We tend to put a lot of pressure on our partners on Valentine’s Day, but it can be just as enjoyable – if not more so – to treat yourself to a gift instead. Here are just a handful of gift ideas that we’ve assembled to make you feel a little bit spoiled, whether you’re in a relationship for Valentine’s Day or not.

1. FLOW Water

Flow is the world’s first alkaline water that’s flavored with organic flavorings: refreshing cucumber-mint or enticing lemon-ginger. Sourced from a Canadian spring and sold in eco-friendly Tetrapak packaging made with paper from FSC-certified forests and non-GMO sugarcane-derived plastic, it’s the perfect beverage to bring along on a hike or walk this Valentine’s Day (your date with nature!)

2. Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé

This Italian sparkling rosé doesn’t just boast a lovely pink hue and an enticing floral fragrance; it’s also eco-friendly and vegan. Copper and sulfur are used as natural fungicides on the vineyard, which also boasts 100 percent renewable energy sources. Vegan-friendly bentonite clay is used during the filtration process in place of the animal byproducts used by some other winemakers, for a sparkling rosé you’re sure to enjoy: with your partner, with your fellow single ladies, or just on your own.

3. Pukka Love Tea

For a non-alcoholic option, Pukka Herbs’ certified organic herbal tea blend, Love is the ultimate in relaxation: a blend of chamomile flower, lime flower, and elderflower soothe the nerves, while rose flowers and lavender flowers offer a heady aroma that’s good for the heart. Sip it hot or use it to make up a reviving face scrub for an at-home spa night (or at the very least, a long bath).

4. Feel PURE Anywhere Balm

PURE Anywhere Balm will make your lips kissably smooth, but it can also be used anywhere else that needs a bit more love. This vegan body balm is made with natural shea butter, blueberry seeds, and beeswax for deep nourishment and hydration, and it boasts a minty fresh aroma, to boot.

5. SpaRitual “Infinitely Loving” Candles

Enjoy a non-toxic aroma experience with SpaRitual. The company specializes in “slow beauty” products made with vegan ingredients, and this philosophy carries over into its candles, made with a blend of essential oils and plant essences for non-toxic relaxation. The “Infinitely Loving” Candle with Chinese jasmine is the ideal way to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on Organic Authority
3 DIY Ways to Say I Heart You This Valentine’s Day
5 Sweetheart Styles for Valentine’s Day
5 Sexy Valentine’s Day Dresses to Get You in the Mood
Design Secrets

The post 5 Valentine’s Day Gifts For You, From You appeared first on EcoSalon.

The holidays are fast approaching and it is time to get shopping. Of course, you want those special someones to receive special presents. If time and ideas are slowing you down, here’s your list of health and wellness gifts for everyone on your list. Best of all, you can buy them all online.

‘Tis the season to come up with amazing gift ideas for your family and friends. But once the festivities begin it can be hard to fit in time to shop for all of that awesome loot.

Sit back, grab a warm beverage, and feast your eyes on what you are getting everyone on your list. All healthy, green, and full of good vibes.

10 Holiday Health and Wellness Gifts for Everyone on Your List

1. Rosie Jane Leila Lou Candle

For the Meditator: Rosie Jane Leila Lou Candle sets the scene for zen.

2. Level Naturals The Mud Bath Bombs

For the Bather: No need to shell out big bucks for a trip to the spa. These sweet little bath bombs contain rhassoul, green, and pink clays for an indulgently detoxifying bath experience.

3. Satva Mantra Legging in Sahara Tile Print

For the Yoga Queen: What yogi wouldn’t love to see these beautiful leggings all wrapped up with a bow? Added bonus, they work great as lounge clothes too.

4. Kjaer Weis Lipstick in Adore

For the Party Thrower: A beautiful lip color gives the perfect greeting. This “Old-Hollywood-glam red” looks great on everyone. For ideas on what to give other party givers this season, check our green hostess gift guide.

5. Kure Bazaar Nail Polish

For Your Mani/Pedi Pal: Surprise your salon-going friend with a gift card to your fave pedi spot and a bottle (or two, or three) of hot color for their digits.

