As Valentine's Day approaches, the search for a truly special and meaningful gift intensifies. Luckily, the ADJOAA team has put in the work and curated a thoughtful selection of gifts from sustainable African brands for your convenience. We’ve got recommendations for everyone, whether you're shopping for that special man, woman, or someone else who appreciates gifts beyond traditional gender norms. From classic romantic gestures to modern androgynous options, let's dive into the world of ADJOAA brands that can make Valentine's Day truly unforgettable.

Just for You

The first-ever relationship you’ll have in life is with yourself. It also never ends. So, despite all the messaging about couples, you also need to look after yourself. So, making sure to take time out to appreciate and pamper yourself is a powerful way to affirm your own value and well-being. Whether it's a small indulgence or a meaningful item, a self-gift on Valentine's Day can be a tangible reminder to prioritise your happiness and fulfilment. 

Vanhu Vamwe

Buying yourself a Valentine's Day gift from Vanhu Vamwe is not just a purchase; it's an investment in artistry, culture, and sustainable living. As a Zimbabwean accessory brand that transcends mere consumerism, Vanhu Vamwe represents a community of artisans and storytellers, reviving the ancient craft of macrame into luxurious design forms. A bag from Vanhu Vamwe is a gift that keeps on giving by being an excellent addition to a wardrobe and also by contributing to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship with products like:

Treat yourself to the IMANATHI Woven Shopper Tassel Tote Bag and elevate your style with a boho-chic tote that seamlessly merges fashion and functionality. The intricately woven design and playful tassel accents infuse a free-spirited flair, making it a versatile accessory suitable for everyday use or casual outings.

Indulge in self-love this Valentine's Day with the AKANI Mini Hand-Held Bag. Its sleek design and versatile size make the AKANI bag a must-have addition to your collection, allowing you to make a statement in both chic and practical fashion. The rounded handle and vibrant colours means this bag is a great way to elevate any outfit.

The MIXO Shoulder Hand-held Tote Bag is adaptable, functional and turns high-fashion into everyday wear. It can be carried by hand or worn on the shoulder and is sure to fit all your essentials, whether you’re going out on Valentine’s Day or having a relaxing staycation. 

Aketekete

Aketekete is a Ghanaian fashion label that believes in the power of connection between people, places via storytelling. The colours, craft methods and designs serve as a daily reminder of African culture and its enduring beauty. So, each item is a great gift to yourself because it also serves as a reminder of cultural roots and community. Aketekete products are handmade with love and dedication by local artisan communities in Ghana. These pieces include. 

The Yina Beaded Necklace is customisable and one-of-a-kind. You can choose what two colours are used along with the symbol medal, which ensures each Yina Necklace is especially tailored to the tastes of your loved one. 

The Krom Multicolour Beaded Necklace takes inspiration from Accra, Ghana. The design captures the vibrant colors of the city's landscapes, infusing life and energy into each piece. Crafted by local artisans, this necklace reflects the uniqueness of Ghanaian culture.

The Dehyeɛ Glass Beaded Bracelet is reminiscent of Accra’s beautiful beaches. The Krobo beads are pleasing shades of blue and the materials or recycled glass beads and 24K Gold Plated Brass are ethically-sourced.

For the Two of You

Valentine’s Day is all about spending time with the one you love, whether that means staying at home or going on an adventure together. If you're in search of the perfect gifts to enhance those intimate moments, look no further. From thoughtful and personalised touches to luxurious treats that elevate the home experience, this guide is designed to inspire and celebrate the unique bond shared by couples who cherish the warmth and intimacy of their time together. 

Beauty 101

Beauty 101 is a Ghanaian lifestyle brand that’s about more than just skincare. It provides luxurious products that can be enjoyed by you and your partner in the familiar comforts of home. In particular, Beauty 101’s candles are known for their alluring scents and ethically-sourced ingredients. Each candle can enhance the romantic mood and add a sensual ambience that is perfect for Valentine’s Day.   

The Naughty by Nature - Sensual Crystal Rose Candle is hand-poured in Ghana and made with natural soy wax. The berry, cherry and citrus scent combined with aromatherapy crystals will enhance any moment. In addition, the candle is topped with rose buds and lavender buds to maximise the candle’s aromatic and relaxing properties. 

Whereas the Naughty By Nature candle is about subtle sensuality, the Nsroma - Once Upon a Star Candle. Nsroma is the perfect Valentine's gift for home-loving couples, offering a sensory journey with its blend of fresh roses and musky scents. The essence of Nsroma invites couples to dance, dream, and wish upon a star, making it an enchanting addition to at-home moments.

The Yiri - Home Sweet Home candle is all about owning your space and feeling at home with the one you love. This candle encapsulates the essence of a warm and welcoming home with its sweet and spicy, and lasting. The scent itself is named after the word for home among the Dagaaba people of West Ghana. It’s a nod to Ghana’s traditional roots and unites culture with comfort to make Valentine’s Day extra special. 

