By Keri Houchin

Valentine’s Day is a day to show love for those around us. Treat your sweetheart to something special and show a little love for Mother Earth too. Traditional gifts are romantic, but look for these creative alternatives to make a small difference.

Chocolate may be the most popular Valentine’s Day gift, but there are plenty of ways to make it a little greener. Look for varieties that are labeled “fair trade” to ensure that those who made your sweet are paid and treated fairly. There are also plenty of delicious local chocolatier shops in DFW.

Dude, Sweet Chocolate has two Dallas locations - Bishops Arts District and the Plaza at Preston Ridge – and a new shop that opened on West 7th in Fort Worth. For V-Day 2013 there are several options.  Dude has a Valentine Gift Box for $50.  Another interesting choice is to give your loved one a heart, literally. The “Eat Your Heart Out” is an anatomically correct molded heart made with two pounds of South American Chocolate Love and studded with marshmallows, nuts, chocolate bits and waffle cone pieces. It is available by pre-order only at $45. (photo: Dude Sweet Chocolate)

Go green with something green. Most women (and plenty of men) love getting flowers. Roses are beautiful and a great traditional Valentine’s Day gift. However, by the end of February that gift has likely lost its appeal. Think outside the bouquet and consider a potted plant. For someone with a green thumb, something even larger that can be planted outdoors – citrus trees are popular right now – will be appreciated too. Succulents are also great gifts.

       

Green Source DFW’s winner of the 2012 Best Organic Garden Center, Redenta’s Garden offers a unique assortment of plants and organic gardening supplies. Not sure what to buy? Redenta’s offers gift certificates in $25 increments that can be used on anything in either the Arlington or Dallas location.  (Photos: Redenta's Garden)

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t ones we can hold in our hands. Time together is something that is increasingly important for couples as our lives are busier than ever. If your sweetheart has a hobby, look for a class or activity that you can do together.

DFW’s popular vegan restaurant, the Spiral Diner & Bakery, is offering four cooking classes at both the Dallas and Fort Worth locations. Cost is $60 per person for a single class or $150 for all four. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the sweetheart’s meal class is on February 11th in Dallas from 7-9 p.m. Upcoming classes include Tex Mex in April, vegan protein in July, and a holiday meal in November. (Sara Tomerlin owner of Spiral Diner in Oak Cliff photo: pegasus news.)

A couple’s massage is a great way to spend some time relaxing together. The Green Lotus Spa is Dallas’s first completely eco-friendly spa. For Valentine’s Day, they will have two special offers. The Chocolate Decadence Massage includes a 70% cocoa massage oil or lotion and the Chocolate Decadence Facial includes an organic Mocha Loca 13% lactic acid peel. For individuals, the cost is $85 for one or $145 for both treatments. For couples, the cost is $160 and $190. Appointments can be made by calling the spa at 214-520-6560 or on their website.

No matter which direction you choose to go, your Valentine will appreciate how much thought you have put into his or her gift.


Keri Houchin is a freelance writer from Fort Worth. She previously wrote Fort Worth Frugal Family Examiner and currently contributes to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and OneMamasDailyDrama.com. Contact her at keri.houchin@yahoo.com

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