The Best Fair Trade Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Our Top 10 Picks

<p>It's Valentine's Day. You're standing in line with a dozen other people who all forgot until 4:30 pm and are now hurriedly picking out a card, flowers, and chocolate for their significant other, and are keeping their heads down, hoping their loved one doesn't spot them and call them out for their procrastination.</p>

<p>We've all seen this scenario, and probably been there once or twice ourselves. But, with a little planning ahead, you can find a beautiful gift that shows just how much you care while supporting global artisans and farmers.</p>

<p>By shopping fair trade this Valentine's Day, you're giving a gift that gives back. Every item from SERRV helps an artisan or farmer gain access to basic healthcare, resources, and a vital income to support their family. What could be more romantic than that?</p>

<p>While February 14th is typically associated with romance, it's also the perfect time to show friends and family you love them too!</p>

<p>But now comes the question—what is the perfect handmade gift? To help you sort through countless options on the web, we've pulled together favorite handmade global gifts for everyone on your "I love you" list.</p>

<h3>Gifts for Friends</h3>

<p>Finding the perfect Valentine's Day gift for Galentine's Day on February 13th, a treat for a beloved pet, and all those special someones in your life is easy when you shop fair trade.</p>

<h4>1. Chocolate!</h4>

<p>You can't go wrong with this a classic gift, so why not give twice with fair trade chocolate! We have several flavors of Divine Chocolate, from rich dark chocolate with toffee and sea salt to creamy milk chocolate. For that serious chocolate lover (or if you have a lot of gifts to give), a case of artisan chocolate bars is perfect. Make their day with our Top Sellers Gift Box, filled with a variety of delicious chocolate flavors. When you give fair trade chocolate, you also support small-scale cocoa farmers in Ghana, who earn fair prices for their beans and can invest in projects to improve their communities. </p>

<h4>2. Fair Trade Coffee & Ceramic Mugs</h4>

<p>Know someone who can't live without their morning cup of coffee? Our organic coffees (paired with a ceramic coffee mug from Vietnam or the West Bank) make the perfect sustainable gift! Handmade with natural clay, our mugs and other handmade kitchenware pieces are beautiful, eco-friendly additions to any cupboard. And our fair trade coffee is some of the most flavorful they'll have. Coffee not their beverage of choice? We have delightful loose-leaf teas from Kenya, too!</p>

<h4>3. Eco-Friendly Pillows & Throws</h4>

<p>Why not say 'I love you' to your favorite furry friend? Handmade from recycled, washed, and rewoven clothing, our eco-friendly Rethread Throws from India provide a cozy spot to sit for your couch-dwelling cat or pooch and also provide a source of sustainable income for artisans. Pair with a matching pillow to complete the look! </p>

<h3>Gifts for Her</h3>

<h4>4. Eco-Friendly Bouquets</h4>

<p>Why not surprise the love of your life with a beautiful piece of home decor she can look at every day! SERRV has several handmade varieties of everlasting flowers, such as the beautiful Felt Rose Bouquet from India. Looking for a little less color? Our Blush Corn Husk Dahlias or Sola Rosebud Stems will bring a smile to her face and soft color to any room. Put them in a handcrafted vase and pair with some artisan chocolates to make the typical gift anything but!</p>

<h4>5. Stay-At-Home Spa Day</h4>

<p>Looking for the perfect relaxation gift for her? She'll fall in love with our natural bath salts. Made with genuine sea salt from the South African coast, our ethically made Renew Bath Salts give her a chance to relax while giving artisans in South Africa vital employment where opportunities are few. Pair it with a colorful recycled sari robe and sleep mask from India, each as unique as she is, to complete the experience. (We'd also recommend a foot massage!)</p>

<h4>6. Handmade Jewelry</h4>

<p>You can't beat a jewelry gift on Valentine's Day, and our handmade jewelry—whether a one-of-a-kind necklace or colorful earrings—are crafted by fair trade artisans around the world. This year, check out our extra special collection from Peru. Our unique handmade earrings feature colorful semi-precious stones, perfect for dressing up or down, and our gorgeous Peruvian Lapis Collection brings color and interest to any outfit. Even more, each piece of handmade jewelry supports a global artisan, ensuring opportunities for fair income and access to healthcare and education. </p>

<h4>7. Artisan-Made Handbags</h4>

<p>You know she can't go without a quality handbag, so why not get her one this Valentine's Day, and give twice? Artisans in Kolkata earn fair wages and gain access to skills training, and she gets a spacious genuine leather handbag with pockets aplenty. We have several colors and styles to choose from, from carry-all totes to compact clutches, so you'll definitely find one that suits her style. You can also check out our Vegan totes and bags from India and Bangladesh! </p>

<h3>Gifts for Him</h3>

<p>We know. Those special men in your life can be tough to shop for. That's why we did the hard work ahead of time, and found some perfect Valentine's Day gifts for boyfriends, husbands, dads and grandads.</p>

<h4>8. African Spices & Sauces</h4>

<p>Let him know he brings some spice into your life with a delightfully spicy sauce or all-natural African spices! Our delicious chili sauces from eSwatini and spices from South Africa are perfect for any time of year, whether it's seasoning savory soups and stews or conquering the grill. He'll love the seasonings even more when he learns they support small-scale farmers in Africa, helping them get a fair price for their crops. </p>

<h4>9. Dopp Bags</h4>

<p>For the on-the-go guy, we have handcrafted toiletry bags, made with genuine leather in rich dark neutrals or unique and eco-friendly recycled PET fabric by artisans in Kolkata, India. Their durable construction helps them stand up to the toughest of travelers, and their shape makes for easy and efficient packing. Fill this travel essential with chocolate bars for an extra-sweet surprise!</p>

<h4>10. Handmade Animal Sculptures</h4>

<p>For his artistic side, choose a hand-carved animal made with unique materials and styles. These one-of-a-kind home accents are perfect for the family room, bedroom, or home office. Whether he's a fan of dogs, cats, elephants, or birds, he'll appreciate the incredible artistry behind each. Choose one of our popular Shelf Sitters, or go for something more sophisticated with our hand-carved gorara or soapstone animals. Plus, skilled artisans are able to preserve traditional crafting techniques while supporting their families with your fair trade gift. </p>

<p>Need more ideas for Valentine's Day? You can find hundreds of handmade global gifts on <a href="serrv.org" target="_blank">serrv.org</a>. If you're still stumped, let them choose with a SERRV Gift Card! You'll give knowing that a Valentines' Day gift from SERRV will make a difference in more ways than one— bringing joy to your loved ones, and a fair and vital income to a small-scale artisan or farmer. </p>