Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik
The holidays are a time to be merry, generous, and giving. As we continue to deck the halls with great exuberance and exchange gifts, why not bring a little extra cheer by supporting Black-owned businesses this Christmas? A great way of investing in communities, encouraging diversity, and giving something unique to your loved ones, it has everything on the list from the fashion-forward gift to a home décor that speaks the story. Here are seven incredible Black-owned businesses you should have on your radar this holiday season.
Someone on your list who needs something to get started on their fitness journey? Fitness Snob: Black and women-owned crew socks to keep your workout game strong, no matter your fitness level. The plain crew socks that fit perfectly to pair with sneakers and sporty sandals to gripped socks ideal for Pilates and barre are something for everyone from this brand. This would make an awesome stocking stuffer for the fitness enthusiast in your life, keeping them comfortable while they work out and in style tackling those 2025 fitness goals.
Pro tip: Pack a set of Fitness Snob socks along with a yoga mat or fitness tracker and wrap it as a thoughtful, goal-focused gift.
Instagram | Fitness Snob Society
For people who love fashion statements with meaning and purpose, Renowned is not just an attire company. Rather, it’s a movement launched by John Wesley Dean III in Los Angeles, illustrating and emphasizing the continued battle for equality using silhouettes, patterns, and motifs that exemplify the American Dream. Perfect for the style-conscious gift-giver on your list, who is unafraid to let their values shine on their sleeve, literally. Renowned as a huge reminder that fashion can be self-expression and that every purchase would support a much bigger cause.
Gift Idea: Surprise someone with a signature hoodie or jacket from Renowned, pairing fashion with purpose.
For the fashionistas in your novel, you might have heard of the Holy Grail which is the Telfar Shopping Bag. They have dubbed it the “Bushwick Birkin” informally, this stormy weather of the creative artistic type of Brooklyn has been brewing. Founded by Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens, the luxury brand brings accessibility and fashion together so that even high fashion is available to everyone. The more celebrities such as Oprah and Beyoncé are pictured carrying handbags from the Telfar collection, the more in demand they become.
In Hot Tip: do not miss Telfar’s drop; in case you miss buying Shopping Bag, gifting one of these chic alternatives is a possibility, such as the Jelly Shopper or the Puff Shopper
For all the coffee snobs on your list, consider gifting Matriarch Coffee beans, which are directly sourced from Rwanda – where their beans get farmed. What’s better about this gift? Matriarch Coffee channels 10% of its profits toward women-focused programs in the coffee-farming communities where its beans are sourced. Recently, they’ve even given out livestock and health insurance to farmers in Rwanda, so every purchase is a contribution to meaningful change.
Gift Pairing: Gifting them a pack of Matriarch Coffee beans paired with a stylish coffee grinder or a lovely French press can be the best means of helping them brew the perfect cup.
The McBride Sisters Wine Company:
To love, family, and good grapes. Cheers to that from the McBride Sisters Wine Company largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. Founded by sisters Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John, this sister duo has come to dominate: Among their most celebrated lines is the Black Girl Magic Wines-toasting women of color with bold flavors that are just plain delicious. Whether it’s their bubbly wines or a classic rosé, it’s one gift that will impress even the pickiest of wine aficionados.
Perfect Pairing: Make it a gift basket! Add in some gourmet chocolates, a wine opener, and chic wine glasses to create the ultimate wine lover’s gift set.
Instagram | Black Girl Magic Wines
Jungalow was started by Justina Blakeney, and it’s perfect for the one who is in love with making their home a vibrant, cozy sanctuary. A place where personality and life are inside its products, from bold patterns to earthy colors, like totally offered at Jungalow. They have art prints, wallpaper, rugs, lighting, and so much more. To top it all off, they plant two trees with each purchase through the nonprofit Trees for the Future, and they’re an eco-friendly choice for conscious shoppers.
Gift Idea: Be it a stunningly hand-woven Jungalow rug or a colorful set of cushions. You’re not only gifting a fashionable item but also contributing to reforestation efforts.
Shop for beautifully crafted home decor and eco-friendly products with Mo’s Crib, founded by South African sisters Mo and Michelle Mokone. From intricately worked-out baskets to neatly stitched plant holders, each one of them is a result of artisans who churn out beautiful pieces from within their communities. This sustainable brand doesn’t only give you colorful pieces but also strengthens its soul by providing healthcare, homes, and education to the artisans working with this brand. So, if you are looking for something meaningful to give your loved ones, look no further than Mo’s Crib, which truly has heart.
Thoughtful gift idea: One of Mo’s Crib handwoven baskets paired up with a lush houseplant makes for a stylish, earthy gift.
Why Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Matters This Christmas
Buying from a Black-owned business does more than give a family a product to enjoy during the holidays. It is investing in a community’s growth; it’s also an investment into the movement toward bridging those racial wealth gaps, offering economic opportunity to the rich tapestry of people of color. This Christmas, let’s gift more than we take by buying into innovative entrepreneurs or in line with businesses that are giving back to the communities.
Give your presents meaning this Christmas by choosing something with a purpose. Your friends and family will surely appreciate this uniqueness and thoughtfulness, and in return, you will be spreading holiday cheer in more ways than one. Merry Christmas with love, joy, and meaningful presents!
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.