So I know there are a bunch of holiday gift guides out there - I even did one several years ago with my favorite hostess gifts. But this year, I wanted to focus on Black owned businesses. Because by supporting Black owned businesses, you not only help a small business survive - you funnel money into Black communities, which can have long lasting positive effects.
And rather than being one of the many gift guides that lists businesses they’ve only seen once or twice online, I specifically wanted to point the finger to Black owned businesses that I have had personal experience with (or I know someone who has). Because seriously - what’s better than a personal recommendation?
So, take a look at my list of Black owned businesses to support this holiday season - almost all of which I’ve either used myself or one of my friends has. A handful of them are in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I live, but you can order online) and only a couple of them are exclusive to the SF Bay Area. And if you have a Black owned business that you love, email me to let me know. (I’d love to show support on social media!)
FOOD GIFTS
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’m a foodie. My tastes range from the simple and easy to more gourmet fare – and I’m always up for a good burrito. But these Black owned food businesses are way beyond what you’ll find at your local grocery store – they all make amazing food gifts, whether you’re ordering a yummy pie to send to your parents or dropping off dinner at your friend’s house as a holiday treat.
LITTLE PIE COMPANY
Little Pie Company offers handmade pies from scratch. And these aren’t just any pies – they are delicious! Little Pie Company is based in NY (where I’m from) and they have quite the range of dessert pies, from pumpkin to berry to key lime. My husband ordered the Sour Cream Apple AND the Mississippi Mud Pie for his birthday a few months back – and all I can say is that Little Pie Company has definitely contributed to my needing bigger pants. And they have one savory pie, too - the Piping-Hot Chicken Pot Pie. I love savory pies, so we ordered the chicken pot pies back in September - and then we sent a few to my parents. And then we had them again last week. It’s pretty much the best chicken pot pie I have ever had. You can pick up the pies locally in NYC or order online.
Instagram: @littlepiecompany
Website: littlepiecompany.com
RUSSELL’S GOURMET COFFEE
Russell’s Gourmet Coffee is ideal for the avid coffee drinker. I’m a tea guy - but my husband is one of those people who loves a good cup of coffee (or two) in the morning. And when he wants a REALLY good cup of coffee, he’ll pull out his french press to make a cup of Russell’s Gourmet Coffee. Russell’s offers a wide range of flavors and is based both in the SF Bay Area and Atlanta. And Russell is part of a pretty talented couple – his wife, Nikki, is one of my favorite fashionistas/style influencers on Instagram!
Instagram: @russellsgourmetcoffee
Website: russellsgourmetcoffee.com
KEITH’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES
Keiths’ Chicken & Waffles is our go-to place for the best fried chicken. If you’ve seen my Instagram stories, we get it to-go about twice a month. It’s only available in the SF Bay Area (Daly City based), but it’s worth the trip if you’re within driving distance (and they deliver via Postmates). And it’s not just fried chicken – it’s chicken & waffles, it’s dessert waffles, it’s amazing sides and mouth-watering peach cobbler. A few weeks back we grabbed Keith’s fried chicken sandwiches and had a picnic in Golden Gate Park. It’s a great break from cooking over the holidays and an amazing way to surprise a friend.
Instagram: @keithschickenandwaffles
Website: keithschickennwaffles.com
BURKE & BLACK
Burke & Black is another (and the last) SF Bay Area only gift on this list – but it’s a good one. Burke & Black is an East Bay catering company that has pivoted during the pandemic to offering grazing boxes and boards. A grazing box is an assortment of cheeses, meats, fruits and nuts that is ideal for weekend snacking or for your social bubble over the holidays. And it’s not just any snack – we ordered one a couple of weekends ago and it was soooo good. Amazing quality and flavors and we’ll definitely be ordering again. It’s a perfect gift for the foodie on your list. Burke & Black offers multiple size boards and boxes and you can also order individual boxes for a socially distanced get together. Pickup at their location or get it delivered ($15 fee per 30 miles in the Bay Area).
Instagram: @burkeandblack
Website: burkeandblack.com
CLOTHING GIFTS
Obviously, I’ll have resources for Black owned clothing brands, right? These are just a few that I’ve ordered from, but I’m always looking for more (especially men’s!).
