Shopping at small and local businesses is good for the circular economy and a best practice for supporting people and the planet. This is doubly true for businesses owned and operated by diverse leadership, especially those who have been kept from wealth accumulation. Patronizing Black-owned businesses is a smart way to Vote with Your Dollar and uplift those who have been historically marginalized.
It’s even better when you’re shopping for gifts, because who doesn’t love a gift?
Every gift recommended in this article comes from our certified Green Business Network members, which meet or exceed Green America’s standards for social and environmental responsibility, or businesses from Get The Bag {GBN}, a collective of Black woman-owned businesses.
Non-Toxic Body, Face, and Hair Care
Treat them to a luxurious Mini Facial Travel Kit ($25), which includes cleanser, toner, moisturizer, lip balm, sponge, and wooden spoon. Natural As I Wanna Be uses nontoxic ingredients in their products, which range from face to body care.
Treat yo’ self applies to the whole self. That’s where the WalkAbout Beard Oil ($25), a conditioning and soothing oil, comes in. 4elements Bath uses organic and wildly harvested ingredients to make their products, which are then placed in recycled packaging.
Put on your best face with the Vibranium Gold - Luminizer Stick ($30), a glow and brightening creme, from Plain Jane Beauty. It’s organic, cruelty-free, and is free from toxic ingredients like synthetic fragrances.
Accessories
Hi Barbie! Look your best while you live your best with the Coco Cabana (Fuschia) ($119.99) from Wooden Element. This handcrafted accessory boasts a sleek bamboo face, and Wooden Element uses upcycled wood material.
Home & Kitchenware
It’s time to add some color and fun to your home. From Mirrors Decorated, which offers original and sustainable, the WIND, "Green Color Study" Decorative Wall Mirror ($625) is a lovely piece. The mirror is made of recycled materials and papier-mâché.
Honor Black excellence with the “Josephine” Luxury Candle ($48) from Harlem Candle Co. This citrus and bergamot-scented candle celebrates entertainer Josephine Baker. Harlem’s candles are cruelty-free and vegan, made of soy wax, with clean burn 100% cotton wicks, and recyclable packaging.
Harlem Toile celebrates Black lives in with homeware reinterpreting traditional toile de Jouy. The pattern “depicts a scene of contemporary life that playfully satirizes both old and new cultural narratives.” These Sheila Bridges x Williams Sonoma Harlem Toile Cocktail Napkins, Set of 4 ($19.95) are beautiful and eye-catching additions to the home.
Food & Drink
Step up your tea game with Amber Tea Crystals ($7 - $9), made from pure cane sugar. From Adjourn Tea House, these crystal pieces add a natural, subtle sweetness to your tea.
Gwell’s signature are their tea cookies. The Peach and Pomegranate Superfood Tea Cookies ($6, or $5.40 with a subscription) is a shortbread cookie that is plant-based, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced organic peaches and pomegranates.
Did someone say chocolate? Joy Craft Cocoa’s Hot Chocolate Experience Gift Box ($33.99) is a decadent gift for a loved one. It comes in various flavors, like Mexican hot chocolate or chocolate strawberry, this set comes with packs of cocoa, recipe cards, artisan marshmallows, and more.
Build your friend a custom 6-Piece Bon Bon Box ($16) from One More Cocoa with flavors like scotch bonnet honey and strawberry cheesecake.
Everything Else
Get something truly unique with the 8 x 10 Classic Silhouette ($35) from artist Janelle Washington. The custom pieces are hand-drawn and –cut and can highlight fun hairstyles and accessories, too.
Go deep next game night with the Actually Curious Game – Human Rights edition ($25). This card-based game invites friends and family to explore important topics facing our society and our lives including social justice, mental health, environmental sustainability, and more.
Find a Black-owned bookstore in the US, like Black Pearl Books in Austin, TX and give your recipient a banned book, like Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” ($8.99).
Happy sustainable shopping!
