A VERY CONSCIOUS VALENTINES DAY GIFT GUIDE - 2026

As everyone’s favorite Hallmark holiday rolls around we have been inspired by updating our neighborhood stores and finding conscious gifts that we think will score a home run for Valentines Day. We picked all sorts of categories and price ranges from very affordable to quite aspirational. We have gifts for him, her, they, us, everyone! They are artisanal, from small or heritage brands, sustainable, eco-friendly, unique, thoughtful and made for the conscious customer. Just click on the captions for a link to their online shop and more information.

We also will have a Galentines Day blog coming up with an idea we hope will catch on like wildfire. Stay tuned!

Below are our twelve picks (we had ten originally but just had to add two more gift suggestions).

THE TRIBES OF MOROCCO - MEDIUM ESSENCE OF ATLAS SERVING TAGINE

The Tribes of Morocco - Medium Essence of Atlas Serving Tagine, $65

The Tribes of Morocco, a small store in the East Village that specializes in Moroccan products made by artisans have this beautiful tagine for serving Moroccan food. It comes in a blue and white Moroccan motif inspired by the Atlas Mountains that can equally serve as home decor. It’s the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook. Perhaps a tasty Moroccan meal can be included in the Valentine’s day gift?

MELA - MAKE A BAG

Mela - One of Mela’s bag style Luna in Zest color, $350

Mela is an up and coming award winning vegan handbag brand that not only shuns animal skin but also avoids using petroleum products which can be just as harmful to the environment in creating vegan products. Mela has created a material made from apple skins, an apple leather called Melatex®. We recommend not only the stylish handbags from Mela as a Valentines Day gift but offering their “Make a Mela Bag” an exclusive opportunity to design the Mela bag of your dreams at their Soho store. During your personalized consultation, you’ll explore their range of styles, select your details, and watch your vision come to life through their made-to-order process. In two weeks, your custom creation will be ready to take home! Carefully crafted and sustainably made. If there is no access to the New York store you can always order one of their styles online. To make an appointment click here.

THE CANVAS - AZURE BEADED EARRINGS

The Canvas - Azure Beaded Earrings - $185

The Canvas is a multibrand fashion and design retailer bringing a selection of brands to New York City. The brands are emerging or established, each characterized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We wanted to recommend a gift from The Canvas and these stunning beaded earrings are a statement piece of jewelry anyone would love for Valentines Day. Handmade by a women’s collective in Mexico, these earrings are a Gold/Silver plated earrings, composed of an assembly of colored beads woven by hand. Approx. 5.25”L x 1”W - 13.5cm x 3cm. Best is that it is a very affordable piece of jewelry.

WICKED AND POUR - CANDLE MAKING CLASSES

Wick and Pour - Candle Making Classes - From $50

A great idea for Valentines Day is to have an experience together creating a beautiful souvenir of the day and that is Wick and Pour, a candle making shop in New York City. Here you and yours can create your signature scent, use vibrant colors, and textures to craft candles that are uniquely yours. The candles are a combination of soy wax and their enticing scents are curated in-house with essential oils and phthalate-free fragrances. It’s a fun and easy experience, affordable and quite romantic.

COMMODITY - THE MINI WARDROBE SET

Commodity - The Mini Wardrobe Set - $75

Commodity is a fragrance brand created by artisans using the best ingredients to create the most innovative scents. This is a sustainable, ethical fragrance brand that believes in transparency of what is in their scents using only clean ingredients which is a growing list of ingredients flagged by global regulatory bodies for potential health or environmental harm. Commodity partners exclusively with perfume houses that prioritize both environmental and social responsibility when sourcing raw materials from around the world and their packaging is more sustainable, as Commodity is working toward fully recyclable, reduced-impact packaging. We love their gifts sets especially “The Mini Wardrobe Set” which contains each fragrance in its best-selling Scent Space version (the container has three different settings a closely-projecting Personal, a noticeably unique Expressive, and a room-filling Bold version.) so that you can rotate your scent. Perfumes are such popular Valentines Day gifts and with this gift set that is unisex and convenient you can’t go wrong.

