I Like to Support Small Brands—These Are the Beautiful Pieces I'm Considering Gifting This Valentine's Day
The longest January in history is finally behind us, and the season of love is afoot. Despite how you may feel about Valentine's Day, it’s a fine thing for conviviality often lacking at this time of year. To the cynics (and perhaps realists) among us, Valentine’s Day is no different to the other 364, however, as a self-proclaimed romantic, I need little to no persuasion to fully embrace February 14th. My favourite pastime is gift-giving, especially when said gifts come from independent brands.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to shower the special people in our lives with love and a heartfelt gift from independent brands seldom disappoints. Whether you’re looking for a sentimental piece, a unique homeware gift, a touch of personalisation, or apparel, independent brands expertly craft one-of-a-kind gifts the people in your life will likely appreciate 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, courtesy of independent brands and the lust-worthy pieces to add to your very own list, if you so wish.
Shop My Valentine's Day Gift Guide:
For three years running, I return to this card as I'm swept into the sweetness of it—from the gold foiled calligraphy (with the penned sentiment), to the two figures gently embracing. It's incredibly romantic and can transition into a frame-worthy piece of art. The heartfelt words overleaf will make it all the more personable. Never underestimate the power of a card, it's the best token of affection. Whilst you're on-site, you'd be remiss to miss out on Wanderlust Paper Company's other delights—including aesthetic matchsticks.
Footwear lovers look no further than Dear Frances' arsenal and this spring the brand has released a candied iteration of its coveted (and sell-out) mesh style of 2024. Perhaps unusually bold for a brand most renowned for its minimalist aesthetic and neutral colour pallet, however, it's much welcomed, especially during the season of love. It's worth noting that this style is offered with a limited edition Balla bag, which compliments the shoes perfectly.
Since moving to France, I've come to appreciate the act of dining in tandem and to uplevel the already loved-fueled activity is to tablescape to excess. Bed Threads (creators of some of the plushest bed linen I've ever had the pleasure of drifting in) envisioned a table set bundle, complete with a tablecloth, placemat and coasters. Each component boasts 165GSM OEKO-TEX certified (French flax linen). You needn't worry about wrapping either, as it comes neatly packed in linen.
Following on from the sentiment of the aforementioned table set, Our Place (one of the world's leading contemporary crockery brands) will soon be releasing the title Dinner at Our Place. It's aptly named for the brand and encompasses the significance of sharing food with loved ones. Expect to find over 100 dopamine-inducing recipes, including dinner party menus to attempt in your couple or solo!
Fragrance is notoriously difficult to gift but if there's one brand where it's worth taking the risk, it's Phlur. Passers-by and family alike are always generous with compliments. Their arsenal spans hair and body fragrance mists, to Eau De Parfum, each with an emphasis on the power of olfactory and being led by and through memories, with the senses. The fragrances far surpass the mention of being "non-offensive" but that refers to the ability to beckon people with varying tastes into the Phlur mist. Its latest release, Golden Rule, boasts creamy notes of vanilla and coconut milk with the sharpness of pink pepper and mandarin.
It's become a running joke in my family that I should own shares in YuYu, as it's one of my most-used items and I sing its praises to anyone who queries. From sufferers of chronic illness to those who are chronically cold (of which I tick both boxes), this is guaranteed to bring you comfort and joy.
I'm penning my thoughts on emotional support accessories and while I'm taking note, I'm in the era of falling for accessory brands like I once did, twenty years prior. Turtle Story is one of the latest brands on my radar. It boasts unique hair accessories comprising deadstock. The brand demonstrates how to turn discarded material into miniture works of art.
I've sung Strathberry's praises since learning about the brand's premium craftsmanship in 2022, and it remains one of the brands that garner attention based on merit foremost! The product range is gradually expanding and it now includes suede in this darling pillowy shaping.
Polène's handbags have become so highly sought after that they fly off the shelves at record speed, online and in-store. Just last week, I revisited its flagship store and examined the bags up close, to which my only response was to marvel at the quality, inside out. The Mokki is one of the brand's new styles, borrowing its name from the Finnish term "cabin", which is reflected in the effortless way the top flap contorts.
Speaking about her eponymous brand, Kitty confirms the growing interest in her Amor collection since its initial launch in 2023. For 2025, the brand owner and designer "explores the tactility of design". Kitty also states "Whilst the collection is perfect for Valentine's Day, jewellery like this has the allure of being wearable all year round".
While a toothbrush may not sound like the most romantic gift, Suri toothbrushes have beauty and wellness folk in a bind. From the plant-based casing to the rechargeable case, it's a way to uplevel your dental hygiene routine and bring a splash of joy to your mornings.
Essen is best known for footwear and being experts at handling leather, it's only natural to have made the transition to handbags. The Evening Bag is everything you'd expect from this contemporary brand, refined, timeless and with an ever-so-slightly playful monogram logo Take this bag from day to night and today until forever.
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, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
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