According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, “Black business owners own over three million businesses and employ almost 1.2 million people.” From retail to restaurants, healthcare to housing, there are many service providers and products to choose from for every occasion. Of course, pairing the right gift at the right price with the right person can be a feat. There are a lot of lists full of big-name celebrity brands, but what about small and medium-sized businesses? What about the underground brands? What about luxury at every price point?
Not to worry. This curated list of our latest faves is chock-full of variety for all ages and stages of life—as well as perfect gifts for birthdays and holidays. Find inspiration for the perfect gift from this lengthy list of Black-owned businesses you can shop right now.
Accessories and Apparel
Actively Black
Created by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith, Actively Black is an athleisure wear company. Perfect for anybody who is active (or wants to be), the Puff Print Color or Wakanda Athletics lines offer a myriad of high-quality gifts.
Black Santa Company
Former NBA star Baron Davis has stepped out of his comfort zone and into a Santa suit. This character-focused company offer apparel themed around the ever-elusive Black Santa. Grab sweatsuits, hats, wrapping paper, and more from this fun-loving and diverse online shop.
DGK
This California-based skateboard and apparel company is known for unique deck designs and a unisex twist on quintessential Cali looks. Although the sizes skews towards a bulkier, masculine fit, this streetwear brand has something for everyone. Check out the Holiday 2023 – Forever Collection, complete with crewnecks, socks, t-shirts, and hats.
Proper Gnar
Skatergirls need love too. The apparel, accessories, or skateboard here have been perfected over time to offer just the right amount of feminine, fierce, and ferocious. Launched in 2012, this brand is available online and in-store at over a dozen locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Louella
Louella by Ibtihaj is a modest fashion brand for women. Launched by U.S. Olympic fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad, this brand offers kaftans, rompers, and full-length dresses (many with pockets) that are stylish and comfortable. Modesty isn’t just for the religious, so think of this brand for your friend who loves conscious fashion and a flawless silhouette.
Maniere de Voir
When shopping for that person who loves a good label, Reece Wabara’s 2013 fashion brand is sure to impress. Built on the same premise as Europe’s big fashion houses, these clothes and bags were made to never be replaced. Ready to wear for any season, expect that black and white are the primary colors for men, women, and home.
Taylor Jay Collection
Something about this collection screams, “I bet Oprah has 3 pairs of these.” If there’s a powerhouse in your life who is all about effortless comfort, then there is a cardigan or culotte here with their name on it.
Saysh
Saysh is a Black-owned sneaker brand designed specifically for women. Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix (and her brother) launched this groundbreaking brand and have made shockwaves with a unique maternity return policy. Try gifting a pair of their best-selling pairs for the athlete or expecting mom in your life.
Silver & Riley
Style meets function with Silver & Riley’s travel and fashion accessories handcrafted in Italy. For a high-end purchase, try the convertible executive leather bag or the classic New Yorker bag. Plus, you can feel good about gift-giving with Silver & Riley’s Buy 1 Give 5 Program, which pledges 5% of each total sale to support female entrepreneurs.
Art
Galerie Myrtis
Have a friend who enjoys fine art? Gift them a trip to Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore to see unique exhibitions featuring the work of diverse African American artists. If your pockets are deep enough, ask for their latest catalogue of original works on sale. Representing over a dozen contemporary Black artists, this gallery is known for eye-catching works that appreciate over time.
Lauren J Turner Fine Art
In addition to affordable prints that show the intimacy of breastfeeding and birth, Turner’s unique paintings are one-of-a-kind for young families. She accepts commissions and works from photos to deliver custom family paintings that are utterly tear jerking. If you’re looking to mark the occasion of a new birth, a birthday, or an expanding family, look no further.
NoelleRx
This fine art company was launched by DC-based artist, Candice Taveres, to celebrate Black culture in a medium most people never think of—wood. Known for iconic wood carved charcuterie boards, Christmas ornaments, and cheese plates, the NoelleRx brand carries so much more, including children’s books, apparel, and fine art carvings.
Beauty & Body
Avalah
Avalah is a Brooklyn-based company that sells all natural products for the skin, body, hair, and beard. For friends and family members looking for luxury self-care items with a unisex scent, Avalah is a wise choice. For dudes with beards, the Beard Care Gift Set is a great gift that comes specially packaged, ready to gift. Otherwise, the travel set and the candles are easy giftwrapped.
Body By Love
This size-inclusive brand is all about making the ordinary extraordinary. The candles and shimmer body oil are lovely additions to bath time. But, the real cherry on top is the extra-large towel set made from 100% Turkish cotton. After unwrapping this gift, normal bath towels will no longer do.
Bomba Curls
This clean and green hair product line uses ingredients and techniques from the Dominican Republic to help people achieve healthy and beautiful natural curls in the comfort of their own home. For friends, daughters, moms, or sisters with audacious curls, try the award-winning Dominican Forbidden Hair Oil, the Forbidden Hair Mask, or the Spa Luxe Hair Wrap.
Buttah Skin
Founded by actor and entrepreneur, Dorion Renaud, Buttah Skin is a line designed for melanin-rich skin. The best-selling supreme customizable skin kit and sterling silver kit are great gift options for beauty-buffs who think they’ve tried it all.