ONCEPT - TORONTO MEN’S RETRO SNEAKER

Oncept - Toronto Men’s Retro Sneaker in Flame - $300

What’s a quick way to a man’s heart? A smart set of stylish trainers that are also sustainable. In comes Oncept, a brand that strives to have a low carbon footprint. Oncept has a process called “re-speckled” this is a process that uses leftover rubber from other manufacturing and combines this excess material with new rubber to produce new outsoles.  Re-speckled is a certified process that uses 55% discarded material which saves hundreds of tons of waste in landfills. They utilize sustainable bio based memory foam made from castor oil (plant based) and recycled rubber. They source their leather ethically and use recycled nylon (made from plastic water bottle) and other recycled materials. That said the brand does not skim on style. Toronto mixes retro style, comfortability and eco-friendly design (seen here in Flame, offered in five color ways). It’s definitely a win/win gift for everyone.

THE MEADOW - CLOUDFATHER VALENTINA DARK CHOCOLATE WITH MAPLE

The Meadow - Cloudforest - Valentina Dark Chocolate with Maple - $12

The Meadow is a much loved neighborhood shop selling pantry goods such as salts, bitters, chocolates and more (plus fresh cut flowers). Since chocolates are an iconic Valentines Day gift for your loved one we have chosen for our chocolate gift a chocolate from the chocolate brand cloudforest, a small Portland, Oregon based chocolatier that uses organic ingredients with unique flavors. Valentina is the flavor we chose that is 75% dark chocolate with a combination of Canadian maple and Ecuadorian cacao (weight: 1.2345 oz). It’s a delicious and affordable gift.

THEO HABERDASHERY - ROLEX MARCONI SPECIAL WATCH FROM THE 1940’S

Theo’s Haberdashery - Rolex Marconi Special Watch from the 1940”s - $1,250

One of the most sustainable and conscious gifts you can give your loved one are vintage pieces. Whether it’s fashion, accessories, art, home decor, objects or jewelry, to find a special piece that has been created by an artisan and was once treasured. Theo’s Haberdashery is a men’s boutique curated to showcase vintage Americana, fine watches and jewelry, and includes their very own cigar line inspired by their namesake Theodore Roosevelt. An exceptional gift for a man is a piece of jewelry and a vintage Rolex is the ultimate gift for your loved one. We love this one-of-a-kind piece for the boutique, a Rolex Marconi Special Watch from the 1940’s. It’s 28mm with a Ghost sector dial, Mechanical wind. In working condition. The watch comes with a one year mechanical warranty. It’s on the high end of spending for a gift but we feel it will be cherished and destined to become a family heirloom.

SPIRITED AWAY - RITUAL ZERO PROOF - TEQUILA ALTERNATIVE

Spirited Away - Ritual Zero Proof - Alternative Tequila - $35

Sharing a Valentines Day cocktail is a romantic way to start an evening or Valentines Day meal. However many people these days are forgoing alcohol yet miss the taste and the social bonding of having a cocktail to toast their love. That is why we highly recommend from our favorite alcohol-free wine and spirits store, Spirited Away this zero proof tequila alternative, Ritual Zero. “Crafted for margaritas, Ritual Tequila Alternative brings the heat to your favorite cocktails. Greeting you with a rich golden hue, a traditional blue agave aroma opens up on the pour. Ripe tropical guava is underscored by the mellow spice of black peppercorn as the flavor grows, going deeper with charred oak and mesquite smoke. Bright Mexican lime gives way to a clean, spicy finish, with a kiss of cracked sea salt for good measure.” Ritual’s tequila alternative has a high taste score of 94 points from the industry-standard Beverage Testing Institute. It’s all the taste and ceremony of tequila without the hangover and poor decision making tequila can incur (speaking from experience).