Skin Gourmet

Celebrate love this Valentine's Day with Skin Gourmet, a Ghana skincare brand whose products are so natural, they’re good enough to eat. Perfect for couples, Skin Gourmet's commitment to well-being is evident in their preservative-free, fragrance-free products crafted without artificial additives, allowing couples to confidently embrace the skin's true radiance. Indulge in a range of edible butters, nourishing oils, and invigorating scrubs made from natural ingredients, creating a sensory delight that both you and your partner are bound to enjoy.

Made for external use, the Gourmet Body Oil is an exceptional gift for couples seeking a luxurious and intimate self-care experience. Formulated to provide a silky, non-greasy feel, the oil enhances the tactile connection between partners. This body oil elevates the self-care routine, making it a thoughtful and delightful gift for couples to enjoy together.

The Cocoa & Coconut Butter Cream is a sensory delight on all fronts. It’s even good enough to eat! This is due to the product’s all-natural ingredients of raw cocoa butter and raw coconut oil. Crafted to soothe and soften very dry skin, this cream's hydrating, healing, and soothing qualities offers a shared experience of enhanced well-being. 

One thing Skin Gourmet excels at is making products that are multipurpose. Their Wild Northern Honey is fit for consumption, skincare, haircare and many other uses and is sure to make your Valentine’s Day plans a little bit sweeter. Handmade in Ghana, this honey is  100% raw and unpasteurized. 

For Her 

When it comes to shopping for the special woman in your life, it’s easy to be caught up in all the options, but still be confused on what to get. To make the process a bit easier, we’ve curated a list of ADJOAA brands whose products are easy to fall in love with. 

SAHMANI JEWELLERY

Embrace the season of love with SAHMANI JEWELLERY's cultural elegance. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Adinkra symbols, each meticulously handcrafted to celebrate the rich heritage, wisdom, and values of Ghana's Akan people. From the enchanting Sankofa symbol to the empowering Duafe, the love-infused Akoma, and the symbol of greatness, Adinkrahene, each piece tells a story of profound meaning. Below is a sample of a few SAHMANI pieces that would make Valentine’s Day that much more special.

Elevate your Valentine's Day gift-giving with the Cocoa Amulet Pendant. The adinkra symbol, used in the design, represents the divinity of mother nature via African mythology. The designs in this enchanting piece come with its own name, story, and purpose, making this necklace more than a Valentine's Day gift but a reminder of cultural heritage.

Heart-shaped jewellery can be a little boring, and aren’t as popular as Valentine’s Day marketing will have you believe. So, switch it up this year with the limited edition 18k Gold Starlight Earrings. Meticulously crafted from solid sterling silver and adorned with a chic 18k yellow gold coating, these earrings feature the Adinkra symbol for protection - "Nsoromma" or "Child of the Stars".

This gift can make your partner feel like Ghanaian royalty. The handmade 18K Gold Charm Bangle celebrates the significance of lineage with 13 Adinkra symbols, each intricately crafted. More than just a piece of jewellery, let this bangle be a constant reminder of Ghana's proud cultural heritage, lifting up the spirits and evoking positivity in one’s life. 

JUWEEL

In the world of fashion, Juweel stands out as a brand that transcends the ordinary, offering not just accessories but a narrative of hope, empowerment, and social change. Juweel embodies a blend of fashion and purpose, with each piece crafted becoming a symbol of positive impact. Gifting a Juweel accessory is not just an act of giving; it is a profound expression of love, style, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. Below is a sample of the socially-conscious and stylish products that JUWEEL has to offer.

What makes the Esi Top Handle Tote Bag an exceptional Valentine's gift is not just its stylish exterior but also the thoughtful details within. The bag, lined with suede to accentuate the vibrant beads, houses a convenient pocket for smaller items, adding a touch of practicality to its charm.

The Hexie Beaded Mini Handbag, complete with a zipper and lined with suede to accentuate the vivid beads, is not only a stylish statement but a symbol of empowerment. With a pocket inside for added convenience, the Hexie Bag encourages the woman in your life to carry a piece of fearlessness, protection, and calmness with them wherever they go.

Made from cruelty-free materials, the Lartaley Beaded Mini Bucket Bag is as practical as it is fashionable. Unveiling a distinctive hexagonal base, this fashion-forward accessory seamlessly blends contemporary style with functional design. The suede drawstring pouch adds a touch of sophistication but also serves a functional purpose along with a cleverly designed pocket.

For Him 

For the special man in your life, we’ve chosen a range of brands whose values and creations cover all sorts of tastes and preferences. From streetwear to high-end fashion, formal wear to a combination of the above, there’s something for every man on ADJOAA. 

Boyedoe

Denim, denim and more denim. It’s a look that never goes out of style, especially for menswear. That is where Boyedoe comes into the picture. Boyedoe uses repurposed denim to create eclectic pieces inspired by tradition like the mythical Sankofa bird, which originated from the art of the Akan people from Ghana. By prioritising wearability and practicality for real people, Boyedoe products are popular in the menswear world, Many Boyedoe products have proved to be popular gifts for the men in our customers lives on ADJOAA, below are a sample of products that have hit the mark. 

