“Gift Black This Holiday,” urges the The Fifteen Percent Pledge, which has changed the way major retailers respond to Black-owned businesses by compelling them to allocate at least 15 percent of their product offerings to Black-owned brands and vendors, to reflect our demographics in the United States. Created by Brother Vellies founder Aurora James, the initiative has had tremendous success, garnering commitments from Sephora, Gap and a growing list of other household names.
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This season, the Pledge asks that we follow suit, launching a Black-owned holiday gift guide to encourage us to commit 15 percent of our gift purchases to Black-owned brands—but we think we can do much better than that. In fact, Aurora and her team picked 164 super-special items for this list across a wide range of price points in eight categories—including beauty, food & drink, home & tech and stocking stuffers—and we chose our favorite 15. Frankly, it was pretty hard to narrow down, but this is what we’re hoping to give and get gifted this year; you can check out the list in its entirety at The Fifteen Percent Pledge.
‘Joy Is an Act of Resistance’ Banner from Rayo & Honey
True Confession Time: Rayo & Honey has made it into almost every series of gift guides we’ve made at The Root in the past several years—because we can’t get enough of their affirming, made for everyone, always-rooting-for-everybody-Black messaging. So, we felt affirmed that the Fifteen Percent Pledge also chose this inspirational brand (which has dozens of phrases available) for its list…simply because it brings us joy. ($75 at rayoandhoney.com)
Wanjiru Storage Baskets from Expedition Subsahara
Is it a hamper, or is it art? How about either—or both? Help pretty much anyone on your list put a stylish spin on storage with a colorful handmade basket crafted in “the traditional coil-style weaving technique passed down for generations” in Senegal, the native country of Expedition Subsahara’s founders. (Available in 3 sizes; $125 to $245 at expeditionsubsahara.com)
3 Bold Zoe Set from ByChari
Yes, we know the song says “five golden rings!”—and we also know the holidays are prime engagement season. But if you want to gift something stylish yet subtle, this bestselling gold-filled 3-ring set from one of Michelle Obama’s favorite brands (also available in sterling silver) is made to be stacked and added to. And if their love is king, how about adding a pair of Sade Hoops? ($150 at bychari.com)
Coffee and Tea Subscriptions from BLK & BOLD
Okay, we cheated a bit and chose two instead of just one here—but only because we couldn’t decide between BLK & BOLD’s coffees and teas, all of which are curated with exquisite care. Since we’re caffeine fiends, we’d love regular subscriptions to both the brand’s classic “Rise & Grnd” medium roast blend and their “sweet and silky” Matcha—you know, just to keep us buzzing. ($14 – $18 each; subscribe and save at BLK & BOLD.com)
Black Wall Street Board Game from Black Toy Store
Well before the launch of the world’s most famous real estate board game, there was Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Black Wall Street, one of the most economically successful communities in American history. Inspired by real events and businesses, this game is an ideal way for kids and adults alike to learn more about the history of this once-thriving Black community—while also gaining skills in financial literacy. ($60 at blacktoystore.com)
RVRS REBELLE Coverall from Oak & Acorn
This dungaree-inspired, unisex denim coverall may seem like a splurge, but we promise it’ll be more than worth it in cost-per-wear. (Seriously, we’d wear this every day, if possible.) If the utilitarian, oversized and uber-stylish silhouette doesn’t make it an instant favorite, consider this: 20 percent of the profits go to amplifying the work of national nonprofit We Got Us Now, Inc, an organization “built by, led by & about children & young adults impacted by mass incarceration.” ($350 at shop-oakacorn.com)
Core ANC Headphones from Status Audio
Who doesn’t love a great set of headphones? This over-the-ear pair from Status Audio promises Active Noise Cancellation and “big, bountiful sound” in three of-the-moment colors—and the best part? They still manage to come in under $100. Are earbuds more their style? Status makes those, too; just check out their site. ($99 at status.co)
The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete 3-Book Gift Set from Ashima Publishing
The Root loves the kids in our lives, and we love encouraging them to read—early and often. That’s why we fell in love with this darling three-book gift box set chronicling The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete, which is just right for burgeoning little readers. Written for ages 3 and up, they can follow Aya and Pete to Paris, London and New York…all during storytime. ($59 at 15 Percent Pledge partner nordstrom.com; also available as individual books for $18 each)
Sunshine Zz Plant from Queen Los Angeles
If someone on your list found their green thumb during our extended quarantine, help them round out their growing collection of greenery with a new sprout from Queen Los Angeles. While the brand’s stunning magenta Magic Orchid ($95) may understandably get all the attention, personally, we love the way the way the brand’s “Sunshine Zz” plant literally reaches for the sun…because aren’t we all during dark winter days? ($44 at Queen Los Angeles)
Exfoliating Scrub for Him from My Skin & Co.
Our skin goes through a lot—and many men don’t know where to begin when it comes to taking care of it. This award-winning brand’s organic tea tree and peppermint oil-infused scrub “formulated to invigorate the skin, face, neck, back and chest” addresses common issues like dullness and ingrown hairs. Sounds like a very fresh start to the new year, to us. ($30.95 with a monthly subscription option at gomyskin.com)
Immunity Booster Box from Brooklyn Tea
Ahem—we are not out of the woods yet on this global pandemic, so in addition to our booster shots, we’re into getting all the additional immune boosting we can get. What better way to show them you care than with a box from Brooklyn Tea? Filled with fortifying “combinations of fruits, herbs and roots that are not only delicious, they are also known to promote positive health results and reduce both the acquisition and symptoms of illness.” ($35 at brooklyntea.com)
Black Girl MATHgic Subscription Box
The Root crew might’ve been a little more literary-minded as kids, but the benefits of STEM for young minds cannot be underestimated. This is especially true for girls, as women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. That’s why we love this subscription box from Black Girl MATHgic, designed to help girls “discover the interesting, relevant and empowering world of mathematics!” ($40/month; currently 15%-25 off at blackgirlmathgic.com.)
Liv Woodz from Brims
We love a great hat, and are longtime fans of the fun unisex styles from Brims. Is it just us, or is this cobalt blue fedora the welcome pop of color we’ll be needing this winter? What’s even better? The site is currently offering 50 percent off this and select other styles, meaning you can catch this top-quality brim for a steal! (50% off the original price of $225 with the code BLACKHOLIDAY at wearbrims.com)
McBride Sisters Collection Trio
If they imbibe, this trio of wines from the Black female-owned McBride Sisters collection will be a welcome addition to their holiday table—or any time they want to indulge. “Cozy up with the Red Blend, wine down with the Chardonnay and celebrate every occasion with a bottle of bubbles,” says the winery’s site, which is currently offering up to 45 percent off select sets and 25 percent off select wines. ($56 at mcbridesisters.com)
Suede Erongo from Brother Vellies
We couldn’t possibly shout out a list inspired by the work of Aurora James without also shouting out her acclaimed footwear and accessories brand, Brother Vellies. This luxe label’s offerings are handmade by diasporic artisans from environmentally conscious materials. “Because of this, no two pairs will ever be identical, and each pair has its own personality,” says the site. We love the suede Erongo style, available in four colors in men’s and women’s sizes. ($265 at brothervellies.com)
See the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s entire gift guide at 15percentpledge.com.
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