Monday, November 23, 2020

Have you received any holiday gifts yet? I got some from a friend in Germany who’s leaving nothing to chance with potential postal delays, and it was a subtle reminder that it’s nearly gift-giving season. Given that so many Black-owned businesses were forced to close due to the pandemic — a whopping 41 percent of these companies were shut from February to April — I plan to start shopping early and use my holiday purchasing power to help Black small-business owners while sharing some wonderful surprises with family and friends.

OZY and Facebook are encouraging everyone to #BuyBlack this holiday season. Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or Christmas, you can spread the much-needed gift-giving joy to businesses and communities throughout America. To inspire your holiday shopping list, Facebook created a #BuyBlack Friday Gift Guide. We highlight some of the goodies below.

Tracy Moran, Deputy Editor

fashionable finds

1. Woolly and Wonderful

Nothing says cozy like the natural warmth of wool, and the Boho will certainly win you points with that stylish woman on your list. Don’t worry about it messing up anyone’s hair: The silk linings in all Layd hats help ensure that having a good hair and hat day go hand in hand.

2. Jump Into Comfort

Nothing says 2020 like the need for stylish comfort. Cue this bold turmeric-colored jumpsuit by Gracemade. It will take you from a casual Zoom call to a socially distanced dinner party in style.

3. Suits Him Well

Get the special men in your life a bespoke bit of style in the form of gift certificates to the luxury brand Bespokuture. Whether it’s a handcrafted suit with fancy jacket linings or custom-made shoes set to put one’s feet on a fashion parade, these gift cards will light up their faces this holiday. Best of all? They never expire.

foodies unite

1. All a’ Buzz

Got a honey lover on your list? Surprise them with this wildflower honey from Mother’s Finest, available in 6- and 12-ounce jars. And if this sticks (sorry, couldn’t resist) with you, click here to learn about farm mother Samantha Foxx.

2. Caramel Confection

You had us at caramel. Throw in chocolate and a pretzel, and the combo will get you invited to everyone’s 2022 holiday party, when we’re finally able to congregate safely again. Brighten up more than a few stockings next month with this find from Zac’s Sweet Shop.

3. Treat Them Like Royalty

We could all use a bit of pampering these days, and what better way than to fancify the tea-drinking experience with a touch of glam and calm. Maybe even treat yourself to this Queen/Self-Love Ritual Box, complete with a soothing blend of herbal tea, a golden scoop, candle and incense holder.

beauty picks

1. Healthy Head of Hair

Help the naturalists in your life keep their hair hydrated with Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer by Tgin. It includes shea butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E oil to keep hair looking its best.

2. All Ears

Finish off any outfit with this bold pair of nude earrings by Choked. For both pierced and non-pierced ears (they sell clip-ons), these elegant earrings come in 12 warm colors.

3. Bath Time!

Isn’t it nice to be loved? That’s the question posed by BeLoved Box’s Limited Edition BeInspired Mini Box, which promises to make bathing a treat. It includes body butter, a sugar scrub and facial mask, as well as bath tea and a sample of their triple butter and silk soap.

best of the rest

Lifting Black Businesses and Voices

Be sure to check out Facebook’s #BuyBlack Friday Gift Guide for other great gift-giving ideas and to learn about the Black entrepreneurs behind these ventures. And for a bit of ear candy (no, not earrings), be sure to check out the #BuyBlack Friday Show, Lift Black Voices, here. You can meet the business owners who are working to lift Black communities nationwide.