February 9, 2010 - The Poor Man's Valentine's Guide: 10 Gifts Under $20

Forgo expensive jewelry and flowers this Valentine's Day for these meaningful gifts, all under $20.   You'll steal her heart without breaking the bank.

1.     Dagoba Chocolate Bars, Dagoba Organic Chocolate, $3.45 each.

Website here.

Delicious chocolate made by a company with green ideals? Yes, please. Dagoba organic chocolate is made with sustainably grown, organic cacao and infused with a variety of exotic favors.  Dagoba believes environmental responsibility extends beyond the product and promotes "Full Circle Sustainability" by supporting green power in their manufacturing facility, sponsoring re-forestation products and using recycled packaging.  Satisfy her sweet tooth this Valentine's Day with an eco-friendly bar from Dagoba Organic Chocolate. ($3.45 each from www.dagobachocolate.com). 

2.     Van der Mark Tulip Bulbs, Eco Tulips, $7.00 for 8.

Website here.

Organic tulip bulbs may not be the traditional flower to give for Valentine's Day, but these eco-friendly bulbs are a great way to say, "I love you (and the environment)."  Ecotulips makes planting and caring for these bulbs simple, with easy directions on their website for all climate zones. These tulips are a beautiful additional to any garden or can be grown inside in a container.  We like the Leen Van der Mark tulip ($7.99 for 8 bulbs, www.ecotulips.com).

3.     EcoJot Recycled Paper Sketchbooks, Olive and Myrtle, $7.50.

Website here.

EcoJot makes some of the cutest recycled paper sketchbooks available.  We love the whales and flowerpatch mug versions. To customize the notebook, fill the first few pages with your favorite memories together or with sweet little notes ($7.50 from www.oliveandmyrtle.com).

4.     Card, Night Owl Paper Goods, $4.80.

www.nightowlpapergoods.com

A simple, heart-felt card is one of the best Valentine's Day gifts.  These cards are made from sustainably harvested birch trees and printed with creative designs.  Write a sincere message on the back for a perfect gift. $4.80 from www.nightowlpapergoods.com

5.     Organic Wine and a Movie

Snuggling up on the couch with a bottle of wine and a movie is the perfect way to spend a low-key Valentine's Day. Try your local Trader Joes or Whole Foods for a bottle of organic wine and rent a movie from RedBox ($1/night) for an affordable romantic night.

6.     Felt iPod/Blackberry Curve Gadget Case, Norm and Lou, $16.00.

Website here.

These cases are an adorable, yet functional, gift.  Norm and Lou make these handmade cases for iPods, cell phones, Blackberries and the other zillion tiny gadgets invading our lives.  The felt used is made from recycled plastic bottles.  While the heart design is most appropriate for Valentine's Day, we love all of the whimsical designs ($16 from www.etsy.com/shop/NORMandLOU).

7.     Carol's Daughter Body Aches Bath Salts, $18.

Website here.

Looking for an intimate yet affordable Valentine's Day? Treat your significant other to a hot bath infused with these bath salts from Carol's Daughter. It's made without parabens, sulfates and other harmful chemicals, so it's environmentally friendly and gentle on skin. $18 from www.sephora.com

8.     Surfrider Foundation Donation.

Website here.

Valentine's Day is all about love - love for your boyfriend or girlfriend, for your family and even for the environment. Make a donation in your sweetheart's name to the Surfrider foundation, which supports protection of the world's oceans and beaches. www.surfrider.org.

9.     4 oz. Travel Tin Candles, Lumia Organic Candles, $6.99.

Website here.

Light a flame in your love life with Lumia organic candles, made with organic wax from certified organic soy oil.  Organic wax, unlike paraffin waxes, doesn't emit harmful chemicals, isn't a petroleum product and supports organic agriculture.  To create a romantic atmosphere, try jasmine or lavender scents. $6.99 from www.lumia.us.

10.   Love Thy Neighbor Soapstone Heart Key Chain, Planet One Gifts, $9.00.

Website here.

She can carry your heart with her everywhere with this fair trade key chain from Planet One Gifts.  This soapstone comes from the Tabaka Hills of western Kenya and is transported to Nairobi, where it is hand-painted.  Fair trade sales support international communities.  $9.00 from http://planetonegifts.com

Danielle Stowe is a Contributing Writer for the Green Guide Network. She can be reached at daniellestowe@gmail.com

---