Feb. 7, 2025

Eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts are a thoughtful way to express love while being kind to the planet. Many eco-friendly products come from companies that prioritize fair trade, sustainable or local sourcing and ethical labor practices. This aligns your gift-giving with values of social responsibility.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM

The Dallas Zoo is offering several Adopt-An-Animal Valentine Packages. Starting at $50, the basic Adopt-an-Animal includes your choice of mini plush animals — otter or penguin — plus an official adoption certificate, an educational zookeeper report and an exclusive Dallas Zoo Valentine’s Day themed mini sticker sheet. $9 shipping. 

The upgraded $98 Adopt-an-Animal package includes free shipping and features your choice of 12 ultra-soft eco-friendly plush options such as giraffe, elephant, lemur, sloth or even a flamingo. Also includes two general admission Zoo tickets, customized adoption certificate, educational zookeeper report and photo of your animal, all packed in Valentine’s themed packaging. 

Makes the perfect gift for your favorite wildlife lover. Every purchase goes directly to supporting the Zoo’s partnership with conservation organizations around the world to save animals and ecosystems from extinction. Order online.            

THE ART OF CHOCOLATE

A 12-piece chocolate bon bon heart box from Kate Weiser. $38.

Dallas-based entrepreneur Kate Weiser began making chocolates when she was just a wisp of a thang and she has been perfecting her craft over the last 25 years. 

I say “craft” because each one of her bonbons is a miniature work of art — almost too pretty to eat. But eat them you will and your mouth will love you. 

Why not put together a custom box of your own choosing, just for the someone special in your life?

Visit KateWeiser.com to see her full Valentine Day selection, starting around $15. Or drop by one of the three Kate Weiser area locations in Trinity Groves, Fort Worth or Northpark to pick up a ready-made gift assortment. Kate’s chocolates are also available at Central Market, Neimann Marcus and other fine area retailers.

FIT AND FUN

The Valentines Cupid Run is Feb. 15.

The couple who runs together, lives a long life together. 

Young and old can join the Valentines Cupid Run on the Trinity River Trail in Fort Worth on Saturday, Feb. 15. 

Enjoy a scenic route adorned with chocolates and fun photo ops plus beautiful scenery, wildlife and city views as you walk, trot or sprint distances from 5K and up. 

This no-stress fun run is designed to help you, your sweetie or your whole family to get fit and enjoy being together. 

Registration cost is about $40 per person, including free T-shirt and cool swag. Don’t miss the after party where you can mix and mingle with other local fitness enthusiasts. See details and registration link.

BURNING DESIRE

This limited edition vegan soy candle from White Rock Soap Gallery will warm your Valentine's heart. $30.

Our friends at White Rock Soap Gallery in East Dallas have got you covered with their Limited Edition Valentine’s Candle with its adorable red heart center. 

The candle’s Coconut Vanilla Rose scent is a lover’s perfection and the three wicks create a romantic glow as they burn for 40 hours or more. The little 3D red heart will melt your soul. 

Made with American Soy Wax for a clean and eco-friendly burn. Vegan-friendly too. Supplied in an adorable kraft gift box tied with a red ribbon that is so cute, no wrapping is needed.  

On sale for $30 (reg. $35) online or at White Rock Soap Gallery stores in Lake Highlands, Bishop Arts, McKinney and The Colony. 

Check out their other romantic holiday gifts and candles, including a sweet design by local artist, India Hearne, for just $20.

Make reservations for Maiden Fine Plants and Spirits, the high-end sister restaurant of the all-vegan Spiral Diner. 

POSH PASTRIES

Feeling a bit fancy? Gussy up and head over to Maiden, an upscale vegan restaurant in the trendy PS1200 mixed-use quadrangle in Fort Worth, Maiden Vegan is a sister restaurant of the nearby Spiral Diner.

They’ll be featuring a Tea Time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Valentine's Day. $65 per adult, $45 per child.

Price includes unlimited pots of the finest black, green, oolong, white and herbal teas from Tea Sparrow as well as finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, tiny cakes, pastries, cookies, and fresh fruit. 

Also from Valentine’s Day through the weekend, Maiden will have their full dinnertime winter seasonal tasting menu with a special take-home treat — $160 per adult or their 5-course tasting menu, $100 per adult. Reservations are recommended.

Maiden is located at 1216 6th Ave, Fort Worth. 

ART OF THE HEART

The 30th annual El Corazón Exhibition at the Bath House Cultural Center continues through March 8.

Immerse your intended in the art of the heart. 

The Bath House Cultural Center on White Rock Lake in Dallas will host the 30th Anniversary of the El Corazón Exhibition, honoring three decades of art inspired by love centric — the heart, from Feb 1 to March 8. 

