I Like to Support Small Brands—56 Beautiful Pieces to Gift on Valentine's Day

57 Unique Valentine's Day Gifts For 2023: @emmahoareau

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@emmahoareau

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 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 an indie brands seldom disappoints. Whether you’re looking for a sentimental piece, a unique homeware gift, a touch of personalisation, or some clothing bits, 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 wish list if you fancy treating yourself.

Shop My Valentine's Day Gift Guide:

1. Jewellery

Kitty Joyas' new drop lands just in time for Valentine's Day and features darling heart-shaped jewels.

Barely there diamonds studs to be stacked high or worn alone.

This classic band features the slight glimmer of a discretely placed diamond. It's a piece high on my wish list.

A unique pearl drop pendant on a choice of plain or cubic zirconia-encrusted hoops. It's nothing short of vintage glamour.

I seem to have a thing for hammered metals lately. This concave drop hoop will pair brilliantly with an oversized knit and hair swept off the face.

2. Clothing

There's nothing that says luxurious gifts quite like cashmere and MyCashmere pieces are of the highest standard.

You can always rely on Ninety Percent for forever jumpers. You can layer this up in winter and wear it alone in the spring.

A piece everyone needs in their collection. Pantee craft-inclusive and soft-to-the-touch bodysuits made from deadstock fabrics.

A slip skirt is a lifelong investment and this offering from By Committee is as classic as they come. The deep-seated waistband makes this piece different from other styles.

Blankets and oversized scarves are big this season - not to mention a good gifting choice. This piece comes in one size and can be wrapped effortlessly around the shoulder.

Boheme Goods tie top became a cult style last summer. This year they've released a printed variation, just in time for Valentine’s Day. It features a similar style, albeit a bit more cropped, and with a double tie and fluted sleeve. It's destined to be another hit.

3. Underwear and Sleepwear

The Underdays founders didn't lie when they said they're one of the comfiest undies around, they're also a confidence booster!

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.

Stripe & Stare makes everyday underwear prettier with this rosy hue and scalloped lace detailing.

We may be years on from the introduction of feather pyjamas but our love of them is strong. Don them as outerwear or when hosting at home. Either way, it's sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face and invite some 1960s glamour to the everyday.

The juxtaposition of this boxer brief in this candied hue (with 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 indoors as outerwear brief come spring. Note the side tie which is new to their 2023 designs.

This is one of the jolliest robes I've seen. Ocean babies are sure to appreciate this sweet reminder of the coast.

4. Accessories

Lauren Manoogian always hit the quota when it comes to comfort and style, with pieces you can envelop yourself in twice over.

If you have a Maison Margiela lover in your midst, they’ll appreciate custom tabi socks.

Although By Milaner's arsenal boasts many spectacular bags (including some spotted in And Just Like That), I can't help but think the hue and classic style of this silk scarf lends itself well to gift giving. Granted, the silk scarf is in high demand but it's also a piece that will date well, whilst holding beautiful sentiment.

Did you know Rixo produces accessories too? This medallion-style chain belt will pop against any of their vintage-style frocks.

Everyone needs a good quality blanket scarf and the charcoal hue and blanket-like size ticks the boxes on style and practicality.

Mid-price ateliers always excel when it comes to the production of high-quality accessories - with many of them sharing the same factories as big names. Far often they're on par with high-end designers. This purse by Bobbies is a prime example.

5. Home

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. PS, they've now released equally aesthetic socks for lazy days at home.

Our place pans are 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.

Although Anissa Kermiche is best known for its female-form vases, they fashion equally special ceramic pieces that will undoubtedly elevate any table-scaping situation.

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.

A precious raw hunk of quartz to dress up vacant spaces - from a fireplace to a bedside table. Or use it to house your jewels.

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?

There's something charming about mismatched crockery.

We've heard of infinity roses and dried flowers but have you heard of paper blooms? - it's an innovative way of presenting a forever bouquet.

Studio Arva is the brainchild of Abi Omole. Her shop includes many treasures but among my favourites are the onyx-carved fruits. They look good enough to eat and will sit on a plush tablescape, travertine table (if you're lucky enough to own one), or fireplace.

If someone in your life is into ritualistic methods, this Palo Santo burner is a unique gift that makes the process much more luxurious and long-lasting.

A free-hand shell print you can don as a clothing accessory and homeware!

Marloe Marloe's pieces are designed to mimic natural, organic textiles. Use this vase to house dried blooms and make it the focal piece in your dining space.

Soft to the touch 100% organic cotton towels crafted by a community brand with heart - a good choice for Valentine's Day.

Jewellery lovers also need adequate methods of organisation. Daisy London crafted a rattan case that's just as beautiful as their jewellery offerings. If you're feeling extra generous, pop a piece of jewellery inside as a sweet surprise. It's also available in the mini size.

Once you've had a Yu Yu bottle in your life you won't go back. I've converted all of my loved ones.

6. Beauty

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 and the importance of ritualistic practices and human connection, whilst boasting an impressive capsule. Pictured is the oil and scrub with a linger of spicy Canadian black spruce. 

Unconventional nail polish colours are my weakness, and no one does these lacquers as beautifully as J. Hannah. They're also non-toxic.

Deliciously scented mood-boosting candles with a percentage of profits going towards mental health organisations.

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 luster - a sweet companion for a self-care night.

An enchanting and inviting scent that will linger throughout your entire household.

A stylish piece for the beauty lover in need of practical pieces for their stash.

A fresh brand inspired by South American-derived ingredients - Herlum's Pure Vida candle is one to transport you to nature’s landscape with one single whiff.

7. Bags

J&M Davidson is much loved by minimalists for its contemporary design and pared-back branding. It's a bag for life.

An intricately woven rope bag with threads of metallic shimmer throughout.

Mashu bags make the best gift. Everything about their pieces, from the interior to welding materials, is made with sustainable practices in mind. The Philippa bag is a compact and classic style that will work for date nights and beyond. The hammered gold link chain works in unison with the soft ecru hue of the exterior.