This year, Valentine’s Day may look a little different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it one to remember. Though presents aren’t the reason for the holiday, it can sure sweeten the deal. Gifts are a great way to show how well you know someone or how they make you feel, but sometimes you want to give a little something more than a teddy bear, flowers or a box of chocolates.
If you’re looking to find the perfect gift for your significant other or girlfriends, we’ve got you covered with 12 Black-owned businesses that’ll help you say “I love you.”
Actually Curious
If you’ve been searching for a way to build the connection you have with your boyfriend or girlfriend, add this pack of cards from Actually Curious’ Curiosity Edition to the mix. This game consists of 52 cards of meaningful questions to get to know each other’s values and views on a deeper level. This can easily be played during an intimate night in or virtually.
About the brand: Actually Curious was created as a tool to spread empathy and fight divisiveness. Its co-founder, Michael Tennant, drew references from psychologists, journalists, crisis negotiators, game developers, parents and friends, and came up with a game that teaches the tools of having conversations with empathy.
Simone I. Smith
Nothing says “I love you more” than a necklace that says exactly that. You’ve heard it before, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but jewelry is a close second. This 18k nameplate necklace is the perfect way to send a not-so-subtle message of your love.
About the brand: Simone I. Smith founded her namesake signature jewelry collection with two goals in mind: to take her passion for jewelry create a thriving enterprise and help those in need. If you haven’t heard, she’s been successful in both. Her jewelry has been seen on celebrities such as Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott. As a 14-year cancer survivor, her company works closely with the American Cancer Society to give back through her “A Sweet Touch of Hope” lollipop pendants.
Custom Bobbleheads For Valentine’s Day
Recording the special sweet moment of Valentine’s Day by customizing Valentine’s bobblehead. An exclusive present for lovers.
You can choose a 100% custom bobblehead or a standard body as your Valentine’s Day gift. These kinds of custom choices are unlimited – you can try it, we can do it!
Talley & Twine
It’s hard to resist the beautiful craftsmanship of a watch. For that special person in your life who loves to accessorize, the Talley & Twine Worly Chronograph Watch is a must-have! Its sleek, gold design does all the talking. Honestly, every piece from Talley & Twine has a lot of say. They offer styles for both men and women, his and her gift sets, and leather goods.
About the Brand: Founded on two principles–legacy and lifestyle–Talley & Twine works to set the standard for future generations and to disrupt the watch marketplace. Each watch face features the number seven to represent completion as a reminder to always finish what you start (and look good doing it).
BOLDEN
Whether your significant other is a skincare junkie or you’re having a spa day with your girls, this GLOW Hydrating Mask is perfect for showing your face some L-O-V-E. It deeply hydrates, moisturizes, and refreshes the skin. Packed with powerful antioxidants such as Centella Asiatica extract for anti-aging, as well as Aloe Vera to heal and soothe, and Algae which revitalizes and tones, their skin (or yours) will thank you. Major points: it’s Sulfate and Paraben free!
About the Brand: Bolden exists to create products that not only work well for women of color but also embolden women to confidently embrace their natural beauty. Its commitment is to “help shape a global conversation about inclusive standards of beauty.”
House of Marley
Music is the universal language of mankind and these speakers will help you say exactly what’s on your mind without uttering a word. The Get-Together Bluetooth Portable Audio System from House of Marley easily lets you fire up your favorite tunes whenever you need them, making it the perfect gift for someone who can’t go a day without hearing a melody.
About the Brand: House of Marley was created in collaboration with the Marley family to carry on Bob Marley’s legacy of love for music and the planet. It focuses on three tenants: superior quality, sustainability, and a commitment to charitable causes. All products are crafted from mindfully sourced materials including bamboo, FSC™ certified wood, recyclable aluminum, plastic, and fabrics. Since 2017, the brand annually contributes to One Tree Planted and has helped plant 223,000 trees to date.
