14x original pre-loved Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the best TLC

What’s a better way to spend a more sustainable Valentine’s Day than by expressing your love for the planet and its inhabitants? Read along to discover our top-picks for an alternative Valentine’s Day that normalise second-hand gifts of love from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Celebrate love in Belgium

Sjette: leftover wool for the perfect love scarf

This unique concept store in Lo-Reninge has a very special concept for loved ones that enjoy all things knitting. Isabel’s ​‘Sjette Leeft’ store has an extensive selection of leftover wool scraps, which she turns into new yarn and ball boxes. Feel inspired to surprise your loved one with a self-made scarf? Check out Isabel’s knitting workshops and get started!

Kringwinkel ​‘t Rad: decorate your love nest with heavy metal vibes

Do you have a date that’s a fan of the heavy metal aesthetic? On 15 February Kringwinkel ​‘t Rad highlights its collection of decoration with accents of pewter, silver, copper, or bronze. In other words, everything for a mysterious touch to your lover’s home. Would you simply like to go on a thrift shopping trip? Check out Kringwinkel Antwerpen-Centrum, Kiel, Brasschaat, Merksem, Borgerhout, Deurne, or Schoten, Kringwinkel Stroom, Kringwinkel ​‘t Rad Sint-Andries, Kringwinkel Seafront, Kringwinkel Stroom Tragel, Kringwinkel ​‘t Rad Sint-Kruis, Kringwinkel De Kilomeet Aalst, or OKAZI Hasselt, Sint-Truiden and Diepenbeek, as well as OKAZI Boutique.

Take your date on a romantic thrifting trip to Ghent

Own it Vintage: curated second-hand for modern lovers

As a stylist, Fiona from Own it vintage knows how to select affordable, unique styles that, together with a personal service, create outfits that are totally YOU. Because what’s better than seeing your Valentine’s date shine in pre-loved clothes they absolutely love?

Katastrof: pre-loved high-end clothing with a bold touch

Would you like to save your Valentine’s gift from landfill but want that extra touch of bold luxury? Visit Katastrof Ghent or Latem for a warm shopping experience in a shop full of pre-loved clothing and accessories from premium brands like MaxMara, Chanel and Ganni, among others.

Closet Stories: a trendy store to show your love to the whole family

This store in Sint-Amandsberg is a treasure trove of pre-loved items and a selection of new clothing brands such as Armedangels, Ducksday, Maï & Kaï and Ewers. Whether you’re looking for cute clothes for your child or for yourself, at Closet Stories you’ll find what you’re looking for. Do you have anything your kids have grown out of? Bing the clothes (preferably from Belgian brands like Bellerose, Filou&Friends and Morley) to Closet Stories and Kathleen will help you find the perfect new home for them by selling them under consignment.

Celebrate love in the Netherlands

Het Goed: thrift store with a love for doing good

With more than 5 stores in and around the centre of Rotterdam, Het Goed is a staple for those who like to hunt for thrifted gems. By purchasing one of their pieces of clothing, accessories, electronics, toys, books, and so on, you help those with a distance to the regular labour market. In other words, you can show your love for people, planet, and your Valentine all at once by shopping at Het Goed! Discover the stores in Rotterdam Centrum, Rotterdam Zuid, Rotterdam Hoogvliet, Rotterdam Goed Gekleed Hoogvliet and Schiedam.

Van Tilly: show your commitment to women and children in poverty

Show your love for colourful second-hand pieces by visiting this store in Tilburg. Van Tilly offers qualitative, affordable women’s and children’s clothing, accessories, and shoes, including a selection of designer brands. The entire collection is donated, and the proceeds go entirely to charity, het Suikertantefonds. This charity is committed to fighting poverty in Tilburg and gives women and children in poverty extra support and a little push for a better future.

Hidden Youth: for lovers of vintage with attention to detail

This store in Rotterdam houses a unique collection of vintage clothing, accessories and decoration. Owner Evana graduated as a fashion designer and expresses her deep love for more sustainable fashion by reworking vintage clothing, which you can shop at Hidden Youth. Why we love this store so much? Because Evana’s attention to detail is second to none, whether it’s about the clothing she reworks or the beautiful interior pieces, such as vases, she collects. Tip: Hidden Youth’s vases are the perfect addition to the bouquet of flowers you are planning to buy for your Valentine’s date!

SHOWROOM41: an inspirational mix of designer and label-less vintage

For lovers of a holistic shopping experience, SHOWROOM41 is the place to be. Owners Ed and Lione offer a selection of designer and label-less clothing, accessories, and shoes, as well as a hairdressing service. This way, you can get a present and a fresh haircut to prepare for your romantic Valentine’s date! Rather fancy an upcycled outfit? On the top floor, you will also find Lione’s upcycling atelier, where she designs the clothing for her flagship label L.I.O.N.E.

Ferme Tred: from stylish pre-loved basics to unique finds

This store in Zwaanshals is known for its wide range of pre-loved clothing, from basics to pieces that make you stand out. Ferme Tred has a cosy and inspiring atmosphere where modern, colourful women who want to make more conscious choices will feel instantly at home. Visit Ferme Tred for a Valentine’s Day gift for a loved one that likes to add some spice to their outfits!

Celebrate love in Germany

Nochmall Berlin: endless options for endless loving

For those lovebirds that prefer ​‘more is more’ when it comes to reusing things that already exist, a trip to Nochmall in Berlin is definitely worth it! This department store offers a wide range of pre-loved items ranging from textiles to books, furniture, and DVDs. Furthermore, it houses a freely accessible Repair Café and offers specialised, free workshops. That way, you can turn your purchase in a true, caring love story.

Fairhaus Flingern: refurbishing as TLC

Are you and your Valentine’s date fans of refurbished goods? At Fairhaus Flingern you will find authentic clothing, furniture, decoration, household goods and more that has been given new life. Some of them have minor imperfections, adding a touch of nostalgic charm to your Valentine’s gift. Apart from these pre-loved goods, Fairhaus Flingern also has its own range of upcycled bags and blankets available online-only. These beautiful one-of-a-kind blankets are perfect for those who want to cuddle up with their one-of-a-kind, favourite person on Valentine’s Day.

BROKE Düsseldorf: an impeccable selection for a vintage Valentine

This store in Düsseldorf houses a wide range of curated vintage streetwear pieces, as well as prototype designs with slight imperfections, ranging from brands like Nike to Armani. Good news for Düsseldorf-based fans of pop-culture gems: apart from clothing and accessories, BROKE also offers a selection of Asian-inspired art movies and graphic novels. 

USED: celebrating love for exclusive vintage, by wearing it into the future

Would you like to give your Valentine something vintage with a little extra indulgence? At USED in Düsseldorf, you will find the perfect gift for those who like high-end fashion at affordable prices. Owner Maike has selected an exclusively curated selection of women’s fashion, shoes, jewellery, bags and other accessories from brands such as Gucci and Prada.