Jessica Andrews's Black-Owned Gift Ideas
I Shop For a Living — Here Are the Black-Owned Brands I'm Gifting This Holiday
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The only thing I love more than shopping is shopping from Black-owned brands. I was raised to value the tradition of pouring into our community, from the Black art my parents hung up around the house to them introducing me to Alvin Ailey and Dance Theater of Harlem at an early age.
It's also so gratifying to see our needs prioritized and centered when it comes to a product's construction, which is something that happens so rarely. For example, Rihanna famously launched Fenty Beauty foundation in 40 shades from the start; UnSun Cosmetics sunscreen caters to deeper skin tones without leaving behind gray residue; and Afro Unicorn's kids' luggage comes with a fabulous unicorn decal with Black skin and textured hair. Shopping Black is the epitome of going where you are celebrated, and that takes on even more meaning during the holiday season.
Shopping Black is the epitome of going where you are celebrated, and that takes on even more meaning during the holiday season.
No matter what your loved one's interests are, you can find a gift from a Black-owned brand that will appeal to them. Whether you're picking up candles from Harlem Candle Company for your mother, an Actively Black activewear set for your fitness-obsessed friend, or a B.Clawed nail set as a stocking stuffer for your glamorous sister, the gifts ahead hit every category on your list. And they're available at some of your go-to retailers too, including Amazon, Etsy, and Nordstrom.
Keep scrolling for all the gifts from Black-owned brands that I'm shopping this season.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Sunscreen
Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen ($27, originally $29)
Any melanated person will tell you: sunscreen that leaves a white cast is not our friend. That's why I love UnSun's SPF 30 mineral tinted face sunscreen for daily (yes, daily) application. Besides the lack of ghostly residue, it also nourishes the skin, minimizes pores, and acts as a primer and color corrector. Gift it to your skin-care-obsessed friend or the family member who doesn't think we really need sunscreen (ahem, we definitely do). It will make everyone a believer.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Nail Set
B.Clawed Coffee Press-on Nail Kit ($28)
Press-on nails are trending for a reason: they're convenient, easy to apply, and are more flexible than regular manicures. This B.Clawed kit makes a perfect stocking stuffer for your nail-obsessed loved one. It comes with 10 hand-painted nails you can reuse, glue, adhesive, and tools like alcohol wipes, a wooden cuticle pusher, a mini buffer, and a nail file. Plus, the brown color and marble design feel so cozy and perfect for fall and winter.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Graphic T-Shirt
Liv Streetwear Prayer 24' Tee ($30, originally $45)
Liv Streetwear's best-selling T-shirt will be a worthy addition to anyone's wardrobe. Its witty phrase, "God Is My Publicist, He Keeps Me Booked," pays homage to the designer's faith and her career ascent. Pick up the soft, comfy tee for the spiritual person in your life; they can wear it with everything from denim to sweats to even a suit.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Lip-Gloss Gift Set
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Glossy Posse VII Full-Size Gloss Bomb Trio ($40)
Whether you're shopping for a makeup novice or a beauty guru, this lip bomb set will be a gift they'll treasure. Featuring two of Fenty Beauty's most popular shades — and one exclusive coral, shimmering hue — this set of nourishing, lustrous glosses will be their go-to during the holiday season and beyond.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Fancy Candle
Harlem Candle Company Langston Luxury Candle ($48)
A candle is always a delightful holiday gift, and even more so when it has a moving story behind it. Harlem Candle Company pays tribute to the Harlem Renaissance with their luxury candles, and this one honors the legendary poet Langston Hughes. It has 80 hours of burn time and features top notes of clove, vanilla, and jasmine, a sandalwood base, and finishing notes of amber. It even comes with a stunning gift box with a vintage map of Harlem printed inside.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Kids' Suitcase
Afro Unicorn Kids' 3pc Hardside Checked Luggage Set ($54, originally $58)
I'm so intentional about making sure my nieces see representation everywhere they turn, and that includes their luggage. This adorable, unicorn-themed checked luggage set comes with a fabulous unicorn with Black skin and textured hair. Kids will love the decal, and parents will be thankful for the spacious inside compartments. The set comes with a travel pouch for odds and ends as well as a matching luggage tag.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Zip-Up Hoodie
Actively Black Zipper Performance Hoodie ($75)
For your loved one who never misses their morning run (or who just loves to rock loungewear on the weekends), pick up this zipper hoodie from Actively Black. Founded by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith, the brand is all about Black empowerment and promoting regular physical activity and healthy nutrition.
