How do you show your beloved that you really love them? By giving them some Valentine’s day gifts for him or her. Gift giving is a big deal and finding the right gift is probably bigger because the emphasis you place on the items you give shows how much you really care. Most recently, I have discovered the 5 Love Languages – a theory by marriage counselor and pastor Gary Chapman which explains how people give and receive love.
According to Chapman, if you want to show someone you love them, it can be done through either of the following five ways: words of affirmation, acts of service, spending quality time, physical touch and giving gifts. Is giving and receive gifts your primary love language or that of the person you love? Then you are in for a treat.
The day to celebrate love and loved ones is just right around the corner – Valentine’s day. Thus, I have dug deep to find you some African-inspired fashion and lifestyle goods that would make great Valentine’s day gifts for him and her. These could make perfect items for your beloved or yourself. Browse any of these goods and get inspired to give a gift that serves as a lasting memento of your love. If you like what the brands offer, feel free to check out their social media pages and follow them on Instagram for more gift ideas.
As the name implies, this is a leather satchel/backpack made out of 100 per cent cowhide leather and crafted in the shape of the African map, while the Orijin culture logo is engraved on a brass plate parallel to the front pocket zipper. This unique item fosters a sense of culture and community in the wearer enabling them to connect with African pride through style and class. It is a statement piece that comes in styles for both male and females. – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
Sustainability meets African fashion with the Bohten brand. The Bohten5 barklae gold sunnies are a remake of their classic black and gold frames while the lenses come with an anti-reflective oleophobic coat. It is made from recyclable materials such as laminate ebony and matte acetate for the adjustable tips. Although oversized, they are lightweight, durable and easy to wear with a snug fit on the face. It can be worn by both men and women. – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
Print phone case from Reflektiondesign
Do you know someone who spends hours on their phone? They might want a cool phone case to match their social personality. This gift features a custom blue African pattern created that is just as dope as it looks. Suitable for both men or women to carry, this protective case comes with a solid polycarbonate back and flexible sides so it can be places on or removed from the phone with ease. Watch how your beloved will use their phone with a sense of pride knowing this beautiful case is a represention of African design. – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
Eye pillows from Reflektion Design
These eye pillows are rectangular pieces of African print fabric pouches filled with rice and scented with lavender to give you a heavenly escape from stress and overwhelm. They are great for shielding your eyes from the light when you need to sleep and can be a relaxing weight around the eyes and forehead. The gentle pressure applies has soothing properties that could help relieve sinus pain and headaches. Not only does it feel good but it smell great due to the lavender essential oil. How to use? Heat it up in the microwave for only a few seconds if you prefer it warm or place in the freezer and it turns into a cold pack. – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
Wrist bracelets from Ed Fountain
Forget Pandora for a second and check out these one-of-a-kind, unisex beaded accessories fashioned for your unique personality. They come in a variety of styles, shapes and colours to suit your liking and can be worn stand alone or stacked in a bundle. Some of the beads themselves are sourced directly from the motherland as African trade beads and range from chunky to smaller, thinner types. The beads feature an eclectic mix of brass, wood, coral and sterling silver beads. All bracelets are handmade and available for purchase online. – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
Statement earrings from Nappy Rutz
Conceived by an avid frugalista who was frustrated about not finding affordable eye-catching earrings, this brand caters to the woman who wants to dress stylishly without looking like everyone else. Rutz creates striking designs from her Atlanta studio with love and makes them available to a large audience online. The earrings, which are all created from hypoallergenic materials can be made with hooks or studs and comes in different patterns and colours. The earrings in the picture above feature tribal patterns suitable for the fashionista. Afraid of the large size? Not to worry, there are smaller ones too! – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
Refresh and rejuvenate your skin using Africa’s ancient beauty secrets. This line of shea oils comes in three types: Ori-Nku (natural, unscented and great for babies), Serenity – a unique blend of lavender, bergamot and ylang ylan and Lemongrass, which is also an insect repellent. All products R&R luxury products are made with less than eight ingredients, most of which are indigenous to west Africa and have been used for centuries due to their natural healing properties and restorative benefits. Your beloved would thrilled to receive these skin care cosmetics fashioned from the purest ingredients.
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Pinwheel coaster from The Little Market
Dress up your dining or coffee table with these delicately woven, fair-trade coasters while protecting the surfaces. Imagine your guests coming over for dinner or drinks and having a lovely coaster to lay their cups and glasses on. Each one is made in Rwanda from locally sourced grass – sisal and wheat grass. Every purchase of these coasters goes towards supporting the local artisans and preserving local culture in Rwandan communities. – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
Also known as African black soap, this item is predominantly for men but women can use it too. It has an earthy scent and no added fragrances, chemicals or preservatives. Most people believe black soap to be an active agent in clearing acne, black spots and other skin blemishes. Nature boy was founded by Jacob Quetant and it is an all-natural solution sourced from Ghana, made with ingredients such as cocoa pod ash, palm kernel oil and plantain skins. The full collection in addition to this soap also includes beard oils, balms, conditioners and even styling combs. Feel free to gift this item on its own or pair it with something else from the brand – Visit website | Follow on Instagram
What will you be gifting to others on Valentine’s day?
Share what you will be gifting to others in the comments section below and have a Happy Valentine’s day!
I’m a seasoned communications and marketing consultant with a penchant for all things stylish and chic. Follow me on social media and subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates on industry trends and much more!
Ah yes many inspiring gifts here! I went to the holiday market at BAM this past holiday season and there were a lot of African artisians there with African inspired items, so much of it was so clever. You can see some it in my Christmas vlog. But it was very cool.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Author
Oh really? I am going to have to go back and watch your Christmas vlog then! It is amazing that African artisans are cropping up all over the place. I can imagine that there would be a strong market for these goods even if it is a small one. I find it really exciting for a time as this and looking forward to what the future holds.
Lovely gifts here Jamila. The Africa Bag, wrist bracelets and statement earrings are literally my fave! However you’re spending Vals day, hope you enjoy it.
Madeline
madelinewilsonojo.com
Author
Hello Madeline,
It is so amazing that you love the Africa bag and the other things mentioned. I think my favourite would have to be the wrist bracelets! Happy Val’s day to you too! 😀