20 Black-Owned Brands That Have Your Valentine’s Day Gifts Covered

Chocolates are possibly the most common Valentine’s Day treat. But this year, plan ahead so you can avoid picking at the last few heart-shaped boxes at your local drugstore. Phillip Ashley Rix, a Memphis chocolatier, partnered with black-owned Tennessee whiskey brand Uncle Nearest for a special-edition chocolate collection. Each bon bon flavor uses premium ingredients infused with whiskey.

For European-inspired, American-made chocolates, Cocoa Belle is worth a taste. Carmen, the chocolatier behind the brand, was inspired to start making her own truffles and confections after tasting handmade treats across Europe when she moved abroad at age 19. She brought her expertise and love for sweets back to her hometown of Little Rock, AR where she creates her line of chocolate truffles, sauces, and barks.

This Buffalo, NY-based sweet shop brings a whole new meaning to chocolate-covered strawberries with their berry mix bar. Freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, and cherries are layered on top of a dark and milk chocolate blend.

Not only does wine — sparkling or still — pair well with chocolate, but it’s best served by candlelight. Bubbly or not, rosé is very on-theme for Valentine’s Day, with its soft pink color. Snag a bottle from McBride Sisters. Their sparkling variety is only available in stores, but their still Black Girl Magic Rosé can be purchased directly from their website.

The name practically says it all. Maison Noir has a slate of irreverently-named varieties (Knock on Wood Chardonnay and O.P.P. Pinot Noir for example), but the description for their rosé takes on a more romantic tone. This self-described “intoxicating” wine has a berry aroma with flavors of watermelon rind and kiwi.

If you want to set the mood while you sip, Love Cork Screw has the perfect gift set. Not only does it include two of the brand’s wines, it also comes with a candle and a body butter. Sounds like a very romantic night in.

Some of my favorite Valentine’s Day memories have been spent with platonic friends, going out for dinner or drinks and celebrating the love of great friendships. While an in-person Galentine’s Day celebration might not be possible, The Sip Society has you covered. Their giftable boxes come with luxury sparkling wines (think Moet and Bottega), drinkware, and a card with information about the wines in the box. It’s like a wine tasting delivered to your doorstep.

The team behind Atlanta-based startup Culture Greetings is making it a whole lot easier to send a card. You pick from dozens of beautifully illustrated greeting cards available, add a note (and a gift card if you'd like), and they'll print and mail it for you. Want to give the card in person? You can also pick it up at your local Walgreens.

Childhood friends and writer-illustrator duo Robin and Carmelle create greeting cards that are equal parts timely and full of wit. Their pink card that reads “I Could Never Stay 6 Feet Away From You” is the most pandemic-appropriate one in the collection.

Andrea, the designer behind Paisley Paper, doesn’t really enjoy receiving greeting cards. But she loves making them, and it shows. The cards in her Valentine’s Day collection come with striking cover designs, but are blank inside, allowing you to make the message your own.

New York City designer Nicole Alesi’s eponymous greeting card line is whimsical, hand-crafted, and made using eco-friendly paper. Given the puzzle craze that hit stir crazy households everywhere in 2020, her “You Complete Me” card is fitting for this year’s festivities, no matter who you’re buying for.

The designer behind this namesake brand has an environmental science degree, which naturally draws her to gemstones considered non-traditional for engagement rings: salt-and-pepper diamonds and sapphires in various hues. Even if you’re not looking to pop the question this Valentine’s Day, she has a range of special occasion pieces, like these 14k gold XO studs.

There’s something extra romantic about pieces designed by a couple. The husband-wife team behind Third Crown is passionate about creating pieces for any gender, with bracelets and rings that can be mixed, matched, and stacked. Their Power of the Pair sets come with two matching pieces—in this case, a ring and a cuff—to be worn together, or shared between two partners.

If you’re looking for something more personalized, Jam + Rico’s name necklaces come in various silver and gold options. Just give them the name, metal, and length you’d like, and they’ll send you a custom piece for that special someone. These specialty pieces take longer to make, though, so be sure to buy these with more than enough lead time.

Want to give your loved one the celebrity treatment? Shop with Jlani Jewels, which has been worn by Tyra Banks, Issa Rae, and Beyoncé. Their stacked Amani rings form a sculpture of steel, gold, and rose gold.

Rom-com fans will love Belly Candle Co’s Love Jones Collection, especially their Darius Lovehall candle. The hand-poured blend of sea salt, musk, and plum comes in a glass jar with the iconic words of the fictional writer and romantic scrawled across the side. Pro-tip: light this and listen to the "Love Jones" soundtrack for optimal experience.

This brand might not officially be a Valentine’s Day candle company, but they have a lot of on-theme candles to choose from. We’re Mint to Be (guess the scent on this one), You Give Me the Feels, and I Always Melt for You are clearly great choices. But Single AF is a great gift for friends spending this Valentine’s Day solo.

For a luxe candle experience, check out the candles from body care brand Gilded. The scents vary from floral to fruity to earthy, and are poured into a stunning onyx vessel, which makes for a show-stopping piece of home decor. They’re currently on pre-order and ship out early February, perfect timing for the big day.

Don’t forget about the kids! I still remember waking up on Valentine’s Day as a child, with a basket of goodies and a card from my parents. It was usually chocolates or the seasonal version of my favorite candies, but memorable all the same. This cute puzzle featuring a little ballerina and a heart is a great V-day gift and a fun activity for the little loves in your life.

If you want to celebrate the day by matching with your mini-me, KaAn's Designs has cute clothes for the whole family. Their “Bae” collection comes with sweatshirts and tees in sizes Adult 2XL all the way down to a 3-6 month onesie. Instagram-worthy cuteness for the whole family.