Grace Eleyae
If you look at this and only see a beanie, you’re sadly mistaken. It’s so much more! This accessory says, “I care about my girlfriend’s locks.” Why? Because Grace Eleyae’s Slouchy Beanie isn’t just stylish for cold winter days, the satin lining is also great for protecting hair by reducing friction, locking in moisture, fighting frizz, and distributing natural hair oils throughout your scalp. A godsend for anyone experiencing breakage or wanting to retain length while growing out their hair.
About the Brand: In 2014, Grace Eleyae experienced extreme hair breakage during a trip to Kenya, and as a solution, created the Original Slap (Satin-Lined Cap). After seeing immediate changes, the road to helping others protect their hair began. Every product at Grace Eleyae is designed with your hair in mind. Their goal is to offer hair accessories that are both fashionable and functional. No longer do you have to choose between haircare and style?
BLK & BOLD
For some, coffee is the sweet elixir of life. It’s about the smell, the taste, and the feeling of a warm cup in hand to kickstart your day. Whether you’ve got a full-blown at-home barista on your hands or someone who doesn’t happen to be a morning person, BLK & BOLD Coffee is just that, black coffee with bold flavor.
About the Brand: Co-founded by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK&BOLD is specialty coffee and tea with a purpose. They’ve turned the daily ritual of enjoying a cup in the morning into a means of giving back. 5% of all profits are contributed to initiatives that are “aligned to sustaining youth programming, enhancing workforce development, and eradicating youth homelessness.”
Bevel
Get ready to help your man “bevel up” with Bevel’s Shaving Kit. This complete shave system makes grooming a breeze with tools and products that help protect, cleanse, and nourish the skin. Specifically designed for sensitive skin, a close shave is easily achievable without the fear of dreaded razor bumps.
About the Brand: Bevel provides quality men’s grooming products for shaving, hair, skin, and body. Each category features powerhouse ingredients to hydrate, calm, soothe, and cater to skin.
Essie Spice
Add a little spice to a homecooked Valentine’s Day meal with any of the four signature spices from Essie Spice. Flavors include Coco-For Garlic, Tamarind OH, Mango Chili Medley, and Mekko Dry Rub. Marinate, saute, braise, or rub your way into your significant other’s heart and stomach with these flavorful (vegan and vegetarian) spice blends that pack unexpected but exceptional flavors.
About the Brand: Created by Essie Bartels, her passion for cooking and spices began in her mother’s tiny kitchen in Ghana. Through her travels, she tested different cuisines and exotic palates; and bottled a blend of homemade spices “handed down through three generations to spice up your life.”
POWERHANDZ
Got an athletic person in mind? These POWERHANDZ POWERFIT gloves are just the right fit. Great for any type of fitness training, including weight-lifting, cycling, pullups, and general workouts, hands are protected from calluses and blisters. The weight distributed across the top of the glove improves strength in the hand and arm muscles. No matter how they get their fitness in, these gloves will come in handy.
About the Brand: POWERHANDZ is an athletic training and rehabilitation products company. They provide patented weighted gloves and training equipment to enhance human performance through the design of innovative technology. The essence of the brand is to train with purpose.
COCOTIQUE
Keep the excitement coming well past Valentine’s Day with a subscription box that provides products for women of color. Each month, a COCOTIQUE Box will arrive with five to eight full-size and deluxe-travel-size curated beauty, self-care, wellness, and lifestyle products. You hit the jackpot with this one! The well-rounded selection of products will certainly have something inside to fall in love with.
About the Brand: COCOTIQUE recognizes the invaluable impact that a woman who unapologetically values herself can have on her life, family, community, and career. The brand is dedicated to inspiring, uplifting, and empowering women through the power of beauty. COCOTIQUE goes beyond products and enforces the #COCOTIQUECares Initiative. This initiative creates an opportunity for their social community to nominate a deserving woman who may be going through a difficult situation. A way to shine a light on women who may think they’re forgotten.
