#BuyBlack: Holiday Gift Guide

After the mess that was 2020, this holiday season definitely hits different. With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all coming up this weekend, I wanted to drop a gift guide highlighting some of my favorite Black-owned brands (for clothing, peep the Black Fashion Directory.) I’ve included a variety of products and price ranges, but everything listed is under $200. Whether it’s a well-deserved treat for yourself or something special for a loved one, you’re sure to find something below!

Alexandra Winbush

What to Buy: Candle & Tea Set

Honestly, what screams self-care more than a bomb candle and a soothing cup of tea? While the matching set gives you the full vibe, you can purchase the candles and teas individually and DIY a set of your own. These candles tend to sell out quick so enjoy this rare moment with everything still in stock.

Loza Tam

What to Buy: Pre-wrapped Headwrap Turban

Winter is here and that means it’s protective styling season. These turbans are my favorite hack for days when I’m just over it. All of the turbans are satin-lined to protect your strands, come in a mix of solids and prints to fit your aesthetic and you’re guaranteed a perfect wrap every time.

Mented Cosmetics

What to Buy: Fall Semi-Matte Lip Shade Collection or Holiday Faves Trio

Mented is by far one of my favorite makeup brands and they never fail to deliver an incredible product. Lipsticks? Bomb! Foundation? Bomb! Blush? Bomb! Their nude matte lippies are what got me hooked a couple years ago and I’ve been stanning ever since. Mented #5 and Dope Taupe in semi-matte are my go-to lip shades, but they have a perfect nude for EVERY skin tone.

Oji Royale

What to Buy: Velvet Durag

Shoutout to ole dude I saw flexing in a velvet durag last year and had me fully re-assessing my life. Do I know where I’m about to wear this or how I’m about to style it? Absolutely not, but this is where I plan on buying mine from. For the fellas though, please take note of how good this looks paired with a fitted turtleneck (& some tailored trousers and loafers!)

Philadelphia Print Works

What to Buy: Panther’s Legacy hoodie or Thank Black Women tee

I’ve been rocking with Philadelphia Printworks since college and their merch is all so good! They drop collabs throughout the year and offer everything from tees and hoodies to totes and zines with social justice messaging. Added bonus: every purchase helps support their work with community partners so it’s a win-win all around.

UnoEth

What to Buy: Hanna Tote

I’ve been crushing on this tote for a minute and might finally cop this weekend as a replacement for my current work bag. I was further ~influenced~ by Insecure because this was Issa’s “I got my life together” tote so the timing feels right. UnoEth also has cute leather belt bags and crossbody bags that clock in under $200 if you’re into something different.

Unwrp

What to Buy: Printed Fabric Wrap or Throw Pillow

Because what are gifts without some amazing wrapping paper to bundle them up in?? I came across Unwrap earlier this year while scrolling through Amanda Murray’s IG story and immediately started counting down to the holidays. In addition to offering the usual wrapping paper with amazing prints, they also offer printed fabric wrap that doubles as gift wrap and can later be fashioned into a headscarf or scarf top! For a one-stop shop, they also have throw pillows, greeting cards, and notebooks perfect for gifting.

Winston Luxury Leather

What to Buy: Rio Mini or Tokyo Micro

I found out about this brand from one of Shelby Christie’s twitter threads and truly have zero regrets. Winston Luxury Leather is a Nigerian-based tannery that’s supplied leather for a lot of the luxury designer girls and they just started making their own bags and footwear. Their skins are gorgeous, shipping is quick and they’re consistently adding new styles. I copped the Rio Mini a couple months ago and it’s already one of my faves.

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Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

Let me know what y’all cop or if there’s another Black-owned brand you plan on buying from this season in the comments so the whole squad can win.