Garner’s Garden
If psoriasis, eczema, or dandruff threaten to ruin your bestie’s day, come through like a champ with this brand’s natural skin care products. Even better, the kid and baby line is perfect to add to your baby shower or sip-n-see repertoire. Garner’s Garden’s best-selling products like their Natural Oral Care Bundle and All-Natural African Black Bar Soap are useful any time of the year, and suitable for the whole family.
Moodeaux
Who doesn’t love a good smell? People are often enthusiastic to give a new scent a try when it’s a gift. Vegan, cruelty-free, and made with no dyes or water, what’s not to love? The award-winning Worthy Eau de Parfum or the PunkStar Dry Oil Perfume Spray make classy gifts for everyone on your list.
Stay Golden Cosmetics
This glamorous lip and lid line offers some great cosmetic gifts for those who love a bit of sparkle. Founded by Jamaican-born Danielle Danz Edmond, products like the Glitz Glitter Lip Kit and the uQueen Self-Care Kit are big hits.
Food and Beverage Gifts
Breukelen Rub Spice Company
Looking for a gift for the food lover in your life? Try Breukelen Rub Spice Company’s four spice blend products, including the Boxed Breukelen Rub Gift Set that has one of each to enjoy. The grill master in your life deserves to add a touch of unexpected spice to any and every meal.
Dávila Kafe
For the coffee addict in your life, gift a subscription from a family-owned company that cares about the environment, coffee cultivators, and a strong jolt of caffeine. From Nicaragua & Haiti, these special blends can be affordably and exclusively purchased online.
Fun and Games Gifts
Lyrically Correct
Take game night to a whole new level. Perfect for music and pop culture lovers, there are 5 decks to choose from among Lyrically Correct Games’ offerings. This family-owned business combines Black culture and music trivia among gospel, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s hits. You can’t go wrong with the classic 90s & 2000s Hip Hop/R & B Edition, but know-it-alls might enjoy the Bundles and lyrical merch, too.
Kaleidadope
It’s stocking stuffer season and Kaleidadope has your back. This Black-owned shop sells assorted stationary, accessories, and esoteric gifts. For that person who already has everything, try the 2:45AM collection or custom Tarot Decks.
Sistah Scifi
There are lots of Black authors out there, so it’s hard to list all the great books there are to buy. But a Black-owned book store with a specialized niche is a little easier to wrap our heads around. Like the name suggests, Sistah Scifi sells science fiction literature written by Black women. From Black mysticism to Afrofuturism, check out the 2023 Sistah Scifi Book Bundle for a bookish gift that keeps on giving.
Jewelry Gifts
D’s Delights
Handmade jewelry is a heartfelt way to show somebody love and appreciation. D’s Delights sells necklaces, earrings, and bracelets—for all genders—that those who love accessories and thoughtful gifts are sure to enjoy. Check out their Rooted or Saturate collections for inspiration.
Talley & Twine
If big and bold watches seem your loved one’s speed, then don’t miss out on the chance to get them a beautiful time piece. This company offers both 41mm and 46mm sized watch faces, which can be mixed and matched with canvas, leather, and metal watchbands. Iconic is an understatement.
Kids Gifts
Ade + Ayo
This company transforms the African aesthetic into practical and modern clothing for little ones and adults to enjoy. Matching pajamas are a big hit with couples and kids alike. From bibs to books, these thoughtful clothing and accessories make the perfect combo gift.
Brown Toy Box
The Brown Toy Box offers an overwhelming number of creative and didactic toy boxes for parents and educators to choose from. With a focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) toys with Black children represented in the imagery, these are perfect for kids of all backgrounds. Check out the STEAM Kits, books, and puzzles.
Cocoa Puzzles
Looking for a fun, interactive gift to give your kids, neighbors, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren? Cocoa Puzzles is a Black-owned shop promoting representation and positive affirmations. Gift the Collection bundle of four puzzles for lasting fun.
Fresh Dolls
Professor turned entrepreneur, Dr. Lisa, created a multicultural doll company meant to showcase diversity. Rather than going with big box brands known for unachievable shapes and shades, shop options of Black, multi-ethnic, and Latinx dolls meant to empower kids of all backgrounds to embrace their cultures and to love the skin they’re in.
Minibrook
Minibrook is a Black-owned apparel company selling responsibly crafted, comfortable clothing made with organic materials. While there are lots of choices for babies, toddlers, and young kids, check out the Best-Sellers list first.
Relationship Building Gifts
Poppy Seed Health
If a close family member or friend is struggling with pregnancy, conception, postpartum recovery, and loss, Poppy Seed Health can be a helpful mental health resource. No one should have to deal with these life events alone, but you might feel out of your depth about what to do or say to help. Gift a subscription to the app to provide your loved one with private, on-demand support from a doula, midwife, or nurse.
Rated (R)elationships
Want to spice things up with your partner? Need a gag gift for an upcoming wedding? Rated Relationships is a card game meant to help partners get…closer. There’s a game for every relationship: Gift the Dig Deep set for emotional connection and the Rated R! set for some risqué fun.