6. Fish Princess Farm Goat Milk Soap

For the Home Buddy: You know that friend whose house always looks like a million bucks? A few high-end looking soaps are just the thing. She can display them or use them to scent closets and drawers.

7. Goop Beauty Eau De Parfum: Edition 01—Winter 2016

For the Sophisticate: This girl is the first in on all the latest trends and fancy stuff. Know what she’ll love? A fragrance no one else in the room is wearing.

8. “The Little Book of Healthy Beauty”

For the Book Worm: A quick read, this book offers advice on looking your best by living a healthy life. A gift that keeps on giving.

9. Kusmi BB Detox Tea

For the Wine Connoisseur: Rather than giving yet another bottle of wine, help your wine loving recipient bounce back the day after with Kusmi BB Detox Tea.

10. Taza Chocolate Chocolate Mexicano Classic Collection

For the Chocoholic: Forget those sugary boxed chocolates and give the gift of pure cacao. USDA Organic, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO. Don’t forget one for yourself!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon
12 Simple, Elegant DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas to Deck Your Halls
Oy to the World! Decorating Tips for an Eco Hanukkah
12 Natural Beauty Resolutions for the New Year

The post Holiday Special: Your Health and Wellness Gifts Guide is Here appeared first on EcoSalon.

Slow down this holiday season and buy your gifts from fashion brands and designers that value sustainably sourced materials, local manufacturing and intelligent design. Our Slow Fashion Gift Guide is full of gorgeous attire and accessories that will become gifts that last a lifetime.

1. Melody Poncho by Use Unused

This beautiful poncho from Belgian brand Use Unused is made from surplus materials and hand knit in Belgium. Wear it over winter sweaters or dresses and top off your look with a chic hat.

$415

2. Clarion Tee by begood

If you’re looking for something simple, this tie-dyed tee from begood is the perfect choice. Made from 100 percent organic, the Clarion tee is a hand tie-dyed and assembled in Los Angeles, CA.

$35

3. Black Messenger Bag by Claire V.

Every girl loves a great bag, especially when its made from naturally dyed nubuck leather. All Claire V bags are designed and made in the USA from the highest quality, sustainably sourced materials.

$380

4. Ivonne Dress in Cobalt by Amour Vert

This is the perfect party dress for New Years and beyond, so wrap it up for your favorite little lady or best friend. The Ivonne Dress is sexy but elegant and made from top quality silk crepe in Los Angeles, CA.

$195

5. Chain Cuff in Gold by Phyllis + Rosie

What is the best accessory for a bright blue dress? Gold, of course! Not that this 14k gold filled, hand forged and hammered cuff with a 14k gold filled chain can only be worn with blue dresses, as its simple and elegant enough to wear with pretty much anything.

$85

6. Bramble Print Bikini Panties by PACT

Underwear is the perfect stocking stuffer, especially when its made out of 100 percent organic cotton and manufactured ethically. Choose from several prints and cuts on the PACT website!

$17

7. Pantalones by Nau

Lounge wear is always appreciated in the winter, especially during the holidays. A more flattering and elegant take on the harem pant, these pants are made from silky soft Modal fiber and ethically manufactured in the USA.

$70

8. Long  Sleeve Round Neck Pullover (100 percent Cashmere) by Winter & Bract

This gorgeous and incredibly soft cashmere sweater from Winter & Bract is a wonderful gift for either her or him that will last a lifetime. Winter & Bract sweaters are designed in WY and made in Scotland from the finest and purest fibers, supporting local mills and artisans.

$200

9. Denim Bramble Knee Sock by PACT

Another great stocking stuffer, socks by PACT are all ethically made from 100 percent organic cotton. Choose from various designs, colors and styles including crew socks, work socks and over the knee socks.

$12

10. Indigo Blue Espadrilles by Alice & Whittles

These are the perfect gift for a friend or family member taking off on a tropical holiday after Christmas. Made from hand selected canvas woven by artisan cooperatives in India and hand crafted by French shoemakers, these espadrilles are comfortable, sustainable and stylish!

