Gift Guide: Black-owned Businesses
Can you believe it? The holidays are upon us! Have you started your holiday shopping? Or maybe have it finished? I do have a couple of gifts that I had purchased back in the summer…still gotta figure out the rest, though! I’m still debating between gifting items or experiences for the others.
In the past, I haven’t put together proper gift guides here on the blog, but this year I wanted to make sure to highlight some lesser-known brands for you to keep in mind when you do your shopping this holiday season! First up is a collection of Black-owned businesses. Some of them are businesses I’ve purchased from myself and love, and some of them are businesses I haven’t yet ordered from but have only heard good things about their products and look forward to trying myself someday. I hope you find this guide useful, and please let me know in the comments if there are others I should check out!
Happy shopping, friends! 🤗
This post was updated in November 2024.
READ NEXT: Gift Guide: My Favorite Small(er) Businesses
Gift Guide: Black-owned Businesses
Black-owned Wellness Brands
BRIOGEO
New to this Black-owned hair care brand? I shared honest Briogeo reviews of all the products I’ve tried so far. I also shared my current favorite nighttime routine products available at Sephora, which included the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask (here’s the Sephora link). I’ve been using it for years now and love how it makes my hair feel! It’s such a luxurious treat.
Briogeo is offering a variety of discounted gift sets, perfect for the holidays as gifts to yourself or to loved ones!
LUV SCRUB
I was first introduced to the Luv Scrub mesh body exfoliator earlier in 2020 and had only heard amazing things about it! The Luv Scrub is a bath cloth that you use much like a loofah, except it stretches out so you can easily scrub your back! It also gets softer with use. I treated myself to this exfoliator and loved it so much that it made my list of easy low(er) waste bathroom swaps.
At $18, it’s the perfect reasonably-priced gift for anyone on your list. (I’m highly considering gifting one to each of my brothers! Pretty sure they don’t read my blog… haha!) It’s also available from Nordstrom and The Container Store.
Soap Distillery
If you’re looking for a Black-owned business for all of your soap needs, check out Soap Distillery! They offer a plethora of bar soaps, body scrub bars, body oils, shampoo bars, hand and body washes, lip balms, and more in a variety of seasonal and year-round unisex scents. They also use sustainable packaging on all of their products. Spend at least $49.99 for free shipping within the continental US.
Naked Bar Soap Co.
Naked Bar Soap Co. is a Florida-based small Black-owned brand that creates wellness and body products with intention and care. They are known for their variety of all-natural handcrafted bar soaps, but their bath bombs also look absolutely amazing! I’m tempted to pick some up for Korri; he’s a big bath guy and takes a bath every day. They also make their own pit cream natural deodorant if you want to try to get away from aluminum. Free shipping is offered on orders $45+.
DEMIblue
DEMIblue was born because the creator’s mom was unable to wear nail polish due to her experience with breast cancer. All of their nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of 21 toxic chemicals that are found in traditional nail polish.
I love this beautiful, metallic royal blue—the signature DEMIblue color! There are so many fun colors to choose from, including glitter nail polish and nail polish for kiddos. Press-on nails are also available.
Black-owned Jewelry Brands
VALERIE MADISON FINE JEWELRY
Valerie created her business by combining her background in environmental science with her love for alternative jewelry. The result is beautiful, timeless fine jewelry pieces that feature recycled metal and ethical gemstones.
Earlier this summer, I ordered a pair of the XO stud earrings in yellow gold (shop the new version). They’re a perfect addition to my simple jewelry collection!
Do you have a fine jewelry lover in your life? Check out Valerie’s list of favorites starting at $180! Of course, engagement rings and wedding bands are also available.
BR DESIGN CO
BR Design Co creates beautiful clay earrings ranging from simple and classic to bold statements. Aren’t these sparkly black studs perfect for the holidays?! I also love the bows!
They offer a few different collections: black and white or neutral for those that prefer simplicity or rainbow for those that love color. Each collection also includes an assortment of clay and brass mixed media earrings. Prices range from $16 to $36 and shipping is free on all orders!
ROMY STUDIO
At Romy Studio, you’ll find a collection of modern and minimalist handmade statement earrings crafted by Camille Hay in Washington, D.C.—when they’re in stock, that is! Most of her styles sell out very quickly, so definitely sign up for emails if you want to know when items are stocked (a gift card is always an option, too!).
I managed to grab the diamond drop in fog (similar current style) when her fall collection launched in October 2020! Romy Studio offers free shipping on all US orders $50+.
Black-owned Apparel Brands
ALIYA WANEK
Back in the summer, I purchased a couple of the Aliya Wanek Ami cropped sweatshirts in two colors, dusty rose and olive (seen in outfits here and here). They are definitely two of my best “quarantine” purchases—I wore them nonstop for months! They’re great for WFH. I also purchased the oversized Tig sweatshirt, which quickly became a favorite. Shop all of Aliya Wanek’s sweatshirts!
I know buying apparel as a gift isn’t exactly ideal, especially if you don’t know the preferred size and style, but Aliya Wanek offers gift cards starting at $50! (Don’t feel bad giving gift cards—the brands are still supported and the person receiving the gift cards can get exactly what they’re looking for!)
Black-owned Treat Brands
Blondery
Oh my gosh, the blondies that the team at Blondery make look absolutely delicious! Plus, they ship across the country. Everything is made to order, and with quick shipping, they arrive super fresh and ready to be consumed! Check out their variety boxes, which include four flavors, or stick with a sure hit like cinnamon sugar (a.k.a. snickerdoodle—YUM). They also offer pumpkin and oat dog treats for the sweet pup in your life!