2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Written by Beatrice Walker / November 21, 2022
This gift guide was specially and thoughtfully curated to highlight small / women / BIPOC / and AAPI businesses. From the best loose leaf teas you’ll ever taste, to the most glow worthy serums, hand crafted jewelry, ceramics, and much more! I guarantee there’s something for everyone on your list, and the best part is that everything is under $200! Happy shopping!
*By sharing this blog post you are also helping to support and promote a small / black / woman owned and operated business, so please forward this link to anyone you think you might benefit from or appreciate it.
Peace & Love
For the Wellness Guru
Golde Superwhisk Sampler Kit - $40
Black / AAPI / Woman owned*
I fell in love with Golde latte blends a few years ago when I was introduced to the founder, Trinity Mouzen on a wellness retreat, and instantly fell in love with her and her products! If you haven’t tried their amazing latte blends, you need to ASAP! Not only are the products absolutely delicious, this brand happens to be small / black / woman and AAPI owned, all the more reasons to support them over the holiday season. Right now all of their kits are on sale which are perfect for gifting. They each include a superfood latte blend pack + a superwhisk. I recommend the sampler kit so you can try a few different blends, but honestly all of Golde’s products are fantastic!
2. Bearaby Knit Weighted Blanket - $199
Woman owned*
Weighted blankets became a thing when it was discovered that they can help facilitate better sleep and reduce anxiety. Some people say it feels like a gentle hug which helps them feel more relaxed. Bearaby blankets are knitted weighted blankets designed specifically with this in mind. They are sustainably made with organic cotton, and are available in a variety of colors in their signature chunky knit. This is a thoughtful gift for anyone you know who might have sleeping issues , or is dealing with stress/anxiety.
3. NYA Loose Leaf Tea - $18
Black Owned*
I discovered NYA tea at a local farmers market here in L.A. when I first moved here, and I am not kidding when I say that this is some of the best loose leaf tea I’ve ever had. They carefully and thoughtfully create each blend highlighting unique flavor profiles. If you can’t make it to the farmers market, or don’t live in L.A., no worries because they’re also available to purchase online. I recommend the smooth operator blend, it’s my favorite, and has a beautiful earthy, spicy flavor similar to chai.
4. The Anti - Anxiety Notebook - $38
BIPOC owned*
The stigma around mental health has been decreasing because of the recent uptick in advocacy surrounding mental health issues, wellness, and the importance of self care. Journaling is healthy vessel for self care and healing so if you have a friend or family member you know who happens to be on their wellness journal or is dealing with anxiety/stress, this could be the perfect gift for them! The anti-anxiety notebook was created by a team of therapists and includes journaling prompts and activities for tracking emotions, managing stress, and reducing anxiety.
5. The Qi Blooming Rose Flower Beauty Tea - $28
AAPI / Woman owned*
For many cultures, drinking tea is an essential almost scared experience, and Lisa Li founder of The Qi makes it even more special with her beautiful flowering teas. These blooming flower teas are hand picked and sourced directly from small owned family farms in Asia, and a large portion of their profits are donated to AAPI local non-profit organizations here in the U.S. Any one of these gift sets would make for a truly unique and beautiful gift for the tea lover in your life.
For Your Foodie Friend
The Pantry Refresh Spice Set from Diaspora Co. - $65
AAPI /Woman owned*
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the chef or foodie in your life, a box of single origin, ethically sourced spices might be the thing! Diaspora Co sources their spices directly from India, and sells directly from farm to consumer. The brand overall is pretty badass starting with its founder, Mumbai native, and food activist/philanthropist, Sana Javeri Kadri. They have a variety of amazing gift sets available now for the holiday season so hurry and up and grab them before their limited stock sells out!
2. Brightland Awake and Alive Artisan Olive Oil Duo - $74
AAPI /Woman owned*
Good quality olive oil should be a staple ingredient in every cook’s kitchen, but not many people go out of their way to actually spend the money on an artisanal bottle, which is why Brightland Olive Oil would make a wonderful gift for anyone you know that loves to cook. This olive oil is on the pricier side, but for good reason. It’s locally sourced from a family owned farm in California, and isn’t made with any additives or fillers. Apart from the quality, the beautiful bottle itself is giftworthy alone, and elevates the aesthetic of any kitchen counter.
3. Cocoa Asante Ghanaian Truffles - $18
Black / Woman owned*
What’s more gift-worthy during the holidays than chocolate? But this time ditch the Lindt and Russel Stover, and opt for some small batch, ethically sourced, Ghanian chocolates. Cocoa Assante truffles are made from chocolate sourced from Ghana. They have a variety of mouthwatering flavors such as bourbon pecan and apple spice. If you’re considering gifting a box of these chocolate treasures I would hurry up and do it now because the last day to pre-order for guaranteed shipping before Christmas is Dec 8th!
4. Pineapple Collaborative Holiday Set - $70
Woman owned*
Again most people don’t go out of their way to spend money on quality ingredients which is why Pineapple Collaborative’s holiday set makes for a great gift! It includes a bottle of high quality apple cider vinegar, California olive oil, and a bag of Peruvian blush salt.This community focused, woman owned and operated company, sustainably and locally sources their pantry staple ingredients mostly from California. By making them in small batches and harvesting during peak season, they guarantee a high quality product.