$74

Related on EcoSalon

 We Can All Afford to Slow Down

Be Still My Beeping Crackberry: In Defense of Slow

Sole Food: Fairtrade Espadrilles by Alice & Whittles Support Sustainability

The post 10 Gorgeous Slow Fashion Gift Ideas to Last a Lifetime appeared first on EcoSalon.

There’s the trove of holiday gifts for loved ones in the cabinet that has been assembled at the ready since June…of 2009. Then there’s the one person on my list I inevitably forget: say, my own mother. I’m working on this, I really am, but if you’re like me and have yet to check off that last special someone, join me in the quest to save some face with something lovely. If you order any of these gifts by 2 p.m. EST tomorrow (yes, the clock’s ticking uncomfortably fast – we’re slacker shoppers, remember?), you’ll have your present in time for Christmas with standard shipping. And they’re all under $100 (most are under $50), so no sweat, sister.

So go. Done! Whew.

For your fashionista friend or new pal:

Montmartre fingerless gloves, handmade and organic, just $29

Kids and your favorite savers:

Glass piggy bank, $39

For your best friend:

Believe necklaces, prices vary by piece, $19-59

For the hostess or the boss:

Organic lavender caramels, (spring for the 12-piece, you), $29

For the guys:

Living ecosphere, $89

For mom, because you’d never really forget:

Reversible silk throw, $98

(Items shown in clockwise order from top left. This post is sponsored by green retail partner VivaTerra.)

The post Slacker Shopper? Last Minute Gifts You’ll Get in Time appeared first on EcoSalon.

Still struggling to find the perfect gift for your loved ones and not-so-loved ones (like the gum popping girl in the cubicle next to yours)?  That’s completely ridiculous.  The sheer volume of (amazing) gift guides overwhelming ‘blogland’ should be enough brilliant inspiration to finish your list and check it twice.

Of course, in my completely unbiased opinion – you should start with the gorgeous EcoSalon 2010 Gift Guides. But then, after you have soaked in all the details, visit these delicious guides.  When your friends, family, and all your gift recipients thank you, you can thank me.

2010 Gift Guide Guide

A Cup Of Jo

Don’t miss the gift guide archives!

Apartment Therapy

Bits of Beauty (For Him & For Her)

Bloesem

Bodie & Fou

Coco + Kelley

Core77

Design*Sponge

EcoSalon

Elements of Style

Inhabitat

Lonny

Don’t miss the green gifts!

Oh Joy!

Poppytalk

Pure Green Magazine (Page 16 – 29)

Featuring gifts guides from seven design bloggers, including Victoria from sfgirlbybay and moi, yours truly.

Re-Nest

Standard Magazine (Page 14)

Sub-Studio Design Blog

Village Gift Guide Collection

A tidy list of links to heaps of gift guides.

Merry Shopping!

(Image from Homelife, as seen on This is Glamorous.)

The post Gift Guide-A-Palooza appeared first on EcoSalon.

These gifts are for the little ones (kids) in your life – maybe even your own inner child. From building blocks to woolly seals, we have gathered some of the best eco-friendly holiday gifts for your gifting pleasure.

Outfit the little guy or gal with a map of your hometown hood, offer them a cute and cuddly friend to snuggle up with, encourage their aspiring Picasso, and prep them for preschool with A-B-Cs and 1-2-3s.

Clockwise from top left:

1. Brooklyn Onesie – Maptote, $25
2. Mavis the Monkey – Branch Home, $75
3. Natural Modeling Dough – Clementine Art, $9.99
4. Uncle Goose A B C Blocks – ChildTrek, $39.95

Or give the kids hours of epic and educational T.V. time, wrap them in something fuzzy and fun, warm their footsies with friendly faces, and offer them a perfect place to store their books and stuff.

Clockwise from top left:

5. Planet Earth DVD Set – Discovery Store, $39.99
6. Babyseal – Birkiland, $111.74
7. Toddler Sock Monkey Slippers – Uncommon Goods, $18
8. Ecotots Bonsai Book Caddy – Organic Bug, $100

It’s never too early to teach them manners at High Tea time, or how to safely venture into the wild (backyard) on an African Safari.

