Valentine's Day for me is not only a romantic holiday, it's a way to say thank you and I love you to family, friends, co-workers, and other special people in our lives. Below, I have chosen some of my favorite gifts. All of these are considered sustainable in that they were either made in the United States and/or they are environmentally friendly and ethically made.
I love Sabon a luxury bath and fragrance boutique. They have several locations in New York State including Times Square. What makes this store so special is commitment to customer service and making superior products. They have a spectacular range of fragrances and body products. The company began from the owner's experimentation with an ancient aboriginal recipe to make soap and blossomed into an international company. I also love the company's commitment to the environment. The website states, "We are humbled by the majesty of our planet. In return, we recycle all plastic, paper and glass; use recyclable packaging and biodegradable packing material. We support Friends of the Earth, and refrain from testing our products on animals." I love that!
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I am also enamored with Illuminated Perfume. The company started from Roxana Villa's interest in the power of the ability of fragrance to transport one to a higher level. "While inhaling juniper essential oil at a sweat lodge I was transported out of my current surroundings and dropped into a very fragrant forest of conifers. Among the tall evergreens I felt grounded, renewed and deeply connected with the earth...I witnessed firsthand the power of essential oils as agents that facilitate mind body wellness in a very holistic framework," says Villa. The company values the tradition of perfume making and in that spirit perfume compacts and flacons come with couture crocheted pouches.
Wind & Fire Jewelry is rooted in social responsibility which I love. Their jewelry is moderately priced and their bangles are uplifting. Each bangle comes with a USA, reclaimed, and disabled child logo charm which represent that the product is made in the United States, is from recycled material and that the company is concerned with children in need. The owner has a 15-year old son with cerebral palsy and is dedicated to charitable giving to children in need. "We believe all children and adults with disabilities have something special to contribute and we want to play a part in helping them realize their value to us all," says the company.
My favorite robe has to be from Lunya. It is called "The Robe." It is beautiful yet functionally made. I love the fact that the sleeves are fitted. So often when you wake up in the morning and put on your robe to cook or have a cup of tea, those kimono-styled sleeves get in the way. The Robe was featured in the New York 2015 Times Holiday Gift Guide and is the company's best seller. The company describes The Robe as made of "beauty and brains." I admire the founder of Lunya, Ashley Merrill, who simply wanted to make better lingerie. "In early 2012, I glanced at myself in the mirror on my way to bed wearing my husband's oversized t-shirt and boxer briefs. I was suddenly aware of my careless sleepwear and how little my reflection resembled who I wanted to be...I launched Lunya in 2014 with a clear conviction that women’s sleepwear was overdue for a fresh, modern perspective. I was a business leader with no clothing industry experience, but in October of 2012, I decided to take the leap," says Merrill. One short year after establishing the company, it is recognized as a revolutionary leader in women's clothing. The company's manufacturing facilities and mills are located in Los Angeles.
Fran's chocolate's are spectacular. Considered by Food & Wine as the best chocolate in the United States, Seattle-based owner Fran Bigelow has been making chocolates for over 30 years. President Obama’s favorite is Fran’s Smoked Salt Caramels—buttery caramels coated in milk chocolate and sprinkled with smoked sea salt.
The last products I chose --- tea, flowers, and a candle are some of my favorite ways to relax. I love looking at flowers and giving flowers. I do like to keep flowers in my house so silk flowers are perfect. Candles are so beautiful. And tea...I adore it! My aunt introduced me to "Afternoon in Paris Black Tea." She gave me six sachets of the tea --- I drank four in one day! Love it! I chose the pencils because, on Valentine's Day, you can never forget the kids!
Locket Necklace with Solid Perfume - $57 (chose from array of perfumes)
Natural solid perfume dates back to the
ancient Egyptians who created aromatic balms and ointments called
unguents. Roxana Illuminated Perfume brings you a recreation of these
solid-state aromatics in simple tins with a honey bee wax seal and
various sized compacts. The engraved cases are manufactured in the USA
by a small family owned business. The vintage molds go back to the
1940's, each has been finished with a brass oxide to create an antique
inspired finish.
Silk Rose Nosegay - $59
This rose nosegay not only looks like the real thing but feels like it too. As in the Victorian era, the buttery soft petals of these lifelike silk roses are tightly nestled in a 5" bubble ball vase and will prompt a second look. But unlike their live counterpart, our silk roses are arranged in crystal clear acrylic water which captures their beauty for a lifetime.
The Robe - $250
THE Robe is designed for real life; the sleeves can be scrunched out of
the way when you wash your face, the reversed fabric at the neck is
absorbent to minimize post-shower dripping, the high/lo hemline allows
you to walk up the stairs without tripping, and the belt is attached so
it can’t be lost.
Always Kiss Me Goodnight - $26 (also available in gold tone)
A Goodnight Kiss is the perfect way to end any day. Before you drift off
to dreamland, take a few moments to express your love and deepen the
strength of your bond...Hold your loved ones close and seal every day with a
kiss.
Created and made in the USA, Wind & Fire Jewelry is rooted in social responsibility.
Stash "Afternoon In Paris Black Tea" - $14.95
Stash
Blended black teas, lavender, bergamot extract, vanilla extract
Your Just Perfect Gift Set - $12
Just so cute for that sweet girl you know!
Bella Freud "Loving" Candle - $70
Hand-poured into a brilliant scarlet votive, this rich soy-wax candle
features the tantalizing fragrance of tuberose, offset by warming notes
of amber and sandalwood.
Nordstrom
Fran's Assortments, 20 pieces - $30
A complete assortment featuring our award-winning Gray & Smoked Salt
Caramels and a selection of our dark and milk chocolate truffles. The
balance of subtle flavors and lush texture in our creamy chocolate
ganache is enhanced by the finest ingredients including oolong tea and
locally roasted espresso.
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