Valentine’s shopping for your significant other can be overwhelming as hell. How do you know what to get them? What if they don’t like your gift? How do you support brands you care about? Fear not, dear GO Mager! We have assembled ten of our favorite LGBTQ+-owned retailers you’ll feel good supporting this Cupid’s Day. From sparkling makeup to luxury home goods, we’ve got you covered in the gift-giving department for your boo thing.
Good Light Skincare
Give your partner the gift of glowing skin this Valentine’s Day with Good Light Skincare. Fans of the brand (myself included) love Good Light for its simple, effective ingredients and aesthetic packaging. Their Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion is my personal favorite. The emollient formula feels nourishing and hydrating, creating a perfectly smooth base for the rest of your skincare routine.
Snif
Snif features gender-neutral scents in candles, perfumes, and laundry detergents that your S/O will absolutely drool over. The best part of this present is every time you hug your person, you’ll get a sweet whiff of sandalwood, amber, citrus, or whatever smell you choose. A fan favorite is their signature rose-era scent that features notes of white moss, saffron, and, of course, rose. It’s basically like if a Valentine’s Day card had a smell. If you don’t want to commit to buying your partner one scent, you can get them a bundle of three minis to try out so they can find their favorite to buy a full-sized bottle.
Ash + Chess
What is Valentine’s Day without giving your loved one a Valentine’s Card? If you shop at Ash + Chess, you can grab a card that’s uniquely beautiful (and distinctly gay). I suggest adding their “Roses are Red” card to your cart. They also have colorful prints to brighten up their space and make them smile every time they walk past it.
Cocofloss
Help your partner save on dental bills this Valentine’s Day by giving them the gift of happy, healthy chompers. Floss might not seem like the “sexiest” gift to give your partner but believe me when I tell you that Cocofloss is the Sabrina Carpenter of the dental hygiene game. Their best-selling floss is made with 500+ interwoven filaments to painlessly excavate plaque from your lover’s teeth, leaving them with a sparkling smile and fresh breath. It comes in 15 flavors, including mint, confetti cake, and banana, so you’ll surely find one your S/O will love.
KimChiChic Beauty
Does your partner fancy themself as a makeup connoisseur? Then look no further than KimChiChic Beauty, founded by RuPaul’s Drag Race season eight queen Kim Chi. Dazzle your partner with stunning eyeshadow palettes featuring bright, bold colors and lip pigments to make their lips the most kissable. My favorite KimChiChic product is her Pearl Gone Wild Pressed Shimmer Highlighter, which leaves me looking like a shimmering glazed donut. Whether your boo is a makeup expert or just dabbling in the art form, they’re going to love anything you get from KimChiChic.
The Peach Fuzz
Gays love doodads, knickknacks, and thing-a-ma-jigs, so The Peach Fuzz will be a safe bet for all your Valentine’s needs. The San Franciso-based store offers activism-oriented pins, prints, keychains, and tee shirts your boo thing will obsess over. They also have a special section where the proceeds from the products go to several non-profits supporting issues like The National Abortion Network and The Last Prisoner Project. Shopping and giving back to the community? Say Less.
Explorer Cold Brew
If your partner is a coffee fiend, then Exploror Cold Brew is the spot to shop. From canned cold brew to concentrates to chai, this store has everything for you caffeine-loving Valentine. Every box purchased helps fund clean water access for someone in Africa for a month, so you can feel good about spoiling your S/O with delish coffee.
Minna Goods
There’s no better way to show your person you love them than getting them a high-quality, super cozy blanket. Mina Goods has snuggly merino wool, organic cotton, and alpaca throws that will keep you and your loved one nice and warm all winter while you binge The L Word for the hundredth time. Or, if you’re looking to update their bathroom, gift them high-quality towels, washcloths, and a robe. Mina has home items for pretty much every room in the house, so if you really want to spoil your boo, give them a mini home makeover for V-Day!
Bubble Gems
If you’re dating an adult toddler who loves sparkly things, then Bubble Gems should be your go-to this Valentine’s season. All the jewelry on the page is second-hand or vintage solid gold, and guess what? Yours truly runs the business (me)! I have gorgeous 14-karat charms, pendants, and rings sure to wow your S/O. Plus, since it’s all second-hand, it’s much better for the environment than buying brand-new jewelry. DM me @bubble__gems and mention GO Magazine, and I’ll give you free, insured shipping!
Black Cat Wines
Nothing is more romantic than an intimate candlelit dinner with a luxurious bottle of wine and your special person. Black Cat Wines, based in Gowanus, Brooklyn, has an array of wines and spirits that will pair beautifully with whatever you decide to cook. The POC and queer-owned company prides itself on featuring wine-makers from underrepresented communities and supplying their customers with a thoughtful wine-buying experience. Plus, if you live in the area, they offer free delivery on orders $100 or above!
Happy Shopping GO Magers! We hope you and yours have a lovely Valentine’s Day and express your beautiful, queer love however you feel fit.