How to celebrate Valentine’s day more consciously?

Are you in the mood for something different this Valentine’s Day? Let’s take the occasion to consciously admire the love you have for yourself and share with others. Make time for some well-deserved self-care, experience a nice activity that deepens your connection, and give a personal gift. 

In this article we’ll share unique ideas that will make this Valentine’s into a special and memorable day with a touch of romance, joy, and sustainability!

Add romance to your day-to-day 

Sometimes, the feeling of romance is experienced in how the day and routines are set up. Like making time for a morning walk while the sun is still rising, caring for your skin with hydrating natural products, lighting a non-toxic candle, and reading an inspiring book. 

Wieke, COSH! Head of Research recommends to add lively colours to your interior and celebrate the approach of spring with a vase of thoughtfully arranged flowers. For example, you can purchase a fresh bouquet or DIY bundle straight from the field at Pluk me in Weesp, The Netherlands, or take a flower subscription so you can look forward to receiving various flower bouquets from Onverbloemd in Aalter, Belgium. 

Is food the way to your loved one’s heart? COSH! Copywriter Annelies recommends to cook a nourishing recipe from a cookbook, ​“like ​‘Het gerecht – Plantaardig’ available at Moose in the City in Antwerp. And by using locally sourced and organic ingredients from zero-waste food shops, you could perform this loving gesture with respect for the earth’s resources.” 

Create shared memories 

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, the perfect excuse to plan something special. Maybe even a conscious getaway like Luise, COSH! Community Manager Germany recommends. You can explore amazing shopping hotspots in cities across Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany with the COSH! city guides. Take your backpack, friends or partner and be sure to have a great time!

If you rather spend your time surrounded by nature, it’s always a good idea to explore the beautiful parks near you by foot, bike or horse. In preparation for the trip, you could gift yourself or your loved one a useful accessory or clothing item. Like a nice warm scarf from La Femme Garniture in Ghent or a PFAS-free raincoat from Vaude in Ghent or Leuven. Maybe you will even encounter nice flowers or plants along the way which you can dry to create a long-lasting bouquet.

Would you like to learn a new skill? Then going to a workshop or event is a lovely idea. Fee from the COSH! Belgium team says this is also a cool way to spend Galentine’s Day with friends: ​“Valentine’s Day can feel like an emotional rollercoaster for singles. Making something by hand with friends or family members is a great way to reflect on the meaningful and loving connections you have.” 

For example, you could participate in the lonely sock and repair workshops by Studio Stik at Kringwinkel ​‘t rad Sint-Jakobs in Bruges that are intentionally planned on Valentine’s Day. You could also learn to make your own silver bracelet at OR Jewels in Ghent on 15 February. If you would like to learn to dye textiles with natural pigments like COSH! Sustainability Researcher Isabel suggests, there are several workshops you can follow across The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. You could even buy a DIY-kit from Studio WOUW in Ghent or Dainty Dystopia in Aachen to organise this fun activity at home. 

Choose a thoughtful gift

Tip: choose a gift that can be used every day and generates moments of joy and gratitude.

A handbag can elevate an outfit and is also a practical companion that carries important items wherever you go. That’s why it’s worth looking for designers who make bags with high-quality materials and a unique, timeless design. You can choose a bag in a shape and colour that you think suits your partner best and make a thoughtful gesture.

Jewellery connects us to the past or cherished memories. It is a beautiful gift that can be part of a lasting love story, especially if you choose a piece that is made with craftsmanship, an eye for circularity, social impact and beauty. Explore the world of upcycled, recycled and vintage jewellery. 

The pieces of the Intuitive Heart collection by jewellery designer Line Vanden Bogaerde make for an amazing Valentine’s gift. As Line explains: ​“almost every design includes a fluid, embracing heartshape. To me, aesthetics and meaning always go hand in hand. A piece of jewellery from the Intuitive Heart collection encourages you to listen to your inner voice and trust in your own strength.”

Lingerie and underwear also make a difference you can feel right away: comfort, fit and material determine whether something stays in your drawer or is picked every time. An intimate gift that is worn close to the skin. Pick a feminine set that can be worn over and over from Ophelia Lingerie in Antwerp, a sensual body from Anekdot Studio in Berlin or a unique piece from LIJOU Vintage in Arnhem.

Niki, the founder of COSH! affirms this: ​“my partner has the tradition of buying me a set of lingerie as a gift. He knows my size, asks for my preferences, and orders it for me to pick up at the Ophelia Lingerie store. I love receiving lingerie from a romantic perspective, to wear something you received from your loved one everyday and so close to the body, reminds me of him in a subtle way.” Thanks to Ophelia’s wireless bra designs with adjustable straps and supportive elastics and linings, every piece naturally follows the lines of your figure and blends perfectly with your skin, making it easier to purchase online.

Wear something you love

If you’re going on a date, you might also want to find an outfit to wear, something that makes you feel good in your skin and will impress your friends or partner. It’s a great opportunity to try something out of the ordinary by renting an outfit from a clothing library.

Do you prefer to buy your outfit at a local store? In the COSH! shopping guide, you’ll find local designers and shops with unique offerings tailored to your style and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vintage dress, some classy shoes or a statement necklace, we’ll guide you to the best shops to buy them more consciously!

Of course the most sustainable option is wearing what’s already hanging in your wardrobe. Style your own clothes with the COSH! Digital Wardrobe app and curate the perfect outfit for your date! Do your clothes need a little TLC before their next outing? Show them some love with the clothing care tools from Steamery that are available at Supergoods in Antwerp and Mechelen and Inslag in Ghent. A quick steam or fabric shave might be all it takes to make your outfit feel brand new.

No matter how you’re spending Valentine’s Day this year, with a partner, a friend, or yourself, take the opportunity to slow down, connect, and celebrate love in all its forms. 

From exchanging meaningful gifts and having shared experiences to self-care rituals and making mindful choices, there are so many ways to make the day feel special.