I Like to Support Small Brands— 48 Beautiful Pieces to Gift on Valentine's Day
It’s official, the longest January in history is finally behind us, and the season of love is just around the corner. Despite how you may feel about Valentine's Day, it’s a fine thing for conviviality that’s often lacking at this time of year. To the cynics (and perhaps realists) amongst us, Valentine’s Day is just another day, but the romantic in me needs little persuasion to spread some extra love and embrace the 14th of February every year. Plus, my favourite pastime is gift-giving, especially when said gifts come from independent brands.
One thing’s for sure, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to shower the special people in our lives with love and a heartfelt gift from indie brands seldom disappoints. Whether you’re looking for a sentimental piece, a unique homeware gift, a touch of personalisation, or apparel, independent brands are experts at crafting beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts that the people in your life are sure to appreciate and love for years to come.
Below, I’ve compiled a gift guide that will appease the fashion-lover, home cooks, and magpies in your life. Keep scrolling to discover my favourite unique Valentine's Day gifts from independent brands as well as the lust-worthy pieces to add to your list, if you so wish.
Shop My Valentine's Day Gift Guide:
Boheme Goods' tie top became a cult style in 2022 and since then, they've released many refined classics to suit all styles.
The juxtaposition of sage green, a candied hue and peek-a-boo lace is something unique.
I don't know a single person who wouldn't be overjoyed to receive a Deiji Studios piece. It's paired back luxury at its finest. Although they're listed as pyjamas, they'll fit the indoors as outerwear brief come spring.
Granted, the silk scarf is in high demand but it's also a piece that will date well, whilst holding beautiful sentiment.
Everyone needs a good quality blanket scarf and the charcoal hue and blanket-like size ticks the boxes on style and practicality.
Amie is the most aesthetically pleasing tipple brand I've come across (so much so that I struggle to open the bottles) so they make fabulous gifts.
Murano Glasses has seen quite a revival in the last few years and to my delight designers are bringing back this age-old glassware technique. One thing is for certain — it results in unique masterpieces.
Conversation cards by Illustrator Amberlee - A mutually beneficial gift for date night. Why not frame them to commemorate the moment once you've completed the deck?
Once you've had a Yu Yu bottle in your life you won't go back. I've converted all of my loved ones.
Tortware is expert at making everyday beauty items charming. I own the matching Ama clip and it makes the humble '90s pin-back look very chic.
Mirror Water is a brand that epitomises self-care, the importance of ritualistic practices and human connection, whilst boasting an impressive capsule. Pictured is the oil with a linger of spicy Canadian black spruce.
Unconventional nail polish colours are my weakness, and no one does non-tox lacquers as beautifully as J. Hannah.
A brand with an emphasis on natural ingredients and beautifully packaged gift sets.
A richly scented tuberose oil that melts into the skin, creating a sheeny lustre - a sweet companion for a self-care night.
J&M Davidson is much loved by minimalists for its contemporary designs and pared-back branding. It's a bag for life.
You can always rely on Ninety Percent for forever pieces and Iphis Top makes a fine gift.
Although Anissa Kermiche is best known for its female-form vases, they fashion equally special ceramic pieces that will undoubtedly elevate any tablescape.
Otiumberg is best known for its refined jewels, yet for lover's season the makers have released a plush double-tier jewellery box. It's not only a practical piece of storage, it also feels like decorative homeware.
Supple to the touch, pointelle goodness and an inclusive range to boot, I can't think of a more considered intimate gift.
A darling heart cut-out top by Baserange, the makers of wearable iterations in ethical fabrications. The brand is renowned for its languid pieces but you could say they're inspired by Valentine's celebrations this year.
You can always count on Kitty Joyas to release a standout Valentine's collection. This year her heart-adorned jewellery is a playful nod to the commemoration, whilst being wearable for days thereafter.
We may be years on from the introduction of feather pyjamas but our love statement slumber dressing remains.
You may be familiar with Arkitaip for its linen apparel but its arsenal includes playful homewares that make considered gifts.
Stripe Stare's Valentine's Day collaboration has paved the way for this generously saturated crimson bralette and matching brief set. They're soft on the skin and comfortable, whilst exuding an allure.
Elizabeth Scarlett's designs are incredibly joy-inducing, you'll find a plethora of prints from embellished sun illustrations to wildlife motifs. From holidaying to at-home shelf displays, these soft pouches prove useful in more ways than one.
Overstated accessories are huge for 2024 (in every which way) and there isn't a better-fitting piece for a date night than a larger-than-life organza scrunchie or hair bow, of which Anisa Sojka has plenty!
I attest to the quality and fit of Dora Larsen’s intimates. They'll make you feel like a million dollars and last for years to come.
I don't know a single person who wouldn't welcome fresh bed linen, especially breathable French flax in a beautiful pinky hue.
This scalloped bra is one for the water baby in your mask. It's a beautiful nod to the ocean.
Make home cooking a touch more romantic with sentimental ceramics.
Suzanne Moreau's limited edition jewellery trays make the perfect gift for your loved one with an affinity for the ocean. If it isn't evident, I'm a self-confessed water baby.
Our Place crockery is everywhere and for good reason. In addition to its sleek appearance, it's a useful piece of kit for every household as it has a non-stick ceramic coating.
Take note in this decorative notebook laced with maximalist art.
I'm always asked about my phone charm and it struck me how it will make a great gift for the tech lover. If you're also a lover of pearls, why stop at jewellery?
The beauty tech world is booming so the chances are you've seen LED light therapy masks floating in the online ether. With a plethora of benefits from increasing the production of collagen, improving circulation and being 31% more powerful than other LED masks on the market, this Current Body device is a considered choice for the beauty lover in your life.
Ethereal, whimsical and a nod to the Renaissance. It's a piece you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Calling all fashion folk (or those adverse to ironing) look no further than Steamery, the sleekest steamer on the market.
Call it the lingering effect of the pandemic but we're firmly in the era of elevated sleepwear. Comfort and refinement can finally co-exist, which is music to everyone's ears.
Ukranian-born indie brand Sleeper is best known for its Atlanta dress loved globally during the summer months, however, don't sleep on its extended range of whimsical pieces, including the Genus Rose satin dress. A deep noir hur with contrast lace detailing and a rose adornment, it's nothing less than you'd expect from this forward-thinking rand.
Retiring to a slumbler needn't be a mundane process when you can don a silken dress like this to bed. Between the buttery hue and transparent voile, it's a special piece indeed.
A sleek leather-bound accessory for the jet setter in your life.
With Nothing Underneath's personalised cuff shirt evokes pure romance.
These tiered polished heart drops will elevate any pared-back ensemble.
A precious vase to dress up vacant spaces - from a fireplace to a bedside table.
Up Next: The Only Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends I'm Bothered About
Promo image: @chiarasatelier
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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