Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! I know this is a holiday that some people love and some people can’t stand but at the end of the day, I think it’s a great excuse to treat myself and those I care about! This year, I wanted to try to make my gifts more eco-friendly and still just as thoughtful. After visiting Replenish Grocers, my favorite low waste refillery and grocer in North Beach San Francisco, I was inspired with a few fun ideas!

Zero Waste Candy Jars:

I had so much fun with this one! I brought three jars I had, one for me and the other two as gifts, and filled them with some sweet treats! I got myself chocolate covered espresso beans (best I’ve ever had!!) and the others with chocolate covered almonds and cute rainbow chocolate covered peanuts. Then I had some fun and painted on them for an extra touch! It’s a fun and personalized way to gift some zero waste candy.

Here’s a little video of how I upcycled jars into these cute candy jars, from start to finish!

Self Care Items:

Whether this is to treat yourself or someone you care about, you can’t go wrong with self-care themed items, in my opinion! Here are a few of my fave self-care related gifts:

DIY Bath Salt:

I’ve given this as a gift a couple of times and always love how it turns out! I bring in jars to get mineral bath salt, and then two small jars that I fill with lavender and rose buds! Then I assemble them together and use my label maker to complete the jar. I love putting the person’s name on it so it feels extra personalized! The last time I visited Replenish Grocers, I made a bath salt mix for myself to enjoy. Can’t wait to bring my jar back to refill it when I’m done with it!

Already Made Eco-Conscious Products:

You can also get already made self-care or spa day items like mineral bath salts, bath tea, body oil, and candles. If you have an eco-friendly store near you like Replenish Grocers, check out to see what they offer first! If you’d like to order something online, here are a few of my favorite brands with self-care items to check out:

`I love adding essential oils to my baths for extra relaxation!`

Osea - Body Oil + Skincare: I’m a big fan of body oil and the Undaria Algae Body Oil from Osea is one of my all time favorites. They also have other clean, vegan, and cruelty-free self care products and sets!

Primally Pure - Body Oils + Skincare: I love the Blue Tansy Body Oil! They also have other body oils, bath salts, and self care items like facial rollers.

Moco Candles - Eco-Conscious Candles: I love their plastic-free packaging and they are all so cute! The Matcha Milk candle makes a thoughtful gift for your matcha loving friend!

Perfect Blue Alchemy - Essential Oils, Body Oil, Body Care: If you’re looking for a gift for an essential oil lover, Perfect Blue Alchemy is the spot to go! I love their essential oils to use in my diffusers and their Hibernate Room and Body spray is one of my faves.

Breakfast in Bed:

`Grinding coffee beans in my new reusable coffee bag at Replenish Grocers!`

Is that special someone a morning person or a big fan of breakfast? Consider treating them to breakfast in bed! You can pick up some fresh coffee or loose leaf tea to brew at home and make them their favorite breakfast. Last time I stopped in Replenish Grocers, I got the Songbird Nicaraguan coffee in a reusable coffee bean bag, and WOW it might just be one of my favorite coffees I’ve ever tried! They also have a great selection of loose leaf teas, from chamomile and chai, to early grey and matcha, you’ll be sure to find something they’ll love. Don’t forget to check out the grocery section to pick up some organic and package free ingredients you need! Whether that’s eggs and fresh veggies for an omelet, some seasonal fruit, or even maple syrup to add on pancakes or waffles, bring in your grocery list! Whatever you decide to make, breakfast in bed is always a fun surprise and thoughtful gesture!

Home Cooked Meal:

Maybe if they’re less of a morning person (like me!) you can’t go wrong with cooking them a beautiful home-cooked meal. Cooking a meal is so thoughtful and a great way to spend some quality time together. You could cook your partner's favorite meal or have a fun make your own pizza ladies night! Whatever you decide to cook, stop in to Replenish Grocers to get some low waste ingredients! I love how they have organic, package-free produce and other cooking staples like eggs, butter, goat chees, coconut yogurt, and so much more. Check out this page on their website for a list of what they stock!

However you like to spend this day have fun with it, treat yourself, and tell those you care about how much you appreciate them.