9. Toy Tea Set – re:modern, $27
10. Plywood Animal Menagerie – Branch Home, $62

And finally, make sure they always have a place to play or put their tushies (and you’re party-prepared with extra seating), and let their imaginations run wild with a home of their own design.

11. Three Blocks by Kalon Studios – Greener Grass Design, $750
12. Large Kid Playhouse by Tooko – Greener Grass Design, $55

Click here to devour all of our 2010 Gift Guides.

The post 2010 Gift Guide: For Kids appeared first on EcoSalon.

These gifts are for the souls in your life that are brimming with charisma and personality (or maybe those begging for a hint of humor). From ski masks with facial hair to balls of seeds, we have gathered some of the best eco-friendly holiday gifts for your gifting pleasure. Give a handful of pencils fashioning mustaches, an Icelandic ski mask, wooden tools to serve up your salads, an Amish made scooter, or a tin to help you budget for a new tattoo (complete with hysterical instructions, including, “Do Not Tattoo Your Face.”

Clockwise from top left:

1. Office Mustaches – Atypyk, $14.85
2. Beard Cap (Gray) – Birkiland, $91.20
3. Salad Wrenches – Atypyk, $25.65
4. Amish Made Scooter (Orange) – Reform School Rules, $245
5. I’m Savin’ Up for a New Tattoo – VideoSift, $7.95

Or how about giving someone a book that’s illegible, a ceramic shutter, gumball seed pods, facial hair on a stick, a pinhole aperture, or a roadkill necklace.

6. Romeo & Julienne – Atypyk, $23.62
7. Ghost Camera (Polaroid) – Branch Home, $68
8. Seed Bombs (West Coast) – Anthropologie, $6
9. Mustache on a Stick (Bartender) – Something’s Hiding in Here, $36
10. Paint Can Pinhole Camera – The Conran Shop, $20
11. Geo Necklace – Roadkill, $110

Still haven’t found the perfect gift?  How about this plastic aversion bag or this five year memory?

Click here to devour all of our 2010 Gift Guides.

The post 2010 Gift Guide: For All appeared first on EcoSalon.

These gifts are for the spaces we live in and the kitchens we cook in. From glass bottles that hold your water to gourmet chocolates that tease your palate, we have gathered some of the best holiday gifts for your gifting pleasure. Give someone a silhouette to dangle on the tree, an ancient tray of cellulose, a bottle of homemade vodka, a pair of antlers (calm down, they’re resin), talons to open their spirits, or a bottle of water (well, a glass bottle to hold tap water).

Clockwise from top left:

1. Floating Feather Ornaments – Jayson Home & Garden, $10
2. Petrified Wood Tray – Jayson Home & Garden, $65 – 148
3. Homemade Fig & Vanilla Infused Vodka Recipe – Sweet Paul Magazine (Holiday Issue)
4. Resin Antlers – Haus Interior, $38.50
5. Claw Bottle Opener – Jayson Home & Garden, $24
6. Tap Water Bottle – Reform School Rules, $14

Delight someone with this ceramic butter dish or give your gracious hostess a tea towel to die for. How about giving your favorite foodie a handmade ceramic dish to hold artisan salts? Or give your dinner guests a surprise at the bottom of their coffee.

7. Banded Butter Dish – Pigeon Toe Ceramics, $52
8. Feather Kitchen Linen (Oatmeal) – Herriott Grace, $26
9. Folded Salt & Pepper Cellars – Pigeon Toe Ceramics, $38
10. Hidden Animal Teacups (Fox) – imm Living, $15

And for dessert, let some of this gourmet chocolate melt in your mouth (or give it to someone else to savor).

11. Orange Napolitains – Claudio Corallo, $22
12. Organic Peanut Butter Bonbons – Vosges Haut-Chocolat, $27
13. Peppermint Bark Box – Askinosie Chocolate, $39

Click here to devour all of our 2010 Gift Guides.

