A Black Owned Gift Guide
To Help You Put Your Money Where Your Values Are
Once again, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but this year in particular, it really doesn’t feel like it. Collectively, we have all witnessed a year of unprecedented greed, cruelty, and suffering in the United States and abroad, and all of that pain can’t be remedied or forgotten with a black friday sale.
If you’re chronically online like me, then you’ve probably seen the calls to cancel Christmas all over Tik Tok: the idea is to celebrate the holiday without spending to do so. Cancel Christmas was borne out of necessity and protest. The former is obvious, people have been losing jobs due to government agency cuts, attacks on DEI, and job replacements caused by AI — to put it simply, people just don’t got it this year. The protest aspect is a way to push back at corporations that have contributed to these issues and have made large donations to Trump, essentially giving our government away to wannabedictator all in the name of greed.
While I completely support canceling Christmas for both of the named reasons, I don’t want to dismiss the holiday entirely. Instead, I want to alter my approach to it this year. Within my family, most of us looking to cut costs on holiday spending have opted to participate in secret santa, reducing the amount of gifts we have to buy. This means I will be spending some money this holiday season, but if I’m going to do it, then I’m putting my money where my values are and buying from Black owned businesses. It’s important to me to start circulating more of my dollars back into my own community, starting with Christmas.
Below, I have thoughtfully curated a gift guide comprised of items from businesses with Black founders. There’s a mix of high and low priced items for everyone in your life, including the children. You can shop all items on my ShopMy (where I may earn a small commission from some purchases) or click the links to go straight to the retailers’ site. Happy shopping!
For the Women in Your Life
Fanm Djanm: Audrey’s Jewelry - Horseshoe Earrings: $48
You can’t go wrong with gifting a cute piece of jewelry, and I am obsessed with these Horsehoe Earrings from Fanm Djanm. These handmade, drop earrings have a beautiful stone center and are plated in 18k gold (though the site does not say what the base metal is). This is a nice, price conscious present, perfect for a secret santa gift exchange.
Pierre Laborde Handbag: $275 - $1200
If you’re active on Tik Tok, chances are you’ve seen the videos of mammoth lines to purchase a Pierre Laborde handbag. Currently, the New York Grand Bazaar Flea Market on the Upper West Side, is the only place you can purchase one of these stunning, genuine leather, handcrafted pieces. From what I’ve gleaned online Pierre Laborde’s bags retail between $275 and $1200. I’ve truly never seen anything like them, if you’re in NYC pick up one for me.
Chelsea Paris - Gigi Boots, Black: $495
When I saw these boots from Chelsea Paris, my first thought was “yes;” they’re a unique spin on the classic bootie and the type of purchase you covet forever. These boots are black leather, made in Portugal, and have hand-stitched details — it’s an incredible gift. This present is on the pricey side, but for the boot lover in your life, it’s worth it.
Shani Darden Smooth & Glow Essentials: $44
Shani Darden has my heart. I personally purchased and tested this introductory set from the brand, and it’s made a remarkable difference in my skin. The Moisture Boost Plumping Serum really does leave my skin looking plump, I’ve never tried botox but I’d imagine the effect this product has is similar. Overall, my face has been glowy, plump, and smooth since trying these products and I’m not looking back. This set is the perfect stocking stuffer for your skincare obsessed friend or family member in the 25+ category. The Smooth & Glow Essentials set includes a face wash, retinol, and serum.
Danessa Myricks Beauty - LIGHTWORK VII The Freedom Makeup Palette: $128
I have been admiring Danessa Myricks’ products from a distance for some time now. Her brand is known for its multi-use Colorfix pigments that offer an incredible color payoff, which is why I trust that this makeup palette will be no different. What’s great about this gift is that it’s customizable, the colors can be used all over the face, and the product can be applied with your fingers. This gift is a great option for the makeup lover in your life!
P.S. This palette can only be purchased in store at Sephora.
Great for Any Gender
Divine Purity - Peaceful Home Collection - Mini Candle Gift Set: $45
I have a been a big Divine Purity fan since I stumbled upon their incredible incense, fell in love, and never looked back. For the holiday season, the brand is offering this Mini Candle Gift Set featuring some of their signature scents that I can personally vouch for like “love” and “positivity.” I know that candles can easily be placed into the regift box, but with scents like these, this set will surely be coveted by whoever receives it.
Cloth & Paper Commonplace Notebook Set: $80
I am, and will forever be, a paper girl, which is why I was so excited to discover Cloth & Paper, a company that specializes in making planners and stationary items. Cloth & Paper’s Commonplace Notebook Set comes with a calendar, daily planner, and gridded notebook. This is an awesome gift for the analog lover in your life who always keeps a paper planner.
Clean Design Home - Terry Robe: $30 (sale price)
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a nice robe, especially one that’s lightweight and 100% cotton. If you know someone who loves to be cozy, then this Terry Robe from Clean Design Home is the perfect gift option for them. This robe comes in two sizes and four color shades.
For the Men in Your Life
Fear of God - Essentials Embroidered Classic Full Zip Hoodie: $175
I don’t know a man who doesn’t love a good hoodie, and Fear of God is the go-to place to get one. This hoodie from FoG’s popular Essentials line is a classic grey, 100% cotton, and has beautiful embroidery on the back. This is the type of piece you’ll gift somebody and they’ll keep forever.
East Side Golf Camo Crew Sweater: $93 (sale price)
I absolutely love this Camo Crew Sweater from East Side Golf, it’s a playful, modern take on camo that would look great on any guy. This is a solid gift for a new boyfriend or family member.
Johnny Nelson All Power Fist Necklace: $195
This gold vermeil All Power Fist Necklace from Johnny Nelson gives “fight the power” and “cool” all in one gift. A present like this is perfect for the man who loves to accessorize with a statement piece.
For the Kids
Gracie’s Corner Plush Doll: $34.99
My niece is obsessed with the YouTube educational, song series “Gracie’s Corner,” and honestly, I fully understand the hype. The songs are modern, fun, and uplifting for young Black children, and I’m excited to see that they offer merch! If you have a kid in your life that’s a Gracie’s Corner fan, then this plush doll is a great gift for them.
Brown Toy Box Dadisi Academy Alex and Ava/Architecture and Engineering STEAM Kit: $34.99
I am all about gifting the children in my life educational products this year, and this Engineering STEAM Kit from Brown Toy Box fits the bill. This architectural and engineering kit is for the kid who loves to build things, and it includes a DIY build, architect notebook and tools, activity book, and much more. It’s designed for children ages 5-7, and would be a fantastic gift for the future Bob (or Barbara) the Builder in your life.
Ade + Ayo Wosoko Sweater: $28.90
There is no greater joy in life than purchasing baby clothes, and I am absolutely obsessed with the kids clothing options Ade + Ayo offers. The brand makes clothes designed with African inspired prints, including this adorable sweater! This piece is 100% cotton with a fleece interior, and there’s a pair of matching joggers you can purchase with it to complete the look.
I hope you enjoyed this gift guide! If you have other Black owned brands that you’re supporting this holiday season, leave them in the comments to spread awareness. Also, if you want to support this Black owned business, then consider pledging a subscription or engaging in the other “ways to support” listed below. Happy Holidays!
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