SHOP AMBER RICHELE
Shop Amber Richele is THE place to go for tie dye athleisure. Period. Amber is a SF Bay Area based entrepreneur – she was already a style influencer (follow her here), but she created Shop Amber Richele earlier this year and her business has taken off from there. Her hoodies, sweatshirts and t-shirts are great ways to add style and fun to your quarantine wardrobe. First, I ordered a hoodie – then I ordered masks. Then when I was ordering another hoodie, my husband wanted one. And, oh yeah – my friends have ordered hoodies and leggings, too. And if you have friends far away, she ships worldwide!
Instagram: @shopamberrichele
Website: shopamberrichele.com
MORE THAN YOUR AVERAGE
More Than Your Average is an online vintage plus-size clothing boutique – but that’s not why I’ve included them in my gift guide. Mya (MYTA’s owner) has created the ‘More Than Your Average’ t-shirt for the second year in a row. And besides being a perfect gift for anyone you know who is ‘more than average’, 10% of the proceeds from the MYTA t-shirt benefit The Salvation Army USA. It’s a great stocking stuffer or small gift for your friend.
Instgram: @morethanyouraverage
Website: morethanyouraverage.com (quick update - since I published this, Mya created a fun new tie-dye version of the t-shirt, so it’s not the white one pictured - and you get free shipping!)
MESS IN A BOTTLE
Mess in a Bottle allows you to express your feelings through your clothes, literally. They have t-shirts, sweatshirts, accessories and mugs with fun, irreverent and topical sayings like “See what happened the last time you didn’t vote? A big MESS.” “As strong as the woman next to me.” “A black woman created this.” “OMW to therapy…brb.” “Torn between eating a snack and being a snack.” So, if you know anyone that wants their clothes to say something, order a gift from Mess in a Bottle.
Instagram: @messinabottle
Website: messinabottle.com
ACCESSORY GIFTS
I cannot tell a lie – I don’t wear women’s accessories. But I have friends that do. So, check out a few of my favorite Black owned women’s accessory brands.
PAPIER DOLL FACTORY
Papier Doll Factory is a fellow wardrobe stylist, but she also sells super fun jewelry – earrings, necklaces and more at wallet-friendly prices (so many earrings $30 and under!). They’re a stellar way to add punch to your Zoom look and what’s more fun than a cute pair of earrings in your stocking?
Instagram: @papierdollfactory
Website: papierdollfactory.com
HUMANS BEFORE HANDLES
Humans Before Handles has an amazing selection of earrings, jewelry and other accessories – head to their website to get inspired. My friend got the star earrings (she loves them!) and their prices are perfect for gift exchanges.
Instagram: @humansbeforehandles
Website: humansbeforehandles.com
WE DREAM IN COLOUR
We Dream in Colour is the destination if you’re ready to make a statement. Head-turning earrings, plus other jewelry options and hair pins. Their earrings are more of an investment, but they’re sure to garner attention – a great gift for someone who doesn’t mind the spotlight.
Instagram: @wedreamincolour
Website: wedreamincolour.com
UNOETH
Unoeth is a father/daughter SF Bay Area based brand. They create gorgeous leather handbags, backpacks, duffels and more, handmade by artisans in Ethiopia. Any one of their bags is a versatile gift – and I love their color options. My current favorite is the color block tote (pictured above).
Instagram: @unoeth
Website: unoeth.com
MISCELLANEOUS GIFTS
A little of this, a little of that – that’s what holiday shopping is all about, right?
ASHAY BY THE BAY
Ashay by the Bay is THE Black children’s bookstore. They are SF Bay Area based and specialize in African American and multi-cultural children’s books. They have an amazing selection for kids – and books for adults, too. Ashay by the Bay is focused and committed to educate and empower children through literacy. I ordered from them a few months ago and the customer service was great. My order was running late – but instead of just not knowing where it was, I received a personal phone call.
Instagram: @ashaybythebay
Website: ashaybythebay.com
POST 21 SHOP
Post 21 Shop was created by a mother and daughter who wanted a comprehensive marketplace for modern and design forward products from Black owned businesses – so, they made it themselves. The selection changes, but I love so many things from their website: home products, self-care items, jewelry and even fun things for your pets! I talked about them on Instagram a few months ago and one of my clients immediately bought a bracelet. My current favorite jewelry pieces are the atomic necklace and the brass triangle cuff (both pictured above).
Instagram: @post21shop
Website: post21shop.com
I hope you’re sufficiently inspired to support Black owned businesses for your holiday gift-giving (or self-gifting)! If you’re looking for more resources for gifts from Black owned businesses, check out the 15 Percent Pledge gift guide here – and also follow me on Instagram, where I highlight Black owned businesses and bloggers weekly.