The beauty of this hoodie is all in the details, from thumb holes to ties on each side so you can adjust the fit. My favorite part is the inscription on the back that reads: "There is greatness in our DNA." Team it with the Actively Black Stealth Performance Joggers ($80) or Actively Black Training Shorts ($50), depending on the weather.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Wash Day Kit
Cécred Limited-Edition Wash Day Kit ($100)
Does your loved one spend all day Sunday washing, conditioning, and styling their hair? Then you'll want to gift them the Wash Day Kit from Beyoncé's Cécred brand. It comes replete with a clarifying shampoo and scalp scrub, a hydrating shampoo, a moisturizing deep conditioner, and a nourishing hair oil — everything they need for healthy, clean, and thriving hair. It also includes a wide-tooth comb for detangling and a cosmetic bag, so they can take these travel-size products on the plane. This set is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Suitcase
WNDR LN Hardside Carry On Expandable Spinner Suitcase ($120)
The jet-setter on your list will appreciate this sleek and functional carry-on suitcase. It boasts a durable hard shell cover, a TSA-approved combination lock, and an expansion zipper so you can store even more items. My favorite detail is the shoe and laundry bag so you can keep your items organized while traveling. What more could you ask for?
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: An Eyeshadow Palette
Pat McGrath Labs Mothership X: Moonlit Seduction Eyeshadow Palette ($128)
I always say I do a Black-owned face, and my eyeshadow is a major part of the equation. No brand delivers pigmented, dazzling color like Pat McGrath Labs, which is a testament to the founder — who is widely considered the greatest makeup artist of our time. This palette features blendable hues ranging from the smoky "XTreme Nocturne" shade to the mesmerizing metallic pink "VR Sextasy" shade. The makeup lover on your list will thank you.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Sweater Dress
Hanifa Miya Knit Cardigan Dress ($189, originally $289)
Your stylish loved one could use a little Hanifa in their closet. Boasting fans like Sarah Jessica Parker and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, the brand's viral sweater dress is as warm as it is fashion-forward. It comes in a myriad of colors from red to mustard — and stay tuned for a restock of the matching Hanifa Miya Knit Cardigan Baby dress for a stylish mommy-and-me moment.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Tote Bag
Telfar Medium Shopping Bag in Purple ($202)
You know you can buy Telfar bags on Amazon, right? While not every color is available, you can pick up the medium shopping bag tote in purple and several color options in patent, from black to red.
If you aren't familiar with the viral tote, it's so popular that it sells out in mere minutes and boasts fans like Oprah, Beyoncé, AOC, and more. Not only have I personally gifted the bag to my sister and cousins, I've also helped their husbands surprise them with bags for birthdays and anniversaries.
It features handles and crossbody straps, a snap closure, and an interior zipper pocket — and the medium size is big enough to fit a laptop. Grab the above purple faux leather style, the Telfar Medium Shopping Bag in Black Patent ($273), or the Telfar Medium Puff Shopper ($280) on Amazon. And, of course, you can shop every style as it drops on Telfar's website.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Stylish Going-Out Bag
Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Trunk ($265)
No idea what to get the fashion enthusiast in your life? They'll be impressed by this Brandon Blackwood "It" bag. The brand counts Beyoncé, Serena Williams, and Megan Thee Stallion as fans, and its designs often go viral. This mini bag is instantly recognizable and will garner tons of compliments. Plus, it can be styled with most items in your loved one's closet, from all-black separates to a shimmery holiday dress.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Pair of Boots
Chelsea Paris Gigi Boots ($495)
Invest in a pair of luxury black ankle boots for the working woman in your circle. These classic boots from Chelsea Paris are constructed from black nappa leather with hand-stitched details, leather lining, an almond toe, and a 75mm block heel. Not only are they comfortable and stylish, they'll stand the test of time and become a mainstay in her work wardrobe.
Black-Owned Gift Ideas: A Designer Sweater
Christopher John Rogers Color-Block Cutout Cardigan ($825)
For a splurge-worthy gift that will truly wow your loved one, look no further than this Christopher John Rogers wool-blend cardigan. It features his signature colorful pattern play and a collar-cutout detail that will surely spark conversation (in fact, Rihanna wore a similar look for a press event). Whether they style it with jeans or a pair of pink trousers, it's guaranteed to become the favorite piece in their closet.
Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is the senior content director of shopping and UK at PS. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.