TORU + NAOKO - CARMIN BODYSUIT

Toru + Naoko - Carmin Bodysuit - $164

It wouldn’t be a Valentines Day gift guide without recommending lingerie. We have chosen a gorgeous piece from the sustainable lingerie brand Toru + Naoko. Toru + Naoko is “dedicated to crafting beautiful lingerie with a conscience. Their 100% female artisan team ensures ethical production, while they source sustainable materials and operate in small batches to eliminate waste. Eco-friendly packaging and carbon offsetting initiatives further our commitment to a greener future.” The Carmin Bodysuit features a high waist bottom thong, attached in the front center with a bralette, with adjustable back and shoulder straps. Also includes a pair of detachable straps that can be attached to the front center. It’s beautiful, sexy, stylish and just keeps on giving and giving. She’ll love this lingerie and will want to wear it daily, you know for the sustainability. ;)

IRVING GREEN - FOXFORD MAEVE CASHMERE & wool THROW

Irving Green - Foxford Maeve Cashmere & Wool Throw - $198

If your perfect idea of celebrating Valentines Day is staying in with your bo having a Netflix and chill kinda evening then may we recommend this exquisite cashmere and wool throw. Just imaging cuddling under this ultra soft cashmere and wool throw from Irving Green, a boutique that curates home decor and gifts from around the world. This cashmere and wool throw, the Maeve, comes from Foxford Mill, a mill that sits on the banks of the River Moy in County Mayo, Ireland. They have been manufacturing the finest wool throws and blankets for over 130 years. The Maeve is woven in a classic herringbone design, and crafted from a soft blend of lambswool and cashmere with a traditional roll fringe. Material: 95% Lambswool 5% Cashmere. Size : 140 x 180cm. Perfect for a cozy night in celebrating Valentines Day.

SANTA MARIA NOVELLA - EMULSIONE ANALCOLICA NON-ALCOHOLIC AFTER SHAVE EMULSION

Santa Maria Novella - Emulsione Analcolica Non-Alcoholic After Shave Emulsion - $65

A gift he is bound to love and appreciate is from the Florence heritage brand Santa Maria Novella, the Emulsione Analcolica Non-Alcoholic After Shave Emulsion. It’s not only women that should have a skin routine, help guide him to the amazing products from Santa Maria Novella, the after shave emulsion has no alcohol and is an “innovative and gentle formula with citrus notes, designed for those seeking an effective post-shave treatment that is also kind to the skin. This milky fluid emulsion boasts astringent, emollient, and refreshing properties, offering an immediate sensation of freshness after both electric and razor.” This emulsion will get the skin hydrated, healthy and smelling light and clean. A skin care routine is a sign of self care and self love and isn’t that what Valentines Day is all about, Hallmark holiday and all?

Well that is our selection for conscious gift giving on Valentines Day. We hope the selection helps you out or at the very least gives you a guideline to find conscious gifts that are local from a small, artisanal business. If you are going to celebrate Valentine's Day remember it really is the thought that counts. Happy Valentines Day!

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HIM

It’s our third holiday gift guide and this post is about special, unique artisanal gifts for HIM. There are so many considerate, distinctive and unique gifts to give that he will love. He will be flattered that you sought out such noteworthy gifts that not only will he cherish but will help out small local brands. We picked ten different gift suggestions in all categories and price ranges. Click onto the captions for the link to the online store (all suggestions also have an online store with shipping).

JOHN ROBSHAW - RALLI JACKET

JOHN ROBSHAW SHOP, RALLI JACKET - PRICE UPON REQUEST

Textile designer John Robshaw has a shop in Falls Village, CT that has a curated selection of John’s products plus his finds from his world travels. John had some extra Ralli blankets from India and had men’s jackets made of them with some beautiful embroidery on top. They are fun, colorful and unique. If you have an over the top man in your life who loves to be the life of the party, may we recommend the Ralli Jacket. Please email theshop@johnrobshaw.com or call 917-781-0130 to inquire about the jackets.

MICHAEL ANDREWS - LUCKY YOU CUFFLINKS

MICHAEL ANDREWS - LUCKY YOU CUFFLINKS, SILVER, $375

Ultra exclusive men’s atelier Michael Andrews not only offers bespoke suits and men’s accessories they also have great curated finds. We love the “Lucky You” silver cufflinks. The crossed fingers are a great gift to give good luck to any man on an important day. The silver makes it extra elegant. It’s a great accessory and a thoughtful gift for the special man in your life.

