With 2025 now underway (how is it February already?!) we at Draw Your Box are determined to do more of two things: 1) Platform incredibly inspiring South Asian-founded businesses in Australia especially smaller businesses that often aren’t put on the map in mainstream media and 2) Help you, our readers, navigate the often confusing and overly complicated world of gift giving nowadays, while still being able to embrace South Asian culture or support other brown people in the retail ecosystem.
When rounding up some of the below businesses to include in this Valentine’s Gift Guide, it was clear that the definition of Valentine’s Day gifting has evolved. Love isn’t merely romantic, which means that giving a present on V-Day can be about treating a friend, parent, pet or anyone else who brings a joy and spark to your life.
From jewellery to candles to chai and cute cooking kits, here are some of our picks for Valentine’s gifting. Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list and there are plenty of South Asian-founded businesses to support. This is just a start.
While candles may seem like an obvious or somewhat clichéd choice for a Valentine’s gift, Lunaire goes beyond the norm, offering refillable soy candles that focus on sustainable luxury.
If your recipient is sentimental, we recommend opting for the free engraving option on the Forever Jars – making them the perfect bespoke gift of a lifetime (literally).
Spice up your date night with a stunning Indian meal cooked from scratch with Spicecraft cooking kits. Impress them with creamy Butter Chicken, light and fluffy homemade Naans and a lush Mango Lassi to round off a romantic feast.
This Melbourne-based jewellery brand started with founder Pooja’s own search for something truly unique after she struggled to find the pieces she was after while planning an Indian wedding in Australia.
With a Galentine’s/Valentine’s/Self-love sale on at the moment, you’ll find a stunning mix of kundan, polki, semi-precious stones, brass jewellery, and fine imitation pieces.
With ‘Box’ in the name, how can we not include this Melbourne-based dance company in our list?! Founder Karthika says the biz has “helped many new and seasoned couples with their couple dance goals”. So, if you’re after a fun activity to do together, take a look at the various dance workshop bundle options on offer, including 5 lessons or 10 lessons.
Melbourne’s Chai Walli does a range of artisan Australian-made traditional masala chai blends, and has confirmed that last-minute Valentine’s Day deliveries can be made just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Some of founder Uppma Virdi’s go-to’s are the OG blend, 11 Spice Chai 100g ($20.39), which is her grandfather’s Ayurvedic recipe and a best-seller, of course! The Classic Punjabi Masala Cha ($19) is another simple yet traditional masala blend that hits the spot.
Located in Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building, Sri Lankan-founded brand Spa Ceylon stocks various beauty and wellness products inspired by the rejuvenation and healing rituals of Ayurveda. Its shelves are filled with a diverse range of products, from face masks to exfoliators, hair oils, face creams and more.
The Ultimate Royal Indulgence Set is being promoted by the brand as the Valentine’s must-have, featuring a luxe perfume, wellness gel, face cerym, body butter and lotion, facial protector and hand cream – with hints of Aloe Cardamom, Lotus & Rambutan, Rose Frangipani and more sprinkled amongst the goodies.
With the likes of Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor as ambassadors, this prestigious Indian jewellery brand that originated in Kerala has now opened its doors in Sydney’s little India, Harris Park. From sparkling diamonds to 22k and 24k gold, there’s a generous selection of glistening earrings, necklaces, rings… the works!
Malabar is currently promoting its Diamond Heart To Heart collection, where you’ll receive a free Calvin Klein/Anne Klein watch upon purchasing the collection. The offer is valid until February 16.
If you’re looking for a way to unwind and relax with your significant other, the ‘Couples Yoga Experience’ and ‘Personalised Sound Bath for Two’ offered by Sattvic Wellbeing may be up your alley.
The South Asian-founded wellness brand offers deeply restorative experiences in Sydney Metro, from $249 for a 60-minute private session, and in outer cities/regional areas from $299 for a 60-minute private session.
If you ask us, this could also make for a fun Galentine’s activity too!
This speciality coffee roaster based in Melbourne has already confirmed to us that “we can keep up with any last minute Valentine’s Day orders” thanks to their dispatching schedule on Thursdays!
Focusing on creating delicious coffee that is ethically sourced and sustainably packaged, Atypical’s crowd favourite is the Candid Espresso Blend ($18 for a 250g | $57 for 1kg) that comes in a fully reusable and recyclable can.
Founded by Melbourne-based Priya Ravindra, Punar is a business that employs women artisans in India to handcraft sustainable luxury gifts, branded merchandise and homewares. Not only are you gifting a loved one with something special, but you’re giving back to those who’ve made them.
The Handwoven Silk Scarf ($100) available in five vibrant colours catches our eye. It’s handwoven by a master weaver in Southern India. Shipping is free in Australia.
Another pick is the Heritage Travel Pouch Set ($44). Made using upcycled saree fabrics, each pouch comes with an eye mask and hair tie – perfect for that Valentines or Galentine’s getaway.
Goods 4 Good is an online store that focuses on stocking Australian Social Enterprise products. It actually includes products by Punar whom we mentioned above, as well as Auroraz which is also founded by a South Asian woman. Take a look at their site for an array of candles, eco-friendly products and gifts with a touching back story.
Cultural Play Co creating toys, games and books that celebrate South Asian culture, and the Curry Time Card Game is the perfect gift for partners, family and friends.
“Dive into the flavours of South Asia as you collect ingredients and race to be the first to create a delicious curry!” says the brand’s website. “With action cards that can either help you or sabotage your fellow players’ efforts, Curry Time guarantees laughter-filled fun…”
Founded by Tushar Menon and brother Nishant, My Muscle Chef provides ready meals for those who are on the go and looking for convenience and a healthy protein-packed meal. While this doesn’t seem like an obvious or rather romantic choice for a V-Day gift, it could be a practical (and delicious) one that shows you’ve prioritised your love’s busy schedule and wellbeing.
POC Beauty is a skincare and cosmetics brand celebrating melanin-rich skin, and their POC Beauty Lip Scrub ($34.95) is a gem to get your hands on. Not only is it a useful daily essential for the gals, but it comes with a luxurious velvet pouch that makes it gift-ready from the get go.
Enjoy free shipping across Australia plus a 30% off sale until February 16 (use the code LOVE30).
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