If you’re sick of the commercialisation surrounding Valentine’s Day or aren’t keen on purchasing edible underwear (understandable), there’s a way to do the whole schmooze-fest and feel good about it.
These days there are a number of charities selling beautiful gifts which not only make thoughtful present ideas but also give back to a very worthy cause. From flowers helping fund medical research to fair-trade chocolates, here’s our pick of the best.
Flowers With A Difference
Valentine’s flowers, Cancer Research UK, from £30
In partnership with Prestige Flowers, Cancer Research UK has launched an online flower shop selling classic red roses and bright, beautiful blooms. One quarter of sales from each order goes towards life-saving research to help beat cancer. You can also personalise your items with a vase, teddy bear or balloon for an additional £8 or £5 respectively. The price for a bouquet of roses starts from £30.
Buy them here.
Silver Pendant
Silver rose necklace, Big Issue Shop, £22
A handmade twisted silver rose pendant on 45cm of fine curb chain. The necklace is made by Studio 306, in Haringey, North London, which is a creative project set up to aid recovery from mental health issues. Profits go straight back into the collective, with a cut being taken by the Big Issue shop.
Buy it here.
Choose Love
Snug pack, Choose Love, £8
Choose Love is a store with a difference. You can buy items which are then sent to refugees. For example, you can buy a snug pack for £8 on your partner’s behalf, which includes socks, a snood, underwear and gloves. The gift “could be the difference between a shivering, sleepless night and a bearable one”.
Buy it here.
Divine Chocolate
Divine chocolate set, Oxfam, £9.99
Dark chocolate-lovers will be delighted with the Discovery Collection from fair-trade producer, Divine Chocolate, which features four full-sized bars: 70% cocoa, 70% with raspberries, 70% with ginger and orange, and dark hazelnut chocolate.
Divine is the only Fairtrade chocolate company which is 44% owned by cocoa farmers, who get a share of profits.
Buy it here.
Tartan Tie
Homeless Tie, Big Issue Shop, £20
This 100% wool tie comes in the official ‘Homeless’ tartan, designed by Slanj. It has a woven label with the ’Help the Homeless’ logo and a proportion of proceeds go to The Big Issue.
Buy it here.
Pom-Pom Makeup Bag
Celia Birtwell Cosmetics Bag, BHF Shop, £6.99
This beautiful printed makeup bag has been designed by textile whizz Celia Birtwell, who is famed for her bold, romantic and feminine designs. It forms part of an exclusive collection for the British Heart Foundation, with 100% of profits going towards life-saving research.
Buy it here.