12 gift ideas for your bestie from Black-owned businesses
From 'sassy but classy' to 'bad and bougie,' here's a list of affordable holiday gift ideas for that female friend who has made 2020 bearable.
The most wonderful time of the year has finally arrived! While our pockets may be a bit tighter than usual, you can still get an affordable gift for that woman in your life who has made 2020 a little less suckier than it could have been.
From candles with uplifting titles and spirt-raising scents to cute handcrafted stud earrings, I’d like to introduce you to a few of my favorite things that make great gifts for Secret Santa or stocking stuffers. Each of the items on this list is from a Black-owned business, can be purchased for less than $25 and are Black-girl approved, of course!
A gift for your girl whose always got that good tea
The Trini Gee mugs are the perfect for that homegirl who loves wrapping up in a cozy blanket with a steaming cup of her favorite tea— or hot chocolate and rum during the winter months. Trini Gee is a Houston-based designer who crafts lifestyle and clothing items inspired from Black culture. The brand’s selection of mugs covers an array of interests and are customizable. Most mugs cost $20. They’re available on Esty.
A gift for the ‘light up and chill’ friend
Unwinding in a soothing bubble bath, easing into a deep meditation, summing the spirits of our ancestors, late-night work session or making love— is there ever a bad time to light a candle? No.
Of course, a bad candle can kill a vibe. Here are three of our favorite Black-owned candle companies with scents that are just as mood-setting as the names.
A gift for your Spades partner
There’s no stronger bond.
The Black Pack is a playing card brand that is all about the Culture. These decks are far from your standard Bicycle cards and feature colorful illustrations of African-American icons and staples, including an entire series featuring Martin characters. They also have a line of waterproof cards and stylish metallic cards in gold, silver and rose-gold. Packs start at $9.99.
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For Ms. Self-Pampering
Naked Bar Soap Company makes luxury cold-processed soaps using the nourishing ingredients our skin absolutely adores— olive oil, coconut oil, rich coco butter and so on. We love these soaps because not only do they leave you feeling clean and moisturized but the all-natural fragrances are amazing! Most bars are only $8.
Oh So Sweet Scrubs are on this list for that very reason, they carry a line of quality body and facial scrubs that smell sweet and reminiscent of the holidays like Winter Mint, Berry Grateful and Fall Spice. You can get a four-ounce jar for $15.
For book club bae
It’s the steamy, page-turner of the year! “Luster” by Raven Leilani has been a must-have on most booklist since its 2020 debut.
The story follows a 20-something Black woman thugging it out in a shabby New York apartment and making scandalous decisions, including getting sexually involved with a family man with an open marriage. His wife inviting her to live with them is just the beginning.
We’re sure the bibliophile in your life is going to love this New York Times, Las Angeles Times and Washington Post best-seller. Find it on Amazon starting at $15.69.
For the friend you’ll never catch slippin’
Yes, we wear facial masks to protect ourselves and others, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t be fashionable doing it. In recent months, designer face masks have become a statement piece on the trendiest runways.
You can grab a cheap fashion mask from the bin at the local Beauty Supply…or treat your girl to a haute hand-stitched mask from Shukuru Couture for $25.
A gift for the friend who has a ‘little friend’
Yes, that’s a vibrator— don’t act innocent! This is for that friend who is dripping with feminine sexual confidence… that friend that taught you “that one trick.” The Mini Moi Case by Plume is a travel tote for adult toys that has a clean and discrete design.
Available in colors eggplant and black, it’s marked at $24.99 on the House of Plume website. (No, the sex toys are not included.)
A gift for that friend that’s getting a gift card
A gift card to her favorite store or just straight cash is never a bad route, but the perfect holiday card can make it a little more special. Carla Sue has a line of holiday gift cards that adorable and full of baddie flavor. A single card cost $5.
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For your friend who is #makeupgoals
The Lip Bar has vegan and cruelty-free lipstick colors that complements skin from the fairest to richest skin tone. It’s a well-respected brand launched by a woman who wanted to create cosmetics that empowered people to feel beautiful regardless of mainstream standards and in a healthy way. Bundles are available, but a single stick starts at $13.
A gift for that sassy but classy friend
There is elegance in subtlety, and these handcrafted stud earrings from BR Design Co. are perfect for that stylish friend who likes to keep it classy and clean-cut. They’re designed by two South Carolina sisters using techniques passed down from their mother. It’s a touch of color and trendiness for the office or just a cute and casual look. Most pairs are retailed at $18.
For that friend with the biggest sweet tooth
Sometimes a delicious treat is all you need to help the foodie in your life feel loved and appreciated. Houston-based The Baker’s Man mini bundt cakes that will make your heart melt. Chocolate Fudge Cake, Red Velvet and Blondie Caramel Cake just a few flavors, which all come in a vegan alternative. Send them over the moon with an assortment of these delicious treats for just $25. Click here to order.
Final touch!
Whether or not you choose to purchase an item from this list, these holiday gift bags are sure to get a delighted reaction. Izzy & Liv: Grown & Festive Holiday Gift Bag Set, which include three bags, is available for $12 at the company website.
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