The post 2010 Gift Guide: For Spaces appeared first on EcoSalon.

These gifts are for the feminine souls in your life. From gold to lip gloss and vegan leather to metallic pig banks, we have gathered some of the best eco-friendly holiday gifts for your gifting pleasure. Give her a necklace that always invites a wish, rescue your friend who still has cash swimming in the bottom of her purse, wrap her collar bones in sunshine, warm her hands, and then embellish her nails.

Clockwise from top left:

1. Wishbone Necklace by Vera Meat – Reform School Rules, $120
2. Cursive Vegan Leather Wallet (Rust) – Matt & Nat, $55
3. Get Spotted Scarf (Byzantine Brass) – Madewell, $19.99
4. Alpaca Hand Warmers (Grey) – Annie O Boutique, $48
5. 3 Free Lacquers (Rosie Lee) – Butter London, $14

Or show her that brooches can provide delicate edge, a four-inch feather can be entirely alluring, give her ballet flats to snuggle her piggies, surprise her with a glamorous way to save her pennies (after all, even the girl who has everything probably doesn’t have a chrome metallic piggy bank), or delight her forearm with this intricate cuff (and yes, there’s a hidden pocket).

6. Octave Pin – Green with Glamour, $74.25
7. As a Feather Necklace – Tilly Bloom, $26.50
8. Eco Friendly Vegan Cotton Flat Shoes – Extraseed, $38
9. Harry Allen’s Pig Bank, A + R, $198 (Other colors for half the cost!)
10. Leather Cuff (Lace) – ToviCorrie, $29

And finally, coat her lips in glamor or liven up her morning with eucalyptus.

11. Organic Lip Lustre (Coco Honey) – Nvey Eco, $24
12. Eucalyptus Bar Soap – Leap Organics, $5
13. Organic Lip Lustre (Cristal) – Nvey Eco, $24

The post 2010 Gift Guide: For Her appeared first on EcoSalon.

Perhaps it used to be taboo to look a gift horse in the mouth, but the ways of the world are changing. Given all of the safety recalls (ahem, the lead and cadmium contamination), and the manufacturing hazards that have gone hand-in-hand with so many childrens’ toys on the market – research, education and a discerning eye are now necessary byproducts when it comes to purchasing childrens’ gifts.

Parents should not feel the least bit tacky about giving direction to friends and family who are buying birthday presents for their kids. But there’s a way you can do so with finesse. Here are several savvy approaches you can take to ensure your little one will receive a safe, green, non-toxic gift to commemorate her big day!

Most gift givers will be thrilled to have the guesswork taken out of their search for the perfect offering; especially if you’re known in your circle (like I am) for being a green consumer with discriminating taste.

If you want your child to open a good old fashioned present, try these routes for making sure what’s in the box is suitable:

• Email a wish list to friends and family that you know would like to buy your child a gift. This can be as simple as sending a link to an Amazon wish list you create for your child.
• Select a specific store and create an online registry of appropriate gifts through that store. As with any registry, include a wide range of offerings to accommodate every price point.

For monetary gifting:

• Open a 529 college savings account for your child, and ask people to invest in her future, as opposed to buying her a toy.
• If your child has a particular love of animals, trees, nature, the ocean etc., you may want to discuss with her the notion of having gift givers donate to a charity of her choosing which supports her favorite cause.

Intangible gifting:

• Ask revelers to contribute to an annual membership to your local zoo, science museum, children’s museum, or botanical gardens. Then you’ll have an entire year to reap the fun rewards of taking your child on many educational excursions.
• If your child is interested in taking music lessons, dance lessons, horseback riding lessons, etc., ask party goers to pitch in to teach her a skill she’ll enjoy learning.
• Does a certain friend or family member have a special gift they could share with your child? Can grandma teach her how to make her secret banana bread recipe? Can your best friend teach her how to knit? The gift of someone’s time and expertise will be a cherished addition to your child’s interior landscape!

Image:liz_noise

The post How to Request and Receive Safe Birthday Gifts for Your Kids appeared first on EcoSalon.