if you’d rather build homes than lie on a beach.
From all of us at Tonic, Happy Valentine’s Day! We love you!
Photo via JohnandKiras.com.