There’s an old adage around gifts that states, "It’s the thought that counts,” and I’d argue it’s both true and false. This year’s holiday season and gifts will (and should) be different because anything we buy at this moment in time will directly affect the businesses we’re buying from. And it’s more important than ever to support Black-owned fashion brands and beauty brands.
Over the past few years, the world has continued to grapple with systemic racism and police brutality, and that awareness has extended into every facet of life. The New York Times reported that only 12% of Black business owners received funding to help their businesses through this time. This fact doesn’t even remotely speak to how Black creatives struggle to break into and stay in the fashion industry. As individuals, we may not be able to reform industries or business financing, but we can support the brands that align with our values and practice conscious consumption.
So ahead, you’ll find a few gift ideas that reinvigorate thoughtful gift gifting. If you are lucky enough to be able to give gifts to your loved ones this year, why not show some love to one of these 72 Black-owned fashion, beauty, and wellness brands?
Under $50
Whether they’re a wellness enthusiast or a latte lover, this trio from Golde will undoubtedly get used before 2024.
I can vouch that unwrapping anything from the Black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé is bound to land you on their nice list for life.
For the art lovers on your list, we recommend giving them the coffee table book Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure.
It doesn’t get better for the makeup lover on your holiday shopping list than gifting them with Pat McGrath.
Founded by the former stylist Neumi Anekhe, Oma the Label specializes in affordable yet quality jewelry that anyone on your list would be overjoyed to receive.
For fragrance lovers, you’ll want to scoop up a discovery scent set from the Black-owned brand Chris Collins.
You know that auntie who always has her nails done? Give her the gift of great at-home manicures with this nail lacquer from the Black-owned beauty brand Deborah Lippmann.
Do you know that person on your list who lives by their beauty routine? This lip mask set from KNC Beauty is the perfect stocking stuffer.
It doesn’t get better for art, fashion, and home décor lovers than coffee table books, which is why Nadine Ijewere’s newest photo collection ranks high on our list. Not only was she the first Black woman to shoot a cover for Vogue, but the London-born photographer showcases the beauty of the Black diaspora.
Everyone has that one friend obsessed with candles, so turn them on to this Black-owned brand.
Keep your favorite curly haired cutie’s coils and skin in check with this oil set from Bread Beauty Supply.
You can’t go wrong with thoughtful personalized jewelry, especially when it’s from the Black- and female-owned brand Ten Wilde.
They'll thank you later for this.
Not exactly sure what to get for the person who has everything? Try opting for the conversation-starting card games from the Black-owned brand Actually Curious. It’s a thought-provoking gift that can help spark some interesting dialogue.
Another simple but practical gift idea for anyone who keeps their edges and hair always on point is a gorgeous wrap from Black-owned brand The Wrap Life.
For the skincare lover in your life, gifting them with this brightening set from the Black-owned skincare line Eadem is a must.
Under $150
Remember when Michelle Obama stunned the world with her Vote Necklace? It was from Bychari. And it happens that you can give your loved one a pair of initial studs.
Renowned for its brightly hued pieces, BruceGlen is the perfect gift for those in need of a dose of color.
For the niece or friend who follows politics and fashion, the best gift ideas touch both of their interests. This bag from the Black-owned, Los Angeles–based clothing line Cise is the perfect gift as the brand continues to donate to HBCU C.A.R.E.S. and the Anti Racism Fund.
Shopping for someone with sensitive skin? Opting for Topicals' signature product duo is never a bad move.
For the jewelry collector on your list, another small, New York–based jewelry brand to have on your radar is Yam NYC, which specializes in upcycled, stylish pieces. Gifting anything from this Black-owned brand is a surefire way to impress.
So you’ve made it this far, and you might still be wondering, "What should I get my best friend?” For your most stylish pal, we recommend a piece from rising unisex brand K.ngsley. We promise it won’t disappoint.
Who What Wear editors live for rising brands, and Sammy B is at the top of our holiday wish lists.
The person on your list who has curly hair? Give them some new specially formulated products to try. I can personally attest to how much they’ll love it.
Looking for a gift for the more sustainable and ethically minded shopper on your list? Soko jewelry is a must, as the brand works with Kenyan artisans to produce each piece and source metals locally and ethically.
Anyone who lives for their skincare routine will love receiving this set from the Black-owned brand Hanahana Beauty.
For the wine lover on your list, a stunning set of luxury, hand-blown, colored glassware from the Black-owned brand Estelle is the perfect gift.
Oh, you thought this was a gift guide just for adults? I'm telling you your favorite niece will love this cardigan from the Black-owned fashion brand Hanifa.
Are you searching for an impactful gift idea? Look no further than a CBD bath soak set from Complete Rx. They’re great for anyone who's dealing with stress or anxiety. (Hey, who isn’t these days?)
Your loved ones who frequent the barbershop will appreciate this shaving set from Black-owned grooming company Bevel. It's basically a barbershop in a kit.
For those who are music and jewelry fanatics, there's no better gift idea than this book archiving the intersection of the hip-hop and fine-jewelry industries.
A Black-owned eyewear brand you should have on your radar? Bôhten. The Ghana-based brand specializes in sustainably made, genderless shades, making them the ideal gift idea for anyone.
You already know that your cool cousin will be about this T-shirt.
Under $350
The homebody on your list will love anything from the Black-owned décor brand Jungalow.
Breaking into the fashion industry is no easy feat, which is why it’s crucial to support up-and-coming designers. One brand to keep an eye on is Kimeze. Founded by two British Ugandan sisters, the brand specializes in eyewear that any style-savvy person will appreciate.
This bag is perfect for the most trend-obsessed person on your gift list.
