There are plenty of ways to support the BLM movement. We can protest, educate ourselves, share resources online, donate to local organizations, and help raise awareness. But another more direct way to support the community is to invest and shop in Black-owned businesses this holiday season (and whenever possible!)
From unique subscription boxes with books that promote self-love, Black and biracial dolls that challenge unrealistic beauty standards, and gender-neutral skincare lines not just for men or women, but for everyone, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone on your holiday list.
Kids Category
1. Just Like Me Book Box
Give the kiddos the gift of reading with the educational Just Like Me Book Box, a subscription service of curated books that are fun, age-appropriate, and encourage your kids to think independently and be creative. Each month, they’ll get about 3 books along with educational tools and a fun gift.
2. Healthy Roots Doll
Yelitsa Jean-Charles, the founder of Healthy Roots Dolls, created a unique line of dolls with different hair textures and storybooks that “represent the beauty of our diversity”. When children play with toys that look like themselves, they learn to love their bodies, their curly and wavy hair, and the skin they’re in.
3. Soap Sox
Soap Sox is an adorable line of stuffed animals that make bath time oh-so-fun! Your kids can play with these lovable companions all day, and when it’s time for a bath, they can bring these cuddly toys with them! Basically, their plushy friend holds soap in its soap pocket, so they turn into a sudsy washcloth they can shower with.
4. Brains & Beauty Dolls
Barbies are really cool, but the Brains & Beauty dolls might be even cooler. Not only are they super cute, but they look just like us. This brand offers a vast collection of Black and biracial dolls with natural hair that come with empowering phrases that help little girls embrace their natural beauty.
Women’s Category
5. Gregory Sylvia
Looking for a luxurious selection of handbags, leather goods, accessories, and a timeless beauty line of lip gloss and lipsticks? Well husband and wife, Gregory and Terri Sylvia Pope, teamed up and founded Gregory Sylvia to provide high-quality items that will make your loved ones’ hearts skip a beat when they open their presents.
6. Pat McGrath Labs
If your loved one is obsessed with makeup as much as the wonderfully talented Pat McGrath is, then go on a little virtual shopping trip and browse through an exquisite selection of lipsticks, lip pencils, eye shadow palettes, mascaras, and concealers.
7. Re Ona
Looking to gift someone a high-quality garment that’s soft as a cloud and lasts forever? Well RE ONA is known for a unique machine-sewn double layered technique that guarantees a flawless finish every time. The craftsmanship is not only excellent, but their clothes are ethically sewn in Bangladesh, and they only produce small amounts of clothes to eliminate the damaging effects of mass production.
8. Telfar
There’s a reason why everyone is obsessed with Telfar. In 2005, designer Telfar Clemens came up with a unisex brand that’s not just for women or men, it’s for everyone. You’ll find a wide range of stylish items like Beanies, t-shirts, shoes, hats, belts, jewelry, and even his notorious Telfar shopping bags.
Men’s Category
9. Talley & Twine
Is dad or grandpa looking for a new watch? Well, Talley & Twine has a wide selection of aesthetically-pleasing watches that feel luxurious. They’ll make any man look like a million bucks when they’re out and about.
Not only that, but Talley & Twine are also involved in charitable organizations such as Visionaries For Change, a giving circle of Black businesses and civic leaders who are in charge of improving the community, and Ladies of Favor, an empowering mentoring program for young girls.
10. Bevel
Not sure what to get the special man in your life? Bevel offers a bold and unique selection of grooming products fit for a king. You’ll find shaving kits, skin starter kits, trimmers, body wash, lotions, soaps, deodorants, and t-blades designed for the man in your life to treat himself.
Pet’s Category
11. Fresh Pawz
Black-owned brands don’t just cater to people, but to our lovely furry friends too. Fresh Pawz offers an adorable selection of dog clothes, harnesses, leashes, and toys. Plus, Fresh Pawz donates 5% of every purchase to fund The Petfinder Foundation, which seeks to prevent adoptable pets from ending up getting euthanized. Learn more about this amazing cause here.
For the Young and Old at Heart
12. Mahogany Books
Support Black authors and Black-themed books and get a unique present for the bookworm in your life. Mahogany Books is the place where black books matter. You’ll find cultural literature about Africa, Race & Culture, Politics, History, Art, and spectacularly curated lists for all needs.
13. McBride Sisters Wine
Our love for wine is universal, colorless, and genderless, which is why McBride Sisters provides a collection of wines that are bound to put a smile on any wine enthusiast’s face.
14. Blk & Bold Coffee
Love coffee? Pernell & Rod designed BLK & Bold, a unique coffee brand that believes that great businesses invest in their own communities. They offer a vast selection of fair-trade micro-roasted specialty coffees and loose-leaf high-quality teas. Best of all, the company donates 5% of its profits to support at-risk youth and eradicating youth homelessness.
15. Black Girl Sunscreen
While darker skin offers more protection against UV rays, “Black people need sunscreen, too.” But at the end of the day, skin is skin, and you’re susceptible to getting sunburned too. It’s why Black Girl Sunscreen came up with an effective line of SPF 30 and SPF 50 products that protect your melanin with natural ingredients that are safe for everyone, even the little ones.
We hope to update our list periodically whenever we find black-founded and owned brands that we think would make great holiday gifts for family and friends.
