14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day with These LGBTQ+-Owned Brands
Curated by Andrew Villagomez. Words by Matthew Wexler.
The most romantic (and possibly stressful) day of the year is quickly approaching. If you're scrambling for ideas for the best Valentine's Day gifts, look no further than EDGE's curated collection from some of our favorite LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
Romance means different things to different people. From fashion and jewelry to endorphin-inducing candles, the best romantic gifts come from the heart when you take a moment to think about what will spark your special someone.
Queer Candle Company
Celebrating their 5th anniversary as our favorite queer candlemakers, Ab and Al's Queer Candle Company creates long-burning soy wax candles in floral, fresh, and seasonal scents. (Individual candles, $19, set of three, $52.50)
TELFAR
Move over Birkin, Telfar Clemens' namesake brand, TELFAR is our latest obsession, and one that will have your loved one strutting with style. (Bonus: you can also borrow it.) The newest UGG collaboration is equal parts sexy and comfy — perfect for a V-Day snuggle. (Prices vary.)
Ghost Democracy
Founder Rex Chou established Ghost Democracy as a responsible skincare brand that's also affordable, forgoing retail and marketing directly to consumers with best-selling products like its new Peptide-Packed Dewy Toning Mist ($34). If you want to go all-out, consider the Complete Collection ($138).
Aknvas
The Danes are known for more than just minimalist, contemporary interior design. After working for Dior, designer Christian Juul Nielsen established his own label, Aknvas, known for sophisticated yet accessible silhouettes. The Harry sweater ($450) in sky blue and zigzag Turner sweater ($540) are some of our favorites from the recent collection.
Automic Gold
There's jewelry, and then there's "radically wearable fine jewelry for everyone" — the mantra of Automic Gold's founder AL Sandimirova. Don't expect photoshopped models or fake discounts, but do expect reclaimed gold materials, size inclusivity (yes, it matters, even in jewelry), and designs both minimalist and whimsical, such as the Bee Ring ($199) and Screw Earings ($49).
Roverlund
Roverlund creator Jamie Knowles drew upon his multi-hyphenate experience as an internationally recognized artist, travel junkie, and former Vogue staffer to launch his line of airline-approved pet carriers, leashes, and accessories. Built to last, Roverlund uses marine- and mountaineering-grade materials that are durable and stylish. The Out-of-Office Pet Carrier ($149) in camo and magenta is sure to draw attention to your beloved four-legged travel buddy.
Jean Paul Gaultier
It's been nearly 30 years since Jean Paul Gaultier launched his Classique fragrance, and since that time has seduced olfactory-inspired fans with various iterations. More than a dozen fragrances are now available, including Le Male Pride ($100).
Equator Coffees & Teas
In 2016, Equator Coffees & Teas became the first LGBTQ+-owned company to be named Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, but the dreams have been big since the company's founding. New arrivals include Ethiopia Gedeb Organic Single Origin Espresso (from $18.50) and Double Happiness (from $18.50), a tea collaboration with chef Brandon Jew benefitting the Cut Fruit Collective.
Outdoor Fellow
Patrick Jones' candle hobby has grown into Outdoor Fellow, a full-time business featuring candles and reed diffusers for the olfactory obsessed. The numbered collection showcases a range of scents from coastal forest to sandalwood and pine needle. (candles $36, reed diffusers $39, subscriptions available)
Private Policy
If you're feeling like a splurge, look no further than Private Policy, founded by CFDA Award finalists SiYing Qu and Haoran Li. Discover casual T-shirts, hoodies, and knitwear, but our favorite find is the Reporter Box Bag ($365) in sage leather.
Thom Browne
Does your special someone like to hit the streets in style? Elevate their wardrobe with the latest from Thom Browne. The American luxury designer's latest menswear collection includes an array of gray jackets with various silhouettes from unstructured to stacked shoulder pads. (Starting at $740)
Paru Tea
Founder Amy Truong celebrates five years of success with her harmonious collection of Paru Tea. Truong and her team source high-quality, loose-leaf teas, focusing on Southeast Asia. New releases pay homage to the Year of the Tiger, but share your love of tea all year long with a subscription (starting at $29.95).
Beekman 1802
Our favorite gay goat farmers, Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, have parlayed their upstate New York farm into Beekman 1802, the world's largest goat-milk-based skincare company. The sudsy, nourishing soaps are ideal for a romantic bath, with plenty of other products to compliment, like the Pure Whipped Body Cream ($38).
Ash + Chess
Remember trading Valentine's Day cards in elementary school? Revisit that nostalgic experience with a charming card from Ash + Chess. And for a uniquely designed take on our collective queer history, consider The Gay Agenda Book ($19.99), which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community's evolution and culture through illustrations, timelines, and trivia.