Sunday Edit Gift Guide: Black-Owned Brands

Eye-catching but neutral enough for any space, these gorgeous velvet pillow covers pop. Designed by Atlanta-based artist, Rachelle Porter, in partnership with West Elm, these pillowcases are inspired by West African weaving patterns, and they’re designed and made in women-owned factories in Atlanta. 

For the friend who loves minimalistic and elegant gold jewelry, look no further than this snake chain necklace from Stella & Haas. The brand launched in October 2019 with the intention to bring cool accessories to everyone at an affordable price point. This necklace stands on its own, but it also looks chic stacked with other chains.

Wellness-lovers will flip for Golde’s Turmeric Tonic Blend which pairs turmeric with coconut for a yummy mix you can add to hot or cold drinks. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, keto-friendly with no added sugars or sweeteners and it helps support a healthy gut and glowy skin from the inside out.

This reed diffuser fills a room with the luxe scent of cardamom, grapefruit, ginger, amber, cedar and more. It’s super easy to use (plus no one needs to remember to blow a candle out at the end of the night) and the white glass bottle with black reeds looks striking in any bathroom.

These beautiful cloth bags will hold anything from makeup to a few credit cards, to loose change or pencils and pens. Kuba cloth is an intricate weaving, embroidery and applique technique done primarily by people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and this set of two little bags is handmade in Zambia (though it ships from the US in 10-12 days). Each bag is a little different making this a one-of-a-kind gift no one will already have.

Elevate your cocktail with healthier mixers from Avec. This sampler pack includes three of each flavor: jalapeno & blood orange, ginger, hibiscus & pomegranate, grapefruit & pomelo, and yuzu & lime. Low in calories and sugar and made from real juices and natural botanicals, these bubbly drinks are full of flavor and can be paired with whatever spirit the giftee loves (and bonus points if you include a bottle of that, too). 

You can always have another eyeshadow palette, especially when it comes from makeup mastermind, Pat McGrath. This includes 10 richly-pigmented shades in earthy reds and rich metallics, and the mix of mattes and subtle shimmers means whoever receives this (no judgment if you gift it to yourself) will be serving up endless takes on the smoky eye (which will definitely be visible over Zoom).

A face mask chain is a very on-trend gift for 2020, especially for the friend that can’t stop losing their mask. Made in the USA and dipped in 14K gold, the chain has a lobster clasp on each end that clips easily onto any mask and prevents it from dropping. You could pair this with a face mask from a Black-owned brand, like this pretty geometric one from Saint Ola.

An outfit that will make anyone want to workout, the set is made from a blend of nylon and spandex for a comfy, compressed fit that’s squat-proof (aka not see-through, ever). This royal blue pops, but it also comes in tons of other great colors including green, black, pink, and orangey-red.

Habit nail polish is non-toxic and vegan, and the Santa Sangre is a beautiful burgundy fit for the holiday season. If red’s not their thing, there are tons (seriously, so many) colors from saturated brights to muted neutrals or shiny metallics. Good luck choosing just one shade to gift.

Made of upcycled materials in Queens, New York, Yam offers a lovely mix of understated pieces (like this twist on classic studs) or more over-the-top pieces like these exquisite pearl and brass dangles. And if you’re still not sold, Lizzo wore earrings from Yam in her “Good As Hell” music video.

A twist (literally) on a classic terracotta pot that plant-lovers will love. These are handpainted in the USA and finished with a clear glaze. They’re designed for indoor use (and you could pair this with a succulent or their favorite plant); it will add some brightness and color to any kitchen or at-home office. 

This loc band is a piece of unique and luxe jewelry, but for hair. These come in different sizes and both open and closed styles, and they’re designed to be worn over dreadlocks.  The bands are made of brass, and you get to choose from a large selection of finishes including silver, white gold or rose gold. Just make sure whoever gets this knows that the bands should be worn in dry hair and taken off for washes.