HIVE & COLONY - SARTOR EAU DE PARFUM

HIVE & COLONY - SARTOR EAU DE PARFUM, 3.4 OZ, $185

Hive & Colony, a men’s bespoke brand has a unique collection of men’s accessories. We selected a scent that was made for Hive & Colony and is simply sumptuous. It is guaranteed to be admired by the wearer and anyone in their vicinity. Made in Italy the scent connotes: “Experience the essence of craftsmanship with a captivating blend of spiced sandalwood, iris, and violet. Indulge in the luxurious heart of pure elegance, enhanced by rich notes of precious woods and musk for a seductive, powerful allure”.

RIZZOLI BOOKSTORE - THE COCKTAIL CABINET: TEQUILA: THE ESSENTIAL DRINKS EVERY TEQUILA & MEZCAL LOVER SHOULD KNOW

RIZZOLI BOOKSTORE - THE COCKTAIL CABINET: TEQUILA: THE ESSENTIAL DRINKS EVERY TEQUILA & MEZCAL LOVER SHOULD KNOW, $24.95

We love recommending books as gifts, especially when they come from independent bookstores or art book stores. Here not only are we recommending a book from Rizzoli with a subject that is near and dear to many, the joy of tequila and mezcal. After learning more about mezcal in Mexico earlier this year we fell in love with this book and its expertise on the subject. “The Cocktail Cabinet: Tequila distills the best of the spirits with 50 cards that feature recipes for any mood, whether you'd like to get smoky with a Oaxaca old fashioned or enjoy a lazy afternoon with a punchy siesta.”

With mid-century-inspired illustrations, easy-to-follow recipes, and guides to garnishes, glassware, ice, and syrups, this deck is the ideal pick for budding mixologists and bartending experts. So if you know a man that is starting a bar area in a corner of his home or has transformed his man’s cave into a sleek 20’s inspired speakeasy bar, this is the perfect gift.

DUNCAN QUINN - SAILING BAG

DUNCAN QUINN - SAILING BAG, $1,500

Duncan Quinn is a men’s bespoke boutique in Nolita, NYC that has been iconic for offering men bespoke outfits with an international twist. We feel every man needs a special carry on bag to match his adventurous spirit and desire for travel. This Sailing Bag is handmade in “Palma, Majorca by a small artisanal shop that specializes in bespoke fitted luggage for superyacht nooks and crannies. Made from carbon fiber sails used on racing yachts, then cut by hand and painted by hand using the same paint as used for markings on racing sails. Featuring the Duncan Quinn signature Smoking Skull and number print on opposite side (number may vary.) Shoulder strap and red hand carries on both ends. Complies with hand luggage carry-on sizing for once you get back into the air”.

MEERIN - SNUFF WAXY KUDU BOOTS

MEERIN - SNUFF WAXY KUDU BOOTS, $275

Meermin is a family owned & operated business based in the beautiful island of Mallorca in Spain. The brand is dedicated to produce & sell well made, quality Goodyear Welted shoes at a radical affordable price point. One of their newest styles is Snuff Waxy Kudu Boot. This boots is so special and well made that any fashion conscious man who still values comfort would love to own. The copy is long but does describe how special and well made this boot is. “The Waxy Kudu leather is a special one—waxed antelope leather from Southern regions of Africa. A striking & very unique leather which features all the natural blemishes, marks and scratches of a wild antelope that lived in the bushes. Blemishes & cuts are part of the interest of this leather and will be used on the production of the uppers. Please note that this leather does not look like smooth French calfskin at all, is a very rugged, mellow & very unique Antelope leather which accepts scars & marks as part of the uniqueness—which make every single pair truly unique. These boots feature our newest NEGON last, specifically designed to enhance the overall fit and comfort. The wider and flatter toe shape allows for ample room, preventing any discomfort or pinching. The supporting back area provides excellent stability and ensures a secure fit for all-day wear. The interior of the boots is where luxury meets functionality. The shaft is fully unlined and the vamp is lined with horsehide leather, offering a smooth and breathable environment for your feet. This natural material provides superior moisture management and enhances the overall comfort. To further enhance the fit and ease of wearing, the boots come with an extended bellows tongue, allowing for easy entry and a snug fit. These boots are Flex Goodyear Welted to ensure durability and flexibility, aside from being fully resoleable when the time comes. The thick veg-tan flat welts, leather insoles and midsoles provide exceptional support and adaptability, making every step comfortable and fatigue-free. Equipped with a convenient double city lug outsole, this boot is built to handle whatever comes your way”.