El Corazón is a well-regarded annual tradition at the Bath House that encourages local and regional artists to create unique visual delights flowing with amore and a bit of pizzazz. Curated by Dallas artist, Jose Vargas, the art pieces will feature a variety of ideas, styles, and concepts of El Corazón, an important and universal symbol in art.

The exhibit is free, open to the public and well worth a visit to this beautiful historic location. Details.

ORCHIDS, OH MY!

The Orchid Show runs Feb. 14-16 at the Dallas Arboretum.

After your visit to El Corazón, drop by the Dallas Arboretum for their breathtaking Orchid Show, Feb. 14-16. 

Delight in these unusual plants and take a few home as special mementoes. Then enjoy a delightful picnic on the Arboretum lawn with your very own charcuterie and cheese treats for two, created by nearby artisan maker, Amor y Queso. 

Pre-order your box for two today! Your delightfully romantic heart-shaped box will feature cheese and charcuterie, olives, fruits, nuts and breads/crackers. 

Be sure to pre-order from Amor Y Queso and then pick up at the Arboretum. $50. Just lovely.

BOARD GAMES

The Charcuterie Board Workshop is Feb. 15 at Fibonacci Plants.

Amor Y Queso is also hosting a Charcuterie Board Workshop at Fibonacci Plants for you and your darling to make a board, tell some stories and connect with other cheese lovers. 

Each guest will build their own cheese plate full of lovely noshes, which you can then share while connecting with other rad folks and beautiful plants. 

Workshop tickets will include a plating of artisan cheeses, local treats and floral touches plus access to gorgeous house plants and potting benches at Fibonacci in case inspiration strikes. BYOB. $65 per person. Feb. 15, 5 p.m.  at Fibonacci Plants, 2928 Main St. 102 Dallas, TX 75226.

TOUR DE VEG

The Vegan Valentine's tour is Feb. 8.

Try a smorgasbord of culinary sensations on the Vegan Valentine’s Tour on Feb. 8.

Vegan expert Courtney Garza McCullagh, “Colorful Courtney,”will be your guide as you “cruise” around Dallas, making multiple stops along the way. 

Price includes transportation via luxury private motorcoach, non-alcoholic beverages aboard (you can also bring your own) and several delicious tastings. Meeting location will be announced to ticket holders. Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. $70 for adults, $60 for kids. Presented by Dallas by Chocolate. Call 972-814-5997 for more info or visit DallasByChocolate.com.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Dallas resident Dr. Rajendra “Raji” Chirumamilla has spent a lifetime in personal care and beauty product development. 

Her latest passion, Monaesi Skin Care, combines science-backed formulas with Raji’s personal commitment to clean, natural ingredients and sustainable packaging and operations. 

Each product is inclusive of all skin types and multifunctional with multiple beneficial active ingredients that can nourish the skin, empowering it to look naturally healthy. 

I’ve been testing the Monaesi Trouvaille Advanced Night Serum ($79.99) with collagen and bakuchiol for natural retinol-like activity without harsh chemical additives as well as antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, that empower the skin’s natural ability to combat and defy time and stress-induced free radical damage. It definitely leaves my face feeling and looking moisturized and refreshed. 

Experience Monaesi’s entire lineup at MonaesiSkinCare.com or follow Raji on social media @monaesiskincare.

FLOWER POWER

Bishop Hill floral farm offers workshops where participants can learn to make bouquets.

Not sure what to do for your beloved? How about a gift certificate to an upcoming Floral Field to Vase Workshop at Bishop Hill Farm in old downtown Coppell? 

Choose from several upcoming dates, March through July, and enjoy a lovely walk through the floral oasis of Bishop Hill Farm as floral farmer Amanda Van Hoozier offers harvesting tips and tidbits about the various local varieties. Then each attendee can make their own floral arrangement to take home or give as a gift.  

As Amanda notes on her website: “This dreamy location brings out your creative side so go ahead and enjoy delightful conversations, laughter and appreciation of nature all around an abundance of flowers.” 

All supplies and tools are included to make a styled floral arrangement. See all Bishop Hill Workshops.

SPREAD THE JOY

JoyfulCo.com, a Black and Asian owned company, has launched their first CPG Discovery Box, featuring five delicious products that are all U.S. made as well as minority and/or woman-owned companies. 

Best of all, 100 percent of sales from this box are donated to support first responders and families impacted by the L.A. wildfires. 

Funds go directly to World Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to feeding communities in need during times of crisis. Regularly $45, now $39, while they last. Shipping is included.

What's Inside: Spicy Omsom Chili Sesame Noodles, Fluffy Yishi Coconut Pancake Mix, Crunchy Tochi Ube Popcorn, Aromatic Homiah Malaysian Red Curry AND Zesty Diaspora Co. Black Pepper

Order Your Box Here. 

P.S. Valentine's Day is next week, so if you're still looking for a gift for your partner, mom or kids, check out JoyfulCo’s online Valentine's Day gift options.

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