Occasions done differently

MY FAVOURITE SMALL BUSINESS VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR 2023

Miley is most definitely right. We can buy ourselves flowers — and we should do it more often. How wonderful to celebrate a little self love and self reliance, especially with mental health being a priority for many this year (including me).

Yet I don’t know about you, but I feel as if so many of my loved ones also need a little extra love at the moment. Yes there’s my Frank. But there are also other people I’m close to who I imagine will appreciate a little ‘I see you’ through the post — my friends, my family… I know this will likely be my last Valentine’s Day with Harry at home before he disappears off to university for example (although he will probably actually be quite pleased about that!). Still, I’d love to remind him how much he means to me.

That’s why I’ve pulled together a bumper Valentine’s Day collection to include everyone who might need it, from Valentine’s gifts for ‘him’ or ‘her’, Palentine’s ideas (yukky phrase but for all those friends we truly hold dear), to little heartfelt treats for the little ones — as well as for ourselves.

I’ll also be showering some meaningful feelings on the other special people in my life — our co-mmunity of UK small businesses — who I’ll be supporting on the 14th Feb (and not just by shopping, but also by leaving a happy review or two, or sharing them on Insta). After all, it’s these brilliant humans who are there for us year-round and who always pour such care into everything they create. If you’re interested, here’s a reminder of why I’m so passionate about shopping heartfully and why I think we should all spend our time on the planet doing what we love like our independent businesses do, because as we all know, life is short. Let’s make the most of every single tiny moment…

For their eyes only…
‘Love Lane Invisible Ink’, rose scented and designed by Marby & Elm.

For the curious among us…
‘Valentine’s Puzzle Purse’, inspired by ones from the 18th century, personalised by Eleanor Percivol.

For words you sometimes forget to say…
‘Love Letter’, personalised inside with words of your choice by Lotta’s House.

For new flames…
The LBP ‘I Fancy You’ Gift Box, personalised in style by Lady Bakewell-Park.

For the strongest of sisters…
‘Behind Every Strong Woman’ Print, by Amy Gardener (founder of the Aunt Joy Gallery supporting female artists and women-centred charities).

For the postman object of your affection…
‘Love Letter’ card, hand printed by the secret squirrels at Pressed And Folded.

For secretly hiding in pockets…
‘Love You Lots Hankie’ from a wide, creative range, by Mr. PS.

For the keeper of your secrets (to keep them sweet)…
‘Love Heart Madeleines’, vanilla baked and covered in chocolate by Dee’s Basement.

For the best aunty (sorry other aunties)…
‘Love Heart Hanging Wooden Decoration’, proudly designed and sustainably made by Amy Swann.

For spreading the love…
‘I Think It’s Called Love’ jumper, by FUND Jumpers — profits from each sale help fund school meals for children living in poverty.

For your very own firestarter…
Meaningful messages engraved matchbox, by The Oak & Rope Company (many clever personalisations available).

For the one who has your heart…
‘Water Carafe & Glass’ etched for the bedside table and beautifully upcycled by [Vinegar & Brown Paper].

For treating the office…
‘Classic 6 Pack’, by Bobbie’s Brownies, donating meals to children with every purchase.

For declaring to all and sundry…
‘Forever True Love’ gift, screen printed, hand painted and embellished by Paper Argonauts.

For me, with much love, from me…
“Wild Love Wool Jumper’, by Slow Love, whose community of knitters knit every piece (lovingly and slowly) by hand.

For hearts that need warming…
Pair of handmade candles, by Heather Evelyn, and ‘Love & Hope’ gloves, by Quinton Chadwick.

For your very best friend…
‘Custom Heart Beaded Necklace’, handmade in the UK and exclusive to Cutter Brooks.

For Mum (unequivocally)…
‘You Are So Loved’ locket, designed around the intricacies of motherhood and self, by Cult Of Youth.

Ok also for me (thanks Miley)…
‘Alba Lace Triangle Bralette’, sustainably produced by Dora Larson.

For your RHW (Right Hand Woman)…
‘All You Need Is Love Bag’ made of biodegradable jute, by The Jacksons.

For tiny tokens that say ‘I see you’…
‘Two Bonbon Box’, handcrafted luxury chocolate by Cocoa Therapy.

For those who are in it for life…
‘Set Of Two Prints’, signed open edition by artist Anthony Burrill.

For being eternally yours…
The ‘Love Me Forever’ ring and pendant, carefully crafted and full of meaning by Cece Jewellery.

For whoever has a key to your heart (and home!)…
Starling personalised leather keyrings, hand stamped by Konoc.

For me again (I treated myself)…
Handmade ‘Desert Dweller Jacquard Knit Cardigan’, by Denim And Bone.

For empowering strong women…
‘Pink Crescent Moon Bracelet’, designed with soul by Patroula Jewellery.

For the littlest love of your life…
Heirloom item ‘Personalised Love Arrow’, By Bokuno.

For the one who deserves crowning…
‘Loved’ party hat, made mindfully from FSC paper by Hadley Paper Goods.

For your mini Frida…
‘Lots Of Love Artbox’, seven art projects for children, with instructions and materials included by LoLA.

For siblings to share and pass on…
‘Baby & Child Hidden Heart Mittens’, by Eka (valuing quality over disposability).

For the heart that needs mending…
‘Broken Heart Pills’ with a poetic extract inside, by The Poetry Pharmacy.

For the friend in need…
‘Prick Repeller’, by the social enterprise, Revere the Residence.

For true appreciation from the 18-year-old offspring…
‘Shed Loads Of Love’ in a 50cl bottle, by the award-winning Shed 1 Gin.

For making sure they know it…
‘My Darling, I Love You’ kit, designed with zero waste in mind by Delicious Monster Tea.

For a gentle reminder…
‘Wake Up Next To People Who Make You Feel Happy’ print, created by Adam Bridgland.

For shouting it from the rooftops (or on the lounge wall)…
‘I Adore You’ personalised vintage wall hanging banner, sustainably made by One Three Four Vintage.

For the one who has your back…
‘Loved Sweater in Sunny’, printed and dyed at home using eco-friendly inks on ethically sourced clothing, by Young Double.

For your Chief Chore Sharer…
‘I Like You So Much’ card, designed by neurodiverse artists at Arthouse Unlimited.

Like what you see? Discover more one-of-a-kind gift ideas, for birthdays, baby showers and more, on my Inspiration Hub.