Aussies love celebrating love! In fact, did you know that last year, $465 million was spent in Australia on traditional Valentine's gifts? I know... wild.

We’re all for showing love, whether that’s Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or just treating yourself because it’s February, and you deserve it. But here’s the part most people don’t realise: many of those “classic” Valentine’s gifts come with hidden ingredients you probably wouldn’t choose if you had a closer look, and unnecessary (excessive) plastic packaging. 

Gifting should feel good for the person receiving it and for the planet too. That’s why this Valentine’s Day, we’re being a little more mindful about what we buy. Here are five common Valentine’s Day gifts we’re skipping, plus the eco-friendly, toxin-free and low-waste swaps we’re choosing instead.

1. Synthetic Perfumes 

Mainstream perfumes can contain up to 3000 hidden chemicals, which can hide ingredients like phthalates and other hormone-disrupting chemicals. These fragrances can trigger headaches, skin irritation and sensitivities, even if they smell amazing at first spray. Learn more here

The Go For Zero community swap: Skip the chemicals and opt for natural perfumes made with essential oils. They're gentle on skin, cruelty-free and come in beautiful glass or home-compostable cardboard packaging. A thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift that smells beautiful without the nasties.

2. Synthetic-scented Candles

Conventional candles are often made from paraffin wax and petroleum by-products that can release toxins into your home when burned. Add synthetic fragrance, and you have a mix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polluting the air every time the candle is burned (not what you want to breathe in). 

The Go For Zero community swap: Candles made from soy, coconut or beeswax, and scented with pure essential oils. Look for cotton or wooden wicks, plastic-free packaging and refillable options for a cleaner burn and a more planet-friendly Valentine’s Day gift. Check our range of 100% natural, essential oil candles here. They smell AMAZING. I promise!

3. Fresh Flower Bouquets 

Wait what? I know, I know. But hear me out.

Last year, more than $21 million was spent on Valentine’s Day flowers, and over 50% of those Valentine flowers are thrown out after a few days. As much as we love flowers, the industry behind them isn’t always the most planet-friendly. Think transport, pesticides, refrigeration and often the plastic wrapping for a gift that lasts just a few days. 

The Go For Zero community swap: We love flowers, so our more sustainable go-to is dried flowers. They last for months (even years) with zero effort; my house is full of them. I love adding a few drops of essential oils to them too; they make the most beautiful natural diffusers. And if you ever ask us to gift-wrap your order, you’ll probably spot dried flowers being reused in your gift as well.

Another option is plantable seed cards or seed gifts. These beauties will help you share the love now and grow into flowers, herbs or native plants later that will keep giving long after the day has passed. 

4. Mass-Produced Beauty Products 

Did you know that the average woman uses 12 beauty products a day, resulting in the application of about 168 different ingredients? (that's a lot).

Many mainstream mass-produced beauty and skincare products are often made with synthetic preservatives, fragrances and plastic-heavy packaging. These ingredients can irritate skin, and the packaging adds to environmental waste. You can learn more about that here. 

The Go For Zero community swap: Gift small-batch, natural beauty and skincare made with plant-based ingredients and products with refillable, recyclable or compostable packaging. These products are kinder to skin, support local, ethical makers and align perfectly with sustainable Valentine’s Day gifting. 

5. Synthetic-scented Bath Bombs and Salts 

Brightly coloured bath bombs (like the ones from Lush) and heavily scented bath salts might look pretty and fun, but they often contain harsh artificial dyes, fragrances and fillers that can irritate skin and impact waterways.

The Go For Zero community swap: Choose bath salts, bath bombs and oils made with natural ingredients like magnesium, epsom salts, clays and essential oils and packaged in plastic-free packaging for a relaxing, toxin-free self-care gift.

A More Thoughtful Way to Do Valentine’s Day

Whether you’re spoiling a partner, a friend, or even treating yourself, Valentine’s Day gifting doesn’t need to be wasteful or full of hidden nasties. By choosing eco-friendly, sustainable and low-waste alternatives, you can show love in a way that actually feels good and aligns with your values. 

Happy Valentine's Day, epic humans!

With Love, 

Ellie xo

---

FAQ: Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts

1. What are sustainable Valentine’s Day gift ideas?

Sustainable Valentine’s Day gifts include natural perfumes, essential oil candles, plantable seed cards, small-batch skincare, natural bath salts. These options are eco-friendly, low-waste, and toxin-free.

2. Why avoid synthetic perfumes and scented products for Valentine’s Day?

Synthetic perfumes and scented products often contain phthalates, artificial dyes, and chemicals that can irritate skin, harm health, and pollute waterways. Natural alternatives use essential oils and safe ingredients.

3. Are there eco-friendly alternatives to traditional flowers?

Yes. Plantable seed cards or gifts made from seed paper that grows into flowers, herbs, or native plants, offering a zero-waste, long-lasting alternative to cut bouquets.

4. What makes small-batch natural beauty products better than mass-produced ones?

Small-batch natural beauty products use plant-based ingredients, minimal or recyclable packaging, and ethical production. They reduce plastic waste, avoid harsh chemicals, and support local makers.

5. Can bath products be safe and eco-friendly?

Absolutely. Choose bath salts, bombs, and oils made from natural ingredients like magnesium, Epsom salts, clays, and essential oils, packaged in plastic-free containers for a relaxing, toxin-free gift.

6. How can I make Valentine’s Day gifts more sustainable?

Focus on gifts that are low-waste, refillable, natural, or plantable. Avoid synthetic chemicals, plastic-heavy packaging, and products with hidden toxins to make gifting thoughtful and planet-friendly.