15 Best Galentine’s Day Gifts for Your Favorite Gal Pals | 2023 Gift Guide
We’ve curated the ultimate list of the best sustainable and ethically sourced Galentine’s gifts for your lady friend or favorite gal pal. If you’re unfamiliar with what many refer to as “the best day of the year,” then keep reading and get ready to be inspired.
What is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship between one’s closest female friends, girlfriends, or lady friends. Invented by the character Leslie Knope in the show Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day is referred to by Leslie as, quite simply, “ladies celebrating ladies.” Galentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated over brunch at a local café or diner.
When is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day falls on February 13th every year, but Galentine’s Day can also be any day you want to celebrate all the important lady friends in your life.
Leslie is an inspiration to ladies everywhere, so in her honor, we present the best sustainable, ethical, and fair trade gifts for the best day of the year. Here’s our complete Galentine’s Day roundup.
Jewelry
1. Giulia Letzi + META Jewelry Oceania Upcycled Hoops — $33- $50
For the lady that doesn’t shy away from making a statement, these colorful earrings are the perfect gift. Each pair is handcrafted from upcycled plastic bottles and recycled metals in Arlington, VA. These lightweight hoops add a pop to any outfit and are the perfect gift for your ethically minded Galentine.
2. Yewo Doda Recycled Necklace — $34
This minimalistic necklace features a beautifully delicate yet sturdy 14k gold-plated chain and a dainty nickel-free recycled brass pendant, making it a versatile gift that can be worn for any occasion! This necklace is ethically made in small batches in Malawi in a solar-powered, carbon-neutral, and off-the-grid jewelry workshop, and all their metals are locally and responsibly sourced.
3. Iron Oxide Celestial Hairstick Hair Pin — $79
This hand-forged, minimalistic hair stick will accentuate and elevate any style. It’s made from solid cast brass and features one of nine sustainably sourced gemstones as a gleaming centerpiece.
Iron Oxide’s accessories are locally produced in Portland, Oregon using recycled materials, lab-grown gemstones, or ethically mined gemstones.
4. Abby Alley Square Bangle — $48
For a little sparkle and shine, this brass Square Bangle adds the perfect amount of handcrafted style for everyday and dressier wear. Pair it with the matching ring to elevate the look even more! Women artisans in Kenya and Tanzania expertly handcraft each piece only using locally sourced and natural materials, ensuring that each piece will last for years to come.
5. Yewo Tazara Recycled Hoop Earrings — $42
For an easy gift that anyone can enjoy, these chic earrings will easily become an everyday staple that elevates any wardrobe. Minimal yet dazzling, these recycled hoop earrings are ethically made in Malawi using nickel-free recycled brass. Yewo’s artisans create all their jewelry in small batches according to fair trade standards, and they only use locally and responsibly sourced materials.
6. Kisiwa Cuerda One of a Kind Beaded Bracelet — $120
Featuring gorgeously colorful and high quality Japanese glass beads, Kisiwa’s beaded bracelet is truly one of a kind. Each bracelet is hand beaded in Hawaii by Kisiwa’s designer Gadea Pérez-Andújar, who creates each intricately crafted piece with minimal designs in mind.
Accessories
7. Anchal Kantha Crossbody Belt Bag — $48
For a friend who’s always on the go, the Kantha Crossbody Belt Bag provides style and convenience all in one ethically-made, organic bag. It is made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas and hand embroidered with stunning designs by masterful artisans in Ajmer, India. Each bag exemplifies Anchal’s modern twist on traditional Kantha quilting techniques from Northern India.
8. Korissa Dora Jute Tote Bag in Multi Navy — $72
This hand-loomed, naturally dyed jute bag is stylish and functional, making it a great daily tote that’s made to last. Each bag is made by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh who are paid living wages and are given education and health care opportunities.
KORISSA creates stunning, sustainably made products using natural dyes and eco-friendly materials. Most of their products are made from jute, a biodegradable, pollution-free, and affordable natural fiber.
9. Soil to Studio Surekha Merino Scarf — $85
Feel cozy and fashionable wearing this 100% merino wool scarf that’s handwoven by renowned Bhutti Weavers in India. Soil to Studio is a POC-owned and women-owned brand who employs artisans in India to support time-honored, heritage techniques like handloom weaving, natural dyeing, and hand embroidering. Soil to Studio also adheres to fair trade practices and all their artisans set their own prices for their work.
Home Goods
10. Caminito Luna Upcycled Blanket – $86
Snuggle up in this incredibly soft and durable upcycled yarn blanket. Featuring a vegetable-tanned leather strap carrier, this blanket is made for on-the-go adventures with your pals like going to the beach or enjoying a lovely picnic.
“They are the perfect size for a picnic or being a throw blanket. We actually keep them on our two twin beds as accents and they really bring the color scheme in the room together.” – Jessica G.
11. LIKHÂ Whale Planter — $45
Made with organic coconut coir, this adorable and friendly whale planter brings delight and whimsy everywhere it goes! Each planter is handcrafted in a fair trade environment by artisans in the Philippines and is available in baby and regular sizes. The baby size is perfect for small plants and succulents, while the regular size easily holds larger, leafy flora. Is the Galentine you’re shopping for more into dogs, farm animals, or dinosaurs? Check out more adorable animal planters from LIKHÂ!
12. Korissa Jhuri Double Hanging Basket — $62
With multiple sizes, Middle Kingdom’s Made of jute and wood and handcrafted by artisans in Bangladesh, this double hanging basket is made to add a touch of organic elegance while securely holding fruits, hand towels, and more. Each basket is made with ethically sourced natural materials and it’s handwoven in a fair trade environment.
13. Korissa Bread Warmer + Basket - Owl Round — $59
For the baker or interior designer in your life, this bread warmer and basket elegantly combines the best of both worlds. Each basket is handcrafted by artisans in Bangladesh using seagrass and jute wool, and the terra cotta plate features a beautiful owl design. Naturally insulating and thoughtfully engraved, each basket and plate will easily keep freshly-baked bread, homemade chips, or tasty entrees nice and warm.
14. Azizi Life Woven Trivets — $18.50
Made from natural sisal fibers and forest grasses, these woven trivets are handcrafted by artisans in Rwanda using only renewable and natural materials. Each piece is not only functional but can also be hung on gallery walls to add striking design and texture.
Azizi Life is a women-owned and POC-owned company that’s also a member of the Fair Trade Federation. All their partners across their 40 artisan cooperatives across Rwanda are paid living wages and work in safe conditions.
15. Aplat Two Bottle Tote in Solid Merlot — $50
This two-bottle tote is made with 100% certified organic heavyweight cotton canvas and features sleeves that effortlessly hold two standard wine bottles. Take this durable tote with you on a picnic with your pals knowing that each bag is made with zero-waste design and manufacturing in mind, making it a great sustainably made piece for any wine lover.
Aplat is a woman-owned company that’s dedicated to zero-waste principles and creates each of their products in small batches. They only use low-impact dyes, natural, and responsibly sourced fiber to create their beautiful totes.