Got a well-traveled person on your list? Gift them with a piece from the resortwear label Andrea Iyamah. They'll wear this every time they travel and think of you.
You’d never guess that a political science major would be behind one of the most budding demi-fine and fine-jewelry brands of the moment, but that’s Jameel Mohammed’s story. Founded in 2016, Khiry creates the perfect jewelry for any occasion, including the holiday season.
For the minimalist in your life who loves a basic wardrobe piece, this turtleneck is the perfect gift idea. But what makes this piece even more remarkable is that it’s from a Toronto-based Black-owned brand, so you can feel good gifting it.
For the most eclectic person on your list, the best place to shop is the made-to-order brand Edas. Specializing in unique accessories and home goods, you can find a piece they’re bound to love.
Whether you know they need a good pair of jeans or you need a new pair, Good American is a great place to start for all your denim gifting needs.
For the person on your list who’s always wearing bold accessories, you’ll want to give them something from the sustainable, made-to-order brand Autumn Adeigbo.
For the fashion person on your list, opting for a rising brand like Kai Collective is a surefire way to get their attention.
What happens when a former stylist starts her own brand? You get Petit Kouraj. Creating hand-knitted handbags that rival art, this Black-owned brand has become beloved by fashion girls and is a great gift idea for anyone who loves unique pieces.
Demi-fine and fine jewelry are not typically spaces you’d expect to see Black founders, but the New York–based couple and co-designers Kristin and Kofi Essel are changing that with their brand named Third Crown. Designing both men’s and women’s jewelry, they’ve been spotted on shows like Insecure and will be appreciated by jewelry lovers in your life.
If you’re trying to nail down the cool auntie label, then gifting from the Amsterdam-based Daily Paper is necessary. The Black-owned and -designed brand specializes in contemporary pieces that range from classic to trendy, making it the prime place to find a present.
The flyest person on your gift list who always comes serving a look? Gift them with an Homage Year bag. I can guarantee you’ll be their favorite relative.
Searching for a sustainable gift idea? Look no further than the Black-owned sneaker brand Løci.
Searching for the perfect gift for the person in your life who could easily give Rihanna a run for her money? Opt for a bedazzled, one-of-a-kind do-rag from Los Angeles–based designer CheyenneKimora.
If you’re looking for a fashionable yet practical gift idea, look no further than this turtleneck from Wales Bonner.
If you’re looking for a simple gift for the man in your life, don’t fret. Turning to the Black-founded brand Off-White is a no-fail resource for everything from cardholders to cool kicks.
Do you know the person who's the embodiment of Cali-cool vibes? Give them something from the brand Honor the Gift and watch them lose their cool.
If you’re trying to attain those auntie vibes, then giving or gifting anything from Telfar is a surefire way to win big. I promise you this is a gift that the most fashionable person on your list will love (if you can get your hands on it).
Splurge
Yes, that family member definitely has good genes, but they also probably have an incredible skincare regimen. If you know they appreciate great products but aren’t sure where to start, then we highly recommend this set from Shani Darden.
Looking for a gift that will leave their jaw on the floor? Look no further than Brandon Blackwood's sought-after accessories.
Shopping for someone who loves vintage? You'll want to gift them with a piece from House of Aama, which draws inspiration from the past to honor the full diaspora of the Black experience.
Let’s be real—diamonds are a dream gift. And why not make their dreams come true while also supporting the Black-owned fine-jewelry brand Harwell Godfrey?
The best gifts often are handmade, like this bag from Anima Iris. The rising luxury Black-owned handbag brand not only is sustainable and operates off a zero-waste model, but also each classic piece is handcrafted by professionals in Senegal, resulting in a thoughtful bag from its conception to when you gift someone with it.
Who wouldn't want to unwrap a Christopher John Rogers piece?
Give them a pair of shoes they'll wear for years to come.
Luxury lovers everywhere would be hard-pressed to pretend like they didn’t write a letter to Santa asking for a Balmain piece designed by the house's Black creative director.
Based out of Los Angeles, fine-jewelry brand White/Space is one to watch. Not only is it Black-owned, but also it sources ethically made materials and leans on an array of artisans based in the United States.
Editors, fashion girls, and posh women around the world love Tove studio. If you’re looking for a gift they'll wear for years to come, then this wool-blend coat is perfect.
They'll use this bag every day, trust us.
You know the woman on your list who always looks like she could have starred in an episode of Girlfriends or Sex and the City? Well, gifting her with something from Black-owned luxury accessory brand Kendall Miles is bound to get you an invite to the next brunch date.
There's no better gift you can give yourself than investing in pieces you can wear for a lifetime—e.g., this stunning holiday-ready dress from Harbison.
At the helm leading change in the fashion industry, Brother Vellies designer Aurora James is someone you’ll want to watch (and support). She not only founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which is calling for more Black-owned brands to be supported across the fashion industry, but each piece created by her label is also handmade by African artisans.
The best art comes from the most unexpected places, and that is very much true of the Jamaican-born founder and designer Matthew Harris of Mateo. Specializing in fine jewelry using diamonds and precious stones for men and women, this brand gives meaning to the phrase wearable art.
Fe Noel has long been a fan favorite among fashion girls, and this chic robe makes for the perfect piece to gift yourself before a tropical vacation.
Trust me when I say the next It bag is coming from Black-owned handbag brand Ree Projects. Made in Italy, the luxury brand's pieces have become beloved for their unique shapes.
Hailing from Johannesburg, Thebe Magugu is arguably one of the most exciting rising Black-owned ready-to-wear labels right now.
Give yourself the gift of looking good at every single holiday party by investing in one of LaQuan Smith's sultry pieces.
Leave it to the Black-owned luxury footwear brand Nalebe to make the perfect party shoes.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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