Valentine’s Day gift-giving have driven husbands to settle for uninspired gifts. Step away from the cheap box of chocolates and over-picked flower bouquets. This special day is about celebrating your love, not destroying it. Husbands of vegan wives might think they have a tougher challenge than others, but it couldn’t be easier. She’s likely to love anything that shows appreciation of her lifestyle choices. Still having trouble? These gifts with a heart are sure to steal hers away:
Compassionate Fashionista
Vegan style-divas know faux is the new black. According to PETA, the global leather industry slaughters more than a billion animals each year in the name of fashion. Everyday items like belts, shoes and purses are made at the expense of an innocent life. Support your wife in her efforts against animal cruelty. Surprise her with a humanely thoughtful gift like this vegan leather handbag from Lulu’s. She’ll appreciate the chic gesture, especially knowing no animals were harmed in the process. Pat yourself on the back for not only saving hundreds of dollars but also for supporting the fight against animal cruelty.
Hopeful Romantic
Vegans work steadily toward the greater good. Unfortunately, most of the world hasn’t caught on to cruelty-free, eco-friendly practices. Even simple romantic gestures like purchasing flowers can condone malpractice. According to the US Labor Education in the Americas Project, 60 percent of flowers sold in the U.S. come from Columbia, where workers are expected to work 12-16 hour days in exchange for minimal pay and exposure to high levels of toxic pesticides and fungicides. Floral arrangements from FTD.com are Fair Trade Certified meaning they come from farms that promote safe working conditions, living wages and environmentally-friendly growing practices. By Supporting Fair Trade Certified products, you can still partake in this age-old tradition without sacrificing ethic beliefs.
Savvy Shopper
Made in the USA, this adorable canvas bag by Vine Street Market is the perfect accessory for toting fresh produce, yoga gear or up to 60 pounds of any eco-friendly items she may need. The heart patterns add a loving yet trendy touch for an appropriately themed gift. Eco-friendly and versatile, this tote also folds into a tiny pocket when not in-use so she can carry it with her at all times.
Sweet Tooth
Don’t bypass the chocolate. Women still love a decadent treat, just not the half-hearted, last-minute, convenience-store kind. A handmade assortment of organic, vegan, fair trade certified artisan chocolates from Allison’s Gourmet sweeten this classic gesture. Made by vegan activist Allison Samson, each bite of these sweet confections represent compassion for animals and care of the planet.
Accessories with a Heart
Wrap your heart around her with this chic scarf from H&M. Made from 100 percent polyester, she’ll know you did your homework on cruelty-free fabrics. An excellent alternative to silk and fur, polyester fabrics are also lighter on your wallet. When shopping for your compassionate vegan, also steer clear of any wool, leather and down fabrics that come at the heavy cost of animal lives. Instead, read the labels for ethically sound fabrics like cotton, nylon, rayon and acrylic.
