Hearts, chocolate, cards, and flowers may be mainstay Valentine’s Day gifts, but that doesn’t mean going traditional has to be boring. We’ve scouted out several yummy options that not only say “I love you” to your sweetheart, but also convey how much you care to a population segment that could also use a little love in their day.
Wine
OneHope Wine offers a unique proposition: Buy from one of its participating vineyards (which include Darius Rucker’s signature series) and it will donate 50 percent of its profits to charity. Each bottle lists a set amount that will go to designated cause; you choose from among OneHope’s list of charities for the remaining monies.
Over the past three years, the organization has become the socially conscious wine of choice at several hundred premier events, including the Grammys, the American Red Cross Gala, the Sundance Film Festival, and VH1’s Save the Music event. To date, it has donated more than $1 million to groups working with autism, AIDS, children’s hospitals, veterans, environmental concerns, and breast cancer.
Coffee
If spirits aren’t the right call for your celebration, caffeine is always a thoughtful move. Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee custom roasts its beans imported from around the world after you place the order, so you’re assured the aroma wafting from that sealed bag is fresh and was made just for you.
Whether you choose Palheta’s Bouquet, Midnight Oil, Tanzanian Peaberry, or another of Buona Caffe’s varieties, 50 cents of every 12-ounce bag goes to Children’s Safe Drinking Water, which provides water purification packets to groups like World Vision, CARE, and USAID. The donation from two bags of coffee will provide someone with 50 days of safe drinking water.
Chocolate
Endangered Species knows how to claw its way into your heart. Its selections of dark chocolate bars (white and milk chocolate versions are also available) and covered confections automatically will pass 10 percent of net profits to African Wildlife Foundation in 2013.
Flowers
Opting for the colorful expression of your love? Consider comparing the prices at GiftBack.com, where 10 percent of your purchase goes to the charity of your choice. GiftBack’s ordering form provides a pulldown menu of more than 100 charity options that range from Special Olympics to the New York Public Library. The Charity Bouquet collection sends an additional donation to a specific cause above and beyond your 10 percent. GiftBack also offers baskets if you want to expand your horizons to fruit, spas and gourmet Valentine’s Day gifts.
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