Put down the polyester stuffed bear. Step away from the corny themed jewelry. Avoid the heart shaped box full of drug-store waxy chocolates at all costs. Don’t give your Valentine future waste. This February 14, endeavor to be more heartfelt, environmentally friendly, and economical with our five tips and tricks.
1. Homemade Valentine’s Day Card 💌
For some people, making your own Valentine may seem daunting. If you’re not up to the creative challenge, write your sweetheart a personalized love note, or famous love poem, on some scrap or recycled paper. Some suggestions: When You are Old, by William Butler Yeats, or O Small Sad Ecstasy of Love, by Anne Carson. You can roll it up like a scroll, and tie it with a ribbon or twine. Give the paper a more romantic look with a tea or coffee bath. Dip a paintbrush into your leftover black tea and paint your paper for a warm, antique appearance. Use coffee for a more rustic, weathered appearance. Let it dry completely before you scribble your poetry.
2. Bake Treats or Buy Local 🧁
Make your sweetheart homemade treats or buy from a local bakery or chocolatier. You can make heart shaped brownies or chocolate chip cookies from scratch using MUD’s mixer from the tool library. If you’re not much of a baker, Bernice’s Bakery is a Missoula staple. They often have Valentine’s day specials. If your honey is gluten free and/or vegan, make your way over to Tandem Bakery to pick up some sweet treats.
3. Flowers & Homemade Potpourri 🌹
If your Valentine is a flower fiend, try your best to shop local. Stop by Bitterroot Flower Shop and make a custom bouquet, or if you’re on a budget, buy a singular flower.
February is a more difficult time to forage for flowers, or ask a friend or neighbor if you can harvest some from their garden. A homemade Potpourri is a lovely, winter time, eco-friendly alternative. You can repurpose an old decorative bowl or vase, or thrift one, and fill it with foraged or locally sourced ingredients. As long as all of your ingredients are completely dry, to avoid mold, you can customize the potpourri to your partner’s specific taste. If you need to dry out ingredients, check out one of MUD’s dehydrators from our tool library.
In a big bowl, mix dried herbs and spices, such as rosemary, lavender, mint, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Then, if you desire, add dried flowers or fruits such as roses, peonies, calendula, citrus peels, or apples. Add 6-20 drops of your favorite essential oil and stir. When your potpourri is ready, add it to your decorative bowl or vase. Make sure your partner stores it in a cool dry place, and tell them to add essential oils to refresh the scents.
4. Quality Time ⛰️
Never underestimate the power of a romantic hike or an evening stroll. It’s free and it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond and chat with your partner. Stroll leisurely alongside the Clark Fork River on the Kim Williams Trail, or hop on the scenic, rolling hills of Waterworks Trail. Fill a thermos with some hot chocolate or tea to enjoy at the peak, or on a park bench. Pack a light snack or some chocolates. Quality time is an underrated gift in these busy times.
5. MUD Membership 👀
Are we plugging ourselves a little?… Maybe. But we can’t help ourselves. A MUD membership is a gift that gives all year. You and your Valentine can check out any of the tools from our extensive tool library, get a discount for our hands-on workshops, and build whatever you want together at our beautiful demonstration site.
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Staying sustainable and affordable for holidays isn’t as difficult as it seems. In fact, avoiding consumerism and convenience could be massively beneficial to your relationship and for the planet. Homemade, customized gifts and time are a true demonstration of love and care for your sweetheart and for our world. Don’t be afraid to use your creativity and skills to show up for your partner(s) this Valentine’s Day.
Images sourced from Freekpik & Yelp
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