Fun and thoughtful gifts for Valentine’s Day

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No ore confusion for this year’s Valentine’s Day gift giving

By Aliyah Difia Rahma

Valentine’s Day is upon us and finding the perfect gift is an Olympic sport of its own. Gifts are not just romantic but also as a token of appreciation to those who you love in your life. If you are looking for gifts for your partner, friends or family this Valentine’s Day, we have gathered some gift ideas that can make the day more special. The best part is, these gifts are all from stores in the Islington area (to keep the gift hunting moment more local).

HAYGEN

The only HAYGEN store in London. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

HAYGEN is an independent home, furnishings and fashion goods store located in Camden Passage. Founded in 2011, Haygen has become a shopping destination for a unique shopping experience, making Haygen the perfect store to score some of those Valentine’s Day gifts. HAYGEN carried various other brands as well within their store, which is great for a variety of goods to choose from in the store.

HAYGEN reed diffusers and candle (£28.99)

Starting off strong, HAYGEN has their own lines of candles and reed diffusers, which is always a staple and straightforward gift for any occasion. From figs scents to rhubarb scents, there is everything for everyone and it’s easy to personalise.

The scents offered by HAYGEN candles and reed diffuser are fruity. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

True Grace reed diffuser and candles. (£39.99 – £89.99)

If the HAYGEN scents are not comprehensive enough, the store also carried True Grace scented candles and reed diffusers with stronger scents like oud and amber. Making it great for those who are looking for a more mature scent as a gift.

True Grace has maintained their production carbon neutral since 2015. Aliyah Difia Rahma

ANNA + NINA mugs (£12.99-£44.99)

Pretty statement mugs are another fitting gift for the day, especially when ANNA + NINA mugs are laced with “I love you”. Give this mugs to that special someone to make them feel loved this Valentine’s season.

The perfect morning set by ANNA + NINA at HAYGEN. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

The espresso cups by ANNA + NINA for £12.99 at HAYGEN. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Le Bon Shoppe boyfriend and girlfriend socks (£19.99)

Looking for a couple’s gift to wear with your partner, HAYGEN sells these for her and for his socks. It’s the best gift when all you want to do for Valentine’s Day is just to be cozy and eat in.

Various sock designs to choose from. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Valentine’s Day Card (£3.99-5.99)

Gifting someone with a card just adds another layer of care into it, showing that the other person matters. HAYGEN has several designs to choose from.

The cards selection at HAYGEN. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

The card designs at HAYGEN for Valentine’s Day. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

B’Alteyer

B’Alteyer storefront in Camden Passage. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Another independent fashion boutique located at Camden Passage area (which is next door to Haygen!). Opened in May 2024, the store offers curated and personal shopping experiences for their customers. B’Alteyer like HAYGEN, also carried multiple brands under their wing. The name is a combination of the French word Atelier and the founder’s name Sosen Botani. Their store at Camden Passage carried mostly fashion goods, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find anything Valentine’s worthy gift there.

Makeup bag (£30 and £36)

These makeup bags are a great gift option for anyone to store their stuff, from makeup, skincare, travel hygiene products to electronics you will always need a small handy bag. These bags come in 2 different sizes and are both available with so many different colours and patterns to choose from.

Small Makeup Bag from bohemia design at B’Alteyer. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Large makeup bag by bohemia design at B’Alteyer. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

B’Alteyer display of makeup bags inside their store. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Flower arrangement (£14)

If you think flower bouquet is a cliche for you but you still want a flower to give, these flowers in a glass bottle from Wildflower by Floriette is a great option. The brand specializes in dried flower arrangements that are more sustainable and have a longer livelihood, which makes this gift both thoughtful and unusual, making the day more meaningful.

The unique glass bottle flower arrangement at B’Alteyer from a Dutch based brand wildflowers by floriette. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma.

Estella Bartlett

The front of Estella Bartlett store at Islington Green. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Chic jewelleries (£22-£25)

If you are looking for a more traditional gift, Estella Bartlett at Islington Green offers a range of jewellery that are Valentine’s Day appropriate. From earrings to necklaces, gold and silver, the brand carries so many different options and designs for everyone. Chic and simple design yet affordable, these pieces from Estella Bartlett, are excellent to give.

Jewelry selections at Estella Bartlett with Valentine’s Day theme. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Jewellery Box (£19)

The store also offers a heart shaped jewellery box that would be perfect for those who want to store their newly gifted jewellery pieces. These heart-shaped boxes will definitely make a statement for your gift. Though, you can get this jewellery gift for free if you spend more than £30 online and in-store.

The perfect jewellery box from Estella Bartlett to give. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Wild Swans

Wild Swans store is located in Islington while the other store is at Chiswick. Credit: Aliyah Difia Rahma

Another traditional option for Valentine’s day are makeup products, especially for the girls and there’s nothing wrong with some new lip product in your vanity. Wild Swans is another fashion boutique filled with Scandinavian brands which makes the store vibe calm and stylish. Despite carrying lots of fashion products, the store has a handful of homeware and makeup to choose from.

Kjaer Weis lip products (£27-£28)

Kjaer Weis is a makeup brand that champions sustainable, luxury and innovative makeup products and Wildswans carried their brand here at Islington. They have a great selection of lip product to choose from colour-wise, and are available in both gloss and matte formula.