The Busumuru Black Smock Tassel Jacket features a powerful silhouette, giving it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance, making it perfect to wear at special events. The jacket is made from handwoven cotton and the deep black colour makes the jacket easy to mix-and-match in outfits. 

The Busumuru Tassel Detailed Jacket is a statement jacket, so naturally it has to have a bold style and sophisticated details. The frayed detailing and bold colours add an edgy touch, making it the ideal Valentine's Day gift for men who appreciate elevated and on-trend fashion.

The Wabi Sabi Osabarima Double Breasted Jacket is made from hand woven patches of denim, which are meant to symbolise cracks. This piece, part of a Boyedoe collection, is cross-cultural and combines African cultural ideas with the Japanese idea of impermanence and appreciating flawed beauty, called Wabi Sabi. 

ATTO TETTEH

ATTO TETTEH is a Ghanaian fashion brand known for its craftsmanship, carefully selected fabrics, and attention to detail in menswear. This means each product they make is of the highest quality and will go the distance. But as always with a Valentine’s gift, it also has to be special. Each creation from ATTO TETTEH is a unique combination of cultural and streetwear influences to create outfits that never go out of style. Our top ATTO TETTEH gift pics for the man in your life, include a selection of clothing that balances the stylistic edge of streetwear with the colours and motifs of African culture. 

First is the Yellow Short Sleeve Theorem Shirt, which is colourful, bold and features a vibrant embroidered mascot, this stylish piece transitions effortlessly from business casual to relaxed charm. 

The Multicolour Leather Jacket shows that leather jackets don’t have to be boring. ATTO TETTEH has added a unique calculus silkscreen print and dark blue, light oranges, yellows and a touch of that classic black to their take on the leather jacket. 

The William Pants - Black makes an excellent Valentine's gift because of its versatility. They easily transition from casual to more formal settings. Whether he's going for a laid-back date night or a more sophisticated evening out, these pants can suit any occasion.

For Anyone

At ADJOAA, we’re all about embracing love without gender boundaries. A gender-neutral approach to the world is also shared by many brands on our platform. So, as part of our Valentine’s Day guide, we’ve found gifts that celebrate individuality, diverse styles and the beauty of androgyny. Bags, athleisure wear and more are covered by some our most innovative and fashion-forward labels. 

CRISP

With CRISP, every outfit will always be at its freshest. The minimalist designs transcend trends, which lends itself to simple, clean, and timeless aesthetics. High-quality materials and craftsmanship contribute to a more sustainable approach to fashion, providing more value over time. Overall, a gift from CRISP will keep on giving long after Valentine’s Day has passed. The best part is that you can even get a matching set from CRISP for yourself as well, since their designs are universally flattering. Below are some of the most popular options for CRISP gifts:

The Unisex Two Pieces Sweat Suit is made from quality materials, loose stretch fit, and drawstring hood ensure optimal comfort for both men and women. The set is designed from optimal comfort and also has a kangaroo pocket in the front for easy storage.

Stay finessed with the Mono Strap Mini Leather Bag which has a nice combination of versatility, style and sustainability. The chic accessory's neat and unfussy design seamlessly complements any outfit. Crafted from premium grade leather with a focus on longevity, this bag mixes a touch of sophistication with the brand's ethos of minimal environmental impact.

You can’t go wrong with a universally-loved wardrobe staple: the t-shirt. As always with CRISP, they level-up clothing basics into luxurious casual outfits. The Unisex Round Neck Short Sleeve Shirt is made of premium cotton, ensuring ease of comfort, which will turn it into a new wardrobe favourite. 

TUG

TUG is a sustainable Kenyan fashion brand that is committed to creating androgynous fashion. The brand's dedication to sustainability, using locally and ethically sourced materials, adds an eco-friendly dimension to their products. At the core of TUG’s brand values is inclusivity designing gender-neutral fashion. TUG also actively contributes to the economic development of local communities and artisanal craftsmanship, making a gift from TUG meaningful and socially responsible. From bags to kimonos, TUG has a gift to suit many diverse styles.

The Wari Japanese Inspired Patchwork Kimono’s relaxed and loose fit means it can accommodate various body shapes and sizes. It’s design is simple and gender-neutral, making it adaptable to diverse tastes and preferences. Kimonos themselves have also transcended traditional gender boundaries, becoming a fashion choice that can be embraced by anyone.

The Logo Double Strap Blue Leather Tote Bag is made of genuine leather and has a timeless look, making it suitable for both casual and corporate outfits. The bag's spacious design, features notebook pockets and room for a laptop and tablet while its connection to the cosmopolitan energy of Nairobi adds a unique and culturally rich element to it.

Red is the iconic colour of Valentine’s Day. If you want a red-inspired gift that seems inspired, opt for the Bika Turtle Neck Long Sleeve Shirt. This shirt is for those with their finger on the streetwear pulse. The versatility of the shirt, which can be styled with either chino trousers or jeans, makes for an easy trendsetting outfit.