'Tis the season of love! If you're looking to say "Je t'aime" with a stunning bouquet or some delicious chocolates this Valentine's Day, we've got you covered! We've done our research to bring you a list of some of the best ethical flower and chocolate companies so you can send that special someone the perfect gift, and feel good about it too!
Each company is committed to protecting the Earth, its people, and providing beautiful (and delicious!) products for their customers. Read on for our top picks this V-Day...
FLOWERS
1. URBAN STEMS
RESPONSIBLY SOURCED BLOOMS
Urban Stems works directly with Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and offers a stunning selection of responsibly and sustainably sourced floral arrangements. With plenty of festive Valentine's options, plants, and even dried bouquets, you'll be sure to find an incredibly unique gift for that special someone (or yourself!). They offer same-day delivery in most of NYC and DC, and next day delivery across the lower 48 United States.
2. THE BOUQS CO.
ARTISAN BOUQUETS
3. HOMETOWN FLOWER CO.
FLOWERS IN A BAG
Dubbed "Long Island's first flower truck and digital florist", Hometown Flower Co. is a family-run business that sources all of its flowers locally from Long Island farms. We're currently swooning over their "Small Love" arrangements which are enchanting combinations of blooms in four color choices. Their mobile flower truck called "Baby Blue" (a vintage 1976 Ford F-100) can even be requested for weddings and private events!
4. BLOOMSYBOX
FARM-TO-TABLE FLOWERS
All of BloomsyBox's flowers come from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and are arranged right on the farm they were grown on, cutting out the middleman. Bouquets typically arrive in bud-form, ensuring freshness and maximum longevity. For a unique subscription experience check out their NYBG Collection, a seasonal arrangement delivered monthly and inspired by The New York Botanical Garden. (A percentage of proceeds benefit the garden's research and programs.)
5. ARENA FLOWERS (UK)
THE UK'S #1 RATED ETHICAL FLORIST
Boasting a 'perfect 100' score on the UK's Ethical Company Index, Arena Flowers offers a delightful selection of fresh, in-season blooms. Many of their arrangements are Fair Trade Certified, and they have even cut out single-use plastics from all their products (huge win!). For a fun gifting option, their Letterbox Flowers are packaged so that they can fit through your letterbox and come with instructions so you can arrange your own unique bouquet at home!
CHOCOLATE
1. LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATE
GOURMET VERMONT CHOCOLATE
This multi-generational, family-owned Vermont company boasts a wide variety of decadent chocolate treats with plenty of organic and vegan options to boot. Lake Champlain Chocolate is a Certified B-Corp, meaning they meet high standards for both social and environmental impact, and source their honey, maple syrup, and dairy from local farms. There's plenty of Valentine's themed options for you or your sweetie like this Grand Valentine Chocolate Heart with 21 pieces!
2. CORACAO
ORGANIC VEGAN CHOCOLATE
3. ROGER'S CHOCOLATES
FAIR TRADE CACAO
Roger's Chocolates was established in the late 1800's by Canada's first chocolatier, Charles 'Candy' Rogers, in British Columbia, Canada. You can visit their heritage store in Victoria, which dates back to 1903, and taste Charles's Original Victoria Cream recipe which was his very first creation. The majority of their chocolates are Fair Trade Certified, and they have an impressive selection of Valentine's options to choose from.
4. CHUAO
QUALITY CRAFTED CONFECTIONS
Created with their own proprietary blend of Fair Trade certified chocolate, Chuao has a wide selection of uniquely flavored chocolate bars, caramels, drinking chocolate, Valentines gifts, and more. Some of their fun bar flavors include Honeycomb, Potato Chip, Ravishing Rocky Road, and Cheeky Cheeky Churro to name a few. We've got our eye on the Love Child bonbons- "the love child of wine and chocolate covered strawberries".
5. DIVINE
FARMER OWNED FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATE
Considering the people and the planet in everything they do, Divine is "the only Fair Trade chocolate company owned by cocoa farmers" (and over a third of the owners are women!). This purpose-driven company is committed to empowering farmers by recognizing their significant value in the supply chain and is paving the way for a more sustainable, ethical future in cocoa farming. Their 'Seriously Smooth Milk Chocolate Hearts' or 'Deliciously Rich Dark Chocolate Hearts' are great V-Day gifting options.
We hope this list helps you find the perfect gift for your Valentine, Galentine, or yourself!