Chocolate and flowers only last a few days, so today I'm highlighting some Valentine’s Day gifts that will leave a lasting impression all year long. Whether it’s jewelry helping employ marginalized women in Ethiopia and India, to shoes providing education to women in Uganda, these eco-friendly, fair-trade and humanitarian brands offer great gifts perfect for that special someone in your life.

Raven + Lily is a socially and environmentally responsible accessories company that uses 100% of their profits from sales to achieve their social cause, which is empowering women through design. This means employing marginalized women with fair trade, sustainable income, launching new partnerships, and funding healthcare and educational needs in their partnership communities.

Zuriash Scarf, Neary T-Shirt, Uzma Travel Journal, Tiffany Kunz Necklace

Sseko Designs (who I have featured on the blog before) uses fashion to provide employment and scholarship opportunities to women pursuing their dreams and overcoming poverty in Uganda. Sseko Designs began as a line of sandals, which consists of a leather sandal base and a wide range of interchangeable straps that can be tied hundreds of ways. They now offer a sandal line, wedding line, clutches and sandal accessories.

Allya Sandal, Saddle Clutch, Accent Tote, Classic Strap Collection

31 Bits (another brand I have featured before) also benefits women in Uganda by helping them rise above poverty.  They offer handmade bracelets and necklaces made from recycled paper.  More recently they have begun to offer a handbag and headbands adorned with the beads.

Westerly Clutch, Sweetheart Bracelet, Razzle Dazzle Necklace, Daphne Bracelets (I wear these ALL the time, old colors though)