5. Life is What You Bake it Cookbook by Vallery Lomas - $22
Have someone on your list that loves to bake? Vallery Lomas aka @FoodinNewYork recently published her first cookbook Life is What You Bake it. In this cook book Vallery shares 100 recipes from her native Louisiana including family heirloom recipes such as her grandma’s million dollar cake, to crawfish hand pies, and apple cider fritters (yum!).
For the Fashionista
Filosophy Jewelry
Black / AAPI / Woman owned*
Jewelry is always a no brainer for gifting. Have someone on your list that loves layering chains or stacking rings? Filosophy jewelry is a Brooklyn based company owned and operated by Ofelia Yvonne. She has a wide variety of beautifully curated pieces from dainty chains to more unique pieces like the mini fork and spoon earrings (so cute)!
2. Dual Citizen Pause Crewneck - $140
BIPOC / Woman owned*
This brand founded by model and mental health advocate Ally Courtnall made a splash on the wellness and fashion scene by uniting the two worlds together through her vision, Dual Citizen. The pieces are specifically made to look oversized, and are locally made in California from 100% cotton. Not only do they look cool, they were also designed to display powerful messages advocating for mental health, and a portion of the profits are being donated to children’s organizations in Minnesota. These sets are perfect for gifting, but they have limited stock left from the first launch, and there might not be another drop before the holiday season so get them while you can!
3. Chill Tips Press On Nails - $16
BIPOC / Woman owned*
So press on nails are definitely a thing again, and if you’re going to do them, then you should do them right and get these stylish “chill tips” from Chillhouse founded by Cyndi Ramirez. Not only are these press on nails super cute, they’re also non-toxic and reusable! Right now they’re offering bundle packs where you can get 3 packs for $45! These would totally make the perfect stocking stuffer, am I right?!
For the Beauty Maven
Astrologiens Leo Oil - $46
BIPOC / Women owned
If you’re looking for a new facial oil to include in your skin routine, look no further! The Leo oil from Astrologiens is hand made in small batches by woman owned and operated duo Dena Smith and Kim Johansson. Some of the star ingredients in this dreamy oil that makes it so special are meadow foam, rose hip seed oil, and blue tansy. Another reason this brand is so special is because of founder Dena Smith’s inspirational story as a Cancer survivor, warrior, and disability advocate. Mermaids unite!
2. Mount Lai Jade Tension Melting Massager - $72
AAPI / Woman owned*
I know what you’re thinking, do you really need to buy another facial tool? And the answer is yes! The jade tension melting massager from Mount Lai is the perfect gift for anyone you know who is obsessed with skincare. This brand is authentic and Asian owned so if you’re looking to buy any kind of traditional Chinese beauty tools such as jade rollers or gua sha’s please buy them from Mount Lai, and support brands that have real ancestral connections to the products they sell.
3. Be Self Made Comfort Serum - $36
AAPI / Woman owned*
Who doesn’t love a good serum? I do, especially ones that are vegan, cruelty free, sustainably sourced and packaged, and come with a positive message. Enters the Self Made Secure Attachment Comfort Serum. This silky smooth serum is made with hyaluronic acid and plant squalane to help protect and nourish your skin. Another reason to support this amazing woman owned brand is because of its many initiatives surrounding inclusivity and mental health. We love a conscious brand hunni!
4. Salome Shea Whipped Shea Butter in Gentle Vanilla $25.25
Black / Woman owned*
Make sure your friends and family are thoroughly moisturized this holiday season by blessing them with some Ghanaian whipped shea butter from Salome Shea. This brand happens to be owned and operated by one of my long time friends Abena Ansah. There are many reasons you should buy this shea butter, the first simply being it literally feels like whipped creamy butter, the second the fact that it’s hand made, and third being that Abena travels to Ghana herself and specifically buys from women owned facilities there. Mic drop.
5. Conscious Coconut Travel Ready Organic Coconut Oil - $18
Woman owned*
This coconut oil is not only some of the best coconut oil I have ever used, this brand also happens to be on a mission to help change the world. It’s virgin, certified organic, certified fair trade, and sustainably packaged. They’ve also partnered with several different initiatives such as fighting childhood hunger with Feeding America, and empowering people with disabilities through ethical and fair hiring practices to ensure a diverse workforce. WOW. Also, the bottle size is TSA approved so it’s literally perfect for traveling.
Artsy and Home
Cut Out & Co Create Your Own Art Mini Kit - $35
AAPI / Woman owned*
If you have someone who loves arts and crafts on your list, the create your own mini art kit from Cut Out & Co might be the perfect gift for them! They’ll be able to create their own mini work of art by following the art kit templates created by founder Marina Ilum. Marina started designing these kits to make art accessible and fun, with an element of wellness since painting and creating can be a form of stress management.
2. MFC Ceramic OG Lady Incense Holder - $45
Woman owned*
These stunningly beautiful ceramic little lady incense holders are hand made by Maya Champion. Maya began making these unique pieces in the wake of the pandemic, and once she started selling them on IG they went viral almost immediately (which is how I discovered her). These little ladies are sure to add an element of beauty and feminine grace to any space.
3. Ivey + Allen Be Well Candle - $30
Black owned*
When you really just aren’t sure of what to buy that one difficult person on your list, candles will always be a solid option. Ivey + Allen is a black owned company based in Dallas where they are hand pouring each of their high quality luxe candles. They have a few different collections available to choose from, I happen to love the aesthetic of one of their newest drops called the Be Well set.