FALCONERI - ULTRASOFT CASHMERE CABLE-KNIT MOTIF TURTLENECT SWEATER

FALCONERI - ULTRASOFT CASHMERE CABLE-KNIT MOTIF TURTLENECT SWEATER, $635

Italian luxury artisanal fashion brand is world renowned for their spectacular cashmere. Their secret is a magical combination of the finest natural fibers, Italian artisan skills and innovative production systems from the pastures of Mongolia to the special artisan craftsmanship in Italy. This sweater is so lovely, stylish and soft that any man would love to live in it. It comes in other colors besides Dark Green (also available in blue, natural and alabaster beige). Made from 100% cashmere: “A refined cable-knit motif characterizes this turtleneck sweater made of fine Ultrasoft Cashmere. The wrap-around effect and Nordic-inspired design are combined with a regular fit, making the piece ideal for all-day wear”.

MoMA - De Stijl Tumbling Tower

MoMA - De Stijl Tumbling Tower, $58

Boys and their toys! Well this isn’t a sports car but this game is a popular fun way to spend an evening and looks great in your home, like a Piet Mondrian sculpture. The MoMA De Stijl Tumbling Tower was designed by Monica Albornoz through MoMA's collaboration with the MFA Products of Design program at the School of Visual Arts. “MoMA Exclusive: This take on the classic game brings the aesthetics of the De Stijl movement—with its bright primary colors and geometric shapes—to life in 3D form. Think of it as an interactive Mondrian painting. To play, build a tower by stacking three side by side blocks in each row, alternating 90 degrees with each layer. Players take turns removing a block from the tower and placing it on top. The composition evolves as each player makes their mark. The last player to successfully remove and stack a block without the tower falling wins the game. The game ends when the tower falls. Made of sustainably harvested rubberwood. For two or more players. Measures 12”h x 3”w x 3”d.”

ORNAMENTS FOR ORPHANS - FELT WOOL GOLF BAG ORNAMENT

ORNAMENTS FOR ORPHANS - FELT WOOL GOLF BAG ORNAMENT, $12.99

We found this sweet gift that is perfect for a host or office colleague that loves golf. Or any of your male friends that love golf. Your favorite golfer will love this golf bag filled with clubs. These ornaments are handmade by artisans in Nepal, Asia using colorful sheep wool. Best thing is that Ornament 4 Orphans is a fair trade, social business. They sell handmade products made by artisans in Kenya, Uganda, Peru and Nepal. All proceeds are invested back into the communities where they work to provide jobs, fight poverty, encourage sustainability, keep vulnerable children with their families and prevent them from becoming orphans. So when you buy this as a gift so many people around the world are winning.

BOY SMELLS - COWBOY KUSH CANDLE

BOY SMELLS - COWBOY KUSH CANDLE, 8.5 oz $48

A candle is always a good gift and we love BOY SMELLS candle company from Los Angeles. The company is dedicated to scents that go beyond the gender binary. Cowboy Kush is a spell-binding, masculine scent that would elevate any area of smells of well-worn leather of spiced patchouli with puffs of pot.. “Just like enjoying a joint at the rodeo, this tumbleweed of a scent is a rustic accumulation of soft suede and spiced saffron with puffs of pot leaf and patchouli floating through. Earthy, grounded, it is warm and well-worn like a saddle with notes of tonka bean and patchouli. A best seller and for good reason, enjoy riding off into your own olfactive sunset.”

We tried for the first time hosting an evening with men from all backgrounds to give us their opinions of the gift suggestions we had and these were the gifts that were 100% approved based on their uniqueness, craftsmanship and price points. Plus the added benefit that all the brands are small and specialize in artisanal products. A good feedback we received when presenting our picks were, “I would be so happy to receive these gifts and would appreciate the thought that went into getting me a gift that I would appreciate”. So if that is the feeling you want the man in your life to have we recommend our gift choices or as a suggestion so you can shop locally in your neighborhood for something as special. There is always a small, local artisanal brand near you hoping you will see beyond the Amazons of this world and large scale department stores to relish the specialness of beautifully crafted gift.

By Natalie Rivera