By Susan Maiava
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and romance, but its origins go beyond flowers and chocolates. The day is named after Saint Valentine, a third-century Christian priest known for his kindness and compassion.
According to legend, he defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages for young men, secretly officiating weddings to uphold love and commitment. While imprisoned, he was said to have restored the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter and sent her a note signed “From your Valentine,” inspiring today’s tradition of love notes.
Valentine’s Day has now evolved into a worldwide celebration of love, a lasting tribute to Saint Valentine’s devotion to kindness and justice.
Beyond romance, Valentine’s Day can also be an opportunity to give gifts that reflect our values, adding greater meaning to the occasion while contributing to a more compassionate and just world.
Ethical shopping means treating the people who grow and make the things we buy with fairness and dignity. When you choose ethical gifts, you are supporting fair pay and hours worked, safe working conditions and environmentally friendly practices, with no child or forced labour. This helps reduce exploitation, promotes sustainability and fosters a sense of global community and justice.
Chocolate is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, but the conventional chocolate industry is often marred by issues such as child labour. There are ethical choices however, and you can still indulge your loved one without compromising your values.
Businesses who make ethical (and delicious) chocolate include Bennetto, Solomons Gold, Foundry Chocolate, Wellington Chocolate Factory and Whittakers chocolate sourced from the Pacific. Did you know Guylian chocolates (with the lovely seashells) are now Fair Trade too? Look for chocolates that are certified Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance or where the business has a personal relationship with the growers, often in the Pacific. Find out more at fair&good and Just Kai.
Beyond chocolate, there are numerous ethical gift options that can make your Valentine’s Day meaningful:
Handmade Jewellery: Choose pieces from artisans who use ethically sourced or recycled materials. Examples include Reca and Good Gold which offer beautiful, handcrafted jewellery that supports local communities and preserves traditional crafts.
Wine: 27 Seconds is another good option. 100 per cent of their profits go to Hagar, which provides survivors of slavery with trauma care, education and economic empowerment. You can also make a donation on behalf of your loved one to a charity that aligns with their values.
This Valentine’s Day, let your gifts speak not only of love and romance but also, in the spirit of Saint Valentine, your commitment to a better world. Spread love, kindness and fairness with every gift you give.
*Dr Susan Maiava has over 40 years’ experience in international development, social justice and ethical consumption. She co-founded fair&good, the ethical directory, in 2020.
