Some of our favorite products to wrap up your 2020 gift list
We don’t really have words for the kind of year 2020 has been. Besides the historic challenges presented by shelter-in-place orders and the rollercoaster of an election, we witnessed the tragedy of lives lost to racism and police brutality.
We’re still recovering, but we can’t fail to notice the good that came out of the events of this summer: With the uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement and the relentless efforts of protesters and demonstrators across the country, we’re starting to see some signs of change. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
That doesn’t mean we can stop working, though. It’s so important that we continue to educate ourselves, advocate for and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, and vote with our wallets.
That brings us to the topic of this post: It’s the holidays! We made it! We deserve to treat ourselves a little extra this year, and no doubt your friends and family could use some uplifting – so break out that credit card and get to shopping some incredible, BIPOC-owned small businesses.
It’s one of the easiest ways to continue to support the BLM movement and the people behind it (while also crossing gift shopping off your to-do list). And no one really appreciates a generic gift from a big box store the same way that they would a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind item from a boutique artisan.
So we did the work for you and pulled together this list of 10+ incredible BIPOC-made products and gift ideas (in no particular order) to wrap up your holiday shopping.
Order ASAP for delivery by December 24 – if you have any questions about delivery timeframes or special orders, please reach out to the retailers individually. Happy shopping!
10 of our favorite BIPOC-owned businesses
1. Festive earrings from Humans Before Handles
Just because we can’t go to in-person holiday parties doesn’t mean that we can’t get all dolled up in the privacy of our own homes. Black-owned accessories line Humans Before Handles goes hard with highly Instagrammable statement accessories.
Follow @humansbeforehandles on Instagram. Free shipping for orders over $100 in the US.
2. Luxe silverware from The Black Home Design
Award-winning designer Nikki Walker effortlessly combines style, tradition, and modern luxury to her home goods under the label The Black Home Design. Shop candles, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and high-end tableware. Indulge your senses with this hand-poured vegan candle ($60.00).
Follow @theblackhomedesign on Instagram.
3. A colorful print by Artist Trap Bob
Graphic artist Tenbeete Solomon, a.k.a. Trap Bob, makes bold, colorful, empowering prints of Black icons like Missy Elliott and Nipsey Hustle, Rest in Power.
For your pop-culture-obsessed friend, pick up an affordable frame to go with her bright prints. Because who doesn’t need a Meg Thee Stallion or Missy Elliot print in their life as a daily confidence booster?
Follow @trapxbob on Instagram. Shop by Dec 19 to get your gifts by Dec 24.
4. Bespoke Botanical Bouquets by Birch and Bone
Uber-talented Latinx floral designer Amelia Posada launched Birch & Bone in 2015 so that her festive designs could brighten up events and parties. Support her business by ordering floral bouquets for delivery ($50-$250, depending on size) in the LA area for a loved one you’re missing this holiday season.
Follow @birchandbone on Instagram. Place your orders by Dec 21 to ensure delivery by Dec 24. Birch and Bone will be delivering bouquets to limited areas (Los Angeles, CA) on Dec 24. The online shop will be closed for deliveries from Dec 21-28, with limited deliveries from Dec 29-31.
5. Latinx girl power merch by Hija de tu Madre
Founder and designer Patty Delgado started Hija de tu Madre to create designs for the Latinx community. Show a friend that you celebrate their heritage by gifting them empowering gifts like this quintessential Virgencita Denim Jacket ($170), or this Poco A Poco Undated Weekly Planner ($40). Every purchase comes with free stickers, pictured above.
Follow @hijadetumadre on Instagram. Most orders take 5-10 business days to process. Order as early as possible to get your gifts by Dec 24. Free shipping on orders over $75.
6. Organic coconut-based skincare by Kaya Essentials
Fair-trade Filipinx skincare brand Kaya Essentials was founded with a positive impact in mind. All of their products start with organic, fair-trade coconuts sourced from the Philippines. They also sell handmade accessories that support women artisans in the Philippines. The Calamansi Body Balm ($25), infused with calamansi sweet citrus essential oils, is the perfect skincare stocking stuffer.
Follow @kayaessentials on Instagram. Orders over $30 will receive free shipping; order by Dec 12 to receive your gift by Dec 24. Priority shipping is also available until Dec 20.
7. Handcrafted accessories from Beyond Buckskin
Jessica Metcalfe (of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa) started Beyond Buckskin in 2009 to showcase handmade designs by Indigenous Peoples all over the country.
She works with over 40 small businesses and artisans, which means there’s a ton of one-of-a-kind gift options to choose from. Gift your design-savvy friend this Fire and Ice Blanket ($70), designed by Tessa Sayers (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) – or the Floral Glisten Fringe Earrings, pictured above, by Turtle Mountain artist Annie Grandbois.
Follow @beyondbuckskin on Instagram. Check product details for shipping timelines, as some items are made-to-order.
8. An Ethel’s Club membership or merch
Naj Austin crowdfunded her community care project, Ethel’s Club, to provide safe spaces for BIPOC of all genders to get together and heal. Since the pandemic started, Ethel’s Club pivoted into the digital space with offerings like support groups for Black People after the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
A $16.99 monthly membership buys your friend or loved-one a digital access pass to weekly live classes, workshops, and wellness sessions. Head to their merch section to get dope gifts, too.
Follow @ethelsclub on Instagram. Purchase merchandise by Dec 17 to get your gifts by Dec 24. Free shipping on all US orders.
9. Headscarves from Headed Somewear
Headed Somewear started with the simple mission to create headscarves that make people feel confident, comfortable, and “free enough to represent herself.” Their scarf designs are subtle yet filled with heartfelt meaning. Shop modern designs like this Birds scarf/hijab ($25) to help a friend upgrade their wardrobe (or upgrade your own!).
Follow @headedsomewear on Instagram.
10. Beyonce-approved skincare from Hanahana Beauty
Hanahana Beauty, founded by Abena Boama-Acheampong, creates shea butter products in small batches using shea butter sourced directly from the Katariga Women’s Shea Cooperative in Ghana.
These skincare products, made by Black Women for Black people everywhere, are so effective that Beyonce included Hanahana Beauty in her Black Parade Route product roundup for Black-owned businesses. Shop Shea Body Butters in flavors like Lemongrass and Eucalyptus (each $32) for the skincare fiend in your family.
Follow @hanahana_beauty on Instagram. Place orders by Dec 15 (preferably earlier to account for USPS delays) to get your gifts by Dec 24.
