One-of-a-kind gifts

10 WAYS TO SHOW FRIENDS YOU LOVE THEM

We all love our friends. In fact, many of us can’t imagine life without them. According to a recent study, friendship might even be more important to our physical and mental wellbeing than our relationships with close family and partners. And yet when was the last time you actually stopped and told yours just how much they mean to you? If it’s been a while, take a look at my curated collection of lovely tokens of appreciation and watch their faces light up.

Love token, by PaperArgonauts: Inspired by coins hand cut by soldiers and sailors to send home to their sweethearts, these love tokens are a perfect little way to let someone know you’re thinking of them. I might even include a note in mine with the reasons why.

Talisman love necklace, by Patroula Jewellery: Hearts represent love, devotion and affection — all the things I want the women in my life to know I feel for them. So this necklace by my dear friend P includes the perfect charm to gift. I love how each one comes with a keepsake tarot card inspired by the piece, too.

Happy Palentine’s Day card, by Angela Chick: Make a note in your diary, the 13th February is Palentine’s Day – that’s right, a whole day celebrating the love between friends rather than romantic love. The brilliant Angela sums it up beautifully and I can’t wait to spread a smile or two by sending these.

Pair of candles — all you need is love, by Heather Evelyn: Each candle is individually illustrated by Heather, making every design unique and elevating every dinner, mantlepiece and shelf. You can also get your candles personalised with a special message for your special person. What would you choose?  

Do what you love, love what you do book, by Holly Tucker: Often, the greatest way we can show someone we care is by listening to their hopes and dreams and letting them know that we believe in them. Which is why, whenever a friend tells me they’re dreaming of starting their own business I slip them a copy of my book to help them take those first steps (you can get a signed copy from our shop, just saying…). 

Paper heart hydrangea, by Bertie Valentine London: Handmade paper heart hydrangeas by founder Hester are available in pink or red and they’re not just made for vases either. They make beautiful cake-toppers to turn teatime into a celebration, too. Trust me, pass this on and you’ll have a friend for life.

Love beret, by Maison Archives: Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can wear it on your head?! This gorgeous love beret is handmade in Ecuador using a long standing tradition of hand spun wool. It’s available in a rainbow of colours and I’m sure your friends will love each one as much as I do.  

‘Never settle petal’ hydrangea print, by Basil & Ford: Good friends don’t let friends settle! Why not remind them with this screenprint by husband and wife dream team, Matt and Lucy. Each one is hand screen printed onto original vintage bookplates – just one of the reasons they were Runners Up for our Modern Crafter Independent Award in 2020.

Chocolate toad, by The Edible Museum: Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs (or toads!) to find that special someone and we all know that can result in some rather funny stories. This realistic, hand painted chocolate variety will likely be a welcome gift for the friend you’ve often giggled with.

Red lip mug, by Marigold and Lettice: There’s nothing better than catching up with a friend over a cup or tea or coffee and these plentiful mugs hold enough to get you through a long overdue chat (plus if your drink gets cold the mugs are microwave-safe so you can even reheat them).

Need more inspiration? Try my Valentine’s gift guides for the little ones, for the husband or for sending lovely letters. What will you be buying? Do let me know in the comments below (promise I’ll keep it secret!).