It’s the first day of December which most likely means I’m already behind on holiday gift shopping. And if, like me, you haven’t quite gotten around to finding that perfect holiday gift for your friends, family, and loved ones, then I hope you’ll find this Gift Guide helpful!

I’m excited to share one of the two Gift Guides I’m putting together this year. But this Gift Guide is especially significant to me because all the gifts on this list are created by or support BIPOC! Even better, most of the shops included are considered small shops. So not only are you supporting BIPOC, but you’re most likely supporting a business that truly values your business.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Marte Egele: Toy Ese Top Handle bag, $120-$150
I learned about this brand through Melissa Soldera who showed off the Ese Top Handle bag. I immediately fell in love with the unique shape, but once Melissa raved about the quality, I was sold. Made in limited runs, Marte Egele bags are designed by Nigerian native Uche Egelecarefully and handcrafted by local artisans. So it’s perfect for the fashion lover!

Urban Native Era: Apparel, Hats, & Accessories, $14.95-$64.55
Urban Native Era is a brand that specializes in clothing design that that increase the visibility of indigenous peoples. The clean designs also make the apparel, hats, and accessories super versatile and wearable. Or pick up a stickers, patches, or pins for less than $13!

Sunflowers & Honeycombs: Sunflower Earrings, $8-$15
*cue Post Malone’s “Sunflower”* You can’t help but smile when wearing these bright sunflower earrings! What I love most about these earrings is that they’re the perfect size to standout and make a statement, but not so big to be distracting. Bree crafts flower earrings and hairpins, but you can also find colorful sugar scrubs, necklaces, and sage sticks.

Warren Steven Scott: Earrings, $45-$70
If sunflowers are too floral, try Warren Steven Scott’s geometric shapes instead. As a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Scott’s designs with a modern image of fashion through an Indigenous lens. Go for a more classic looking metallic mirrored pair of earrings or choose something mismatched and colorful!

Second Wind: Face Masks & Chains, $38-65
Masks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. So why not invest in a timeless mask handmade by master tailors? Everything about Karen Perez’s masks feel super luxe, from the sleek cut to the chic chains. And I love that all the colors are neutrals so they literally go with everything!

iluvit: Face Masks & Chains, $25-$50
Time for the shameless plug! My mom and I also started our own little shop to sell handmade masks. Like I mentioned, masks aren’t going anywhere. And I love having a matching chain so I can easily take my mask off the second I get back into my car and not have to worry about where to hang it. With most of our masks and chain sets under $30, it’s an easy and stylish holiday gift! Did I also mention most are adjustable and reversible?

FOR THE BEAUTY GURU

The Lip Bar: Liquid Matte Lipsticks, $13
For only $13, Lip Bar’s vegan & cruelty free liquid matte lipsticks are perfect beauty stocking stuffers. They work really well for the price point and one person even did a mask wear test and there was barely any smudging! My favorites are the darker and punchier colors, but honestly we need all of the colors.

Cheekbone Beauty: Liquid Lipsticks, $23
Another BIWOC beauty brand that has also gotten stellar reviews for their liquid lipsticks is Cheekbone Beauty. I haven’t tried any of them yet, but I can’t wait to get my hands on some of their high quality and cruelty free products.

Rare Beauty: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush & Eyeshadow Palettes, $20-$25
Probably one of the hottest beauty launches this year was Selena Gomez’s Rare. After trying out a few different things from the collection, I think my favorite products are the soft pinch liquid blush and the holiday eyeshadow palettes. And If you need some inspo, I’ve been obsessed with Rare’s Global Stylist, Cynthia Di Meo.

KNC Beauty: Lip and Star Eye Masks, $25-40
Self-care night never looked so cute! The all natural and retinol-infused star eye masks are so fun to wear and really depuff and hydrate my eyes. The collagen-infused lip masks are equally fun to wear and my lips feel so silky afterwards. The packs come in adorable matching pouches making these sets another great beauty stocking stuffer!

Scrubtious Inc: Dry Face Masks, $17-22
If masks are more your speed, try one of Scrubtious Inc’s dry face masks. Vegan and made of natural ingredients, the shop offers a variety of mixes that address different skincare needs. And as a first-time dry mask user, I thoroughly enjoy pretending I’m making a witchy concoction and manifesting brighter and softer skin.

FOR THE BOOK LOVER

Nevertheless, She Wore It by Ann Shen, $22.50
As a fashion and art lover, I’m so excited for Ann Shen’s newest book. Her books are such an easy way to learn about incredible women, who are very often barely recognized. Speaking of, other great gift options are her previous books, Legendary Ladies and Bad Girls Throughout History!

The Boba Book by Andrew Chau & Bin Chen, $22
Everyone might argue over who makes the best boba, but no one can deny that boba has become more mainstream, especially thanks to The Boba Guys. And this year, Boba Guys Andrew Chau & Bin Chen finally published a cookbook sharing step-by-step guides and recipes on how to make your favorite boba drinks at home. This book is a feast for the eyes and our bellies.

This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell & Illustrated by Aurelia Durand, $14.99
Because of the importance of the BLM movement, this book is a great way to unlearn harmful habits and learn proactive ones. Packed with history and research in a digestible format, even the most unwilling will be able to learn something. Pair that with activities that challenge readers to reflect on themselves and how they fit into the world, it’s a great gift for everyone. Yes, if you’re daring enough, even for that stubborn family member that never seems to understand why this matters.

Gmorning, Gnight by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Illustrated by Jonny Sun, $22
I’ve added this book to my wishlist because who couldn’t use a little extra encouragement and love. Originally writing uplifting tweets before his name was widely known, Lin-Manuel Miranda has finally gathered his best words of encouragement into one precious little book. Plus, I love how cheeky the illustrations look!

FOR THE MODERN WITCH

Black Mage by Daniel Barnes & Illustrated by D.J. Kirkland, $19.99
Since she who shall not be named revealed how problematic she is, find that same sense of witchcraft and wizardry with a racial twist with “Black Mage.” With the main character named Tom Token who is accepted to an academy through the “Magical Minority Initiative,” it’s obvious how cheeky the references are. And while it’s meant for kids, the nerdy adults in your life will also appreciate this fun story.

Heritage Apothecary: Smudge Sticks & Stone Candle Holders, $5-$105
Find an array of home & energy balancing products at Heritage Apothecary. I picked up the obsidian candle holder earlier this year and I love it. It’s beautiful and striking as a home decor piece and I gladly welcome the extra protection that obsidian is said to provide. Find a variety of affordable smudge sticks, cleansing kits, shells, crystals, and stones, which are the perfect gift for the modern witch.

Teas with Meaning: Tea Blends, $22-25
Created in the heart of Oakland, Teas with Meaning is committed to providing organic loose leaf tea blends with a dash of magic. Kamilah Mitchell is a brain tumor survivor and began learning more about herbs after she was first diagnosed in 2017. She now uses her knowledge of herbs to make magnificently balanced tea blends. Plus, each season she offers seasonal blends!

I hope this Gift Guide encourages you to find presents that support BIPOC brands, shops, and creators this year! After what’s been a ridiculous year, I’m excited to support shops and brands that will actually value my business this season. What other BIPOC brands and shops do you love? I’m always open to finding a few extra gifts for myself!
ABW