Valentine’s Day Gift Guide with Uncommon Goods

I’m not a fan of overpriced chocolate, so I thought that I’d share a few “outside-the-box” Valentine’s Day gift ideas. I handpicked these ideas from Uncommon Goods. I’m a fan of UG because of their commitment to the environment and because they donate a portion of every order to your choice of non-profit organizations: American Forests, Women for Women International, City Harvest, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Hooray for getting something special for a loved one and doing something good for the earth/mankind, all in one shot.

1. Chai Tea Kit – This tea set comes with tea gathered from exotic markets. It’s a collection of organic and fair-trade spices & chai. It includes anise, whole cardamom pods, whole cloves, Ceylon cinnamon, and Ceylon tea. So perfect for winter. // 2. Personalized Sweetheart Throw – I think that this is just the sweetest thing — takes the quaint practice of carving lovers’ initials in a tree and makes it a whole lot cozier. It’s made from recycled yarn in Yonkers, NY. Another perfect winter gift. // 3. Plant Nanny Stake Set – I love these “nanny” stakes. They’ll water your plants while you’re on vacation or even if you have trouble remembering to tend them when you’re home (like me!). Each ceramic stake is specially designed to release just the right amount of water into the soil via recycled wine or plastic bottles. Genius. // 4. Aquamarine Branch Ring – How magical is this ring? Its band is cast from a handcrafted mold made from green twig found in the ancient woods of West Virginia. It holds a rough-hewn nugget of aquamarine — a gemstone believed to promote good luck and harmony. // 5. DIY Lip Balm Kit – I’ve yet to find a woman who doesn’t love lip balm. Each kit includes everything needed to make moisturizing lip balm from Fair Trade cocoa butter and organic spearmint essential oil.

1. Homemade Gin Kit – I just love this do-it-yourself kit. Concoct your own batch of quality gin without a host of expensive (not to mention illegal!) distilling equipment. // 2. Driftwood Charging Dock – This would make such a handsome piece for any guy’s nightstand. Each piece is handpicked from the rugged Maine coastline. Natural form meets modern function. // 3. Golfer’s BBQ Set – This reminds me so much of my father that I had to put it on the list. He loves golf & he loves BBQ. // 4. Beard Care Pack – And I had to include this one because it reminds me so much of Matthew. He’s been growing out his winter beard and this set is just what he needs — beard oil, whisker wash, and mustache wax. // 5. Anchor Flask Set – I just love this set. A rustic pine wood box slides open to reveal anchor-adorned shot glasses and a matching flask.

I hope you love these gift ideas as much as I do. You can check out more gifts for guys over here and other sweet Valentine gift ideas here. This post was sponsored by Uncommon Goods. As always, all gift picks & thoughts are my own.

xo