Gifts That Give Back: 11 Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

Christmas presents under a christmas tree.

Tick-tock, the holidays draw near! If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect presents under the tree, no worries, we are here to be your little helper.

From melanin beauty to quality design to family heritage, each of our selected brands has a story to tell. Join us as we unwrap some of our favorite products and platforms.

Cosmetics

  • Ami Colé lip oil was dubbed as the “Telfar of lipgloss” by New York Magazine’s “The Strategist.” There are no questions on how their product has been tailored to deliver the best results for your cosmetic needs.
  • Buttah Skin helps you love the skin you are in and take your glow to the next level. It’s both unisex and clinically tested, with studies that prove consistent use improves skin brightness and luminosity. Be sure to add this buttah to your skin regimen, pronto!

Fashion

  • Mifland Leather Goods injects coordinating fleece sets, hoodies, and joggers with inclusions of color. Unisex in approach, this mixed accessory goods company looks to provide beautiful, utilitarian pieces. Heavy in culture and flare, Mifland keeps it versatile between neutrals, colors, and print. Santa, these handmade pieces are at the top of our list!
  • REỌNA aims to give you a base of high-quality, cozy, and practical pieces that can be worn from season to season. Just like Mifland, quality & versatility are at the core of the design process. With a small batch approach, this sister-founded brand looks to encourage a more sustainable approach to fashion production and customer consumption.

Food

  • P. Harrell Wines boasts a variety of wines from Zinfandel to Rosé. The founder, Paula J. Harrell, learned from her immigrant mother and veteran father about the importance of entrepreneurship early on and has applied it to her business ambitions and civil work supporting Black film. Successful stories of entrepreneurship show us the importance of building generational wealth. Check out her assortment of wines named after places and people who have significantly impacted her story like Haight Street!
  • Hot N Saucy is reminding everyone in the group chat that we are the champions of seasoning and spice. From Sweet Potato N Habanero to Collards N Ghost, these vegetable-based sauces will keep us reaching across the table for more. Keep it extra saucy this holiday season and tap into their Holiday Hot Box!

Platforms To Patron

  • One of the largest online marketplaces for Black-owned products, you can find detergent, coffee, shoes, and much more at We Buy Black. Start your search for everyday items here and keep the Black dollar circling within the community. From Tina Knowles to Mo’Nique, the community is using their platform to encourage the success of this Amazon alternative.
  • In 2020, representation of Black-owned businesses at retailers hovered around 0-1%. Aurora James started a call to action for dedicating 15 percent of shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Shop the 15 Percent Pledge site and their 28 retail partners who have joined the pledge to create greater economic prosperity for diverse businesses.
  • With a broad marketplace approach, the Official Black Wall Street differentiates itself by providing an additional way to book services. Seriously, OBWS makes it easy! Book an HR consultation or find a tax advisor, with a couple of clicks. Head over to their “Brick & Mortar” section for another amazing feature where you can find locations near you or where you plan to travel so you can patron Black businesses!

Influencers To Follow

  • Every year, @babyboyflame uses his platform as an ally to add to his long standing series surrounding Buying Black where he showcases the history, relevance, and fresh appeal of Black designers. A perfect way to celebrate the culture, we give him an A+ in solidarity. We love his focus on the impact of Black designers on street style.
  • @taliacadet’s “Black Owned” channel regularly introduces us to the hottest small brands. Talia shows her audience everything from earrings to candles and beyond. If you need a guide and inspiration on how broadly you can buy Black, Talia is your girl! We may have purchased several orders at several businesses in the process of writing this article.

As the clock strikes midnight, you can rest assured you found the perfect gift. Not only did you make it on time, but you also helped champion Black economics.

This season, spend your dollars in ways that help promote more growth for Black-owned businesses.

(OneUnited Bank does not have a relationship with any of the companies above and is not responsible for their products and services. We are simply providing options for you to explore.)

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