25 Gifts We Love From BIPOC-Owned Businesses
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Systemic injustices are at the forefront of contemporary society, due to countless conspicuous instances of police brutality and other harms. Racism and racial injustice are nothing new—but the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and xenophobia toward American Asians sparked an ongoing wave of awareness across the US.
One of the easiest ways to support Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities is by purchasing goods and services from companies owned by people of color. Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite gear from BIPOC-owned businesses. To support minority-owned businesses year-round, try checking local marketplaces or your city's tourism website. Online directories like We Buy Black, Chez Nous, AAPI Business Collective, and Intentionalist can be helpful resources as well.
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Updated December 2022: We've added new picks and adjusted pricing.
Former and current WIRED staffers Camille Bromley, Pia Ceres, Kimberly Chua, Samantha Cooper, Alan Henry, Jennifer Conrad, and Phuc Pham contributed to this piece.
- Photograph: Nguyen Coffee Supply
For a Wonderful Wakeup
Nguyen Coffee Supply Vietnamese Coffee Brew KitDid you know that Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee in the world? Vietnamese brand Nguyen Coffee Supply highlights several statistics on this blog page, but suffice it to say that Vietnamese coffee offers a different experience from the Arabica version—due to the beans, which are Robusta, as well as the brewing process. That difference is a good thing. Expect bolder flavor, more caffeine, and an especially great pairing with your favorite creamer.
This kit includes three different bags of coffee, as well as a mug set, a scoop, and a Phin brewer. It's everything you need to make a delicious cup of joe. The brand also offers monthly subscriptions for easy re-upping once your beans run out.
- Photograph: Grounded
For the Plant Parent
Grounded PlantsBlack-owned Grounded Plants' inventory fluctuates frequently, but one thing remains the same across nearly all of the plants it offers: They're easy to care for. Choose from succulents, cacti, flowering plants, climbers, and other easygoing houseplants. If you're not sure what your giftee would prefer, opt for a gift card, or perhaps a beginner-friendly plant. Grounded sells planters too, and local pickup is an option if you're in the Washington, DC area. There's even free 1-on-1 plant care advice for any situations beginners may encounter.
- Photograph: Love Notes Fragrances
For Frequent Hosts
Love Notes Fragrances Grace CandleLove Notes makes several different candles, but the Grace holiday candle is our top pick. The packaging is festive and weighty, and a playlist is included to set the mood. It feels like a lot of holiday scents are predictable blends of cinnamon, cloves, and gingerbread that can get old quickly. Grace is holiday-themed, yet it wouldn't be out of place during any other season. It smells like pomegranate and pine, with a hint of spicy woods from the pepper, mint, and sandalwood. The glass container has a chrome finish, so when you're done burning the candle, you'll be left with something a bit nicer than the typical clear cylinder from other brands.
★ Another Candle Company: Cavo Candles are vegan and made from 100 percent soy wax. The company ships sustainably, complete with biodegradable packing peanuts. The best part is the relatable candle names. After a Good Cry smells like the embodiment of finally dragging yourself out of bed after spending a day feeling melancholy. Not too cheerful, but just cheerful enough, with notes of rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bourbon. It's optimistic but not pushy.
- Photograph: Clare
For Avoiding Paint Paralysis
Clare Interior Paint (Gallon)If your partner has complained one too many times about the color of your walls, or they're determined to brighten up their home office, paint from Clare might make the perfect gift. The brand has a selection of curated colors to help you avoid the paralysis that comes with comparing different hues of white at the hardware store. Clare also offers peel-and-stick swatches so you can make the right decision, and the Color Genius Quiz is a good place to start if you're unsure about what to go for. Clare also sells necessary supplies, like trays and drop cloths.
- Photograph: The Woobles
For the Artist
The Woobles Crochet Amigurumi KitStaying at home has introduced many of us to new hobbies. I made an adorable stuffed creature with this crocheted craft kit! There are beginner kits available, as well as intermediate-level options for folks with more experience. There's something meditative about arts and crafts, and the video instructions are easy to understand. If you run into any problems while crocheting, additional assistance is also available for free via email. A kit from The Woobles might make a great gift for yourself or an artsy friend.
- Photograph: Amazon
For the Little Ones
Sulweby Lupita Nyong'o
This book will make you cry. Author and actress Lupita Nyong'o teamed up with illustrator Vashti Harrison to create a rich, multilayered children's book that touches on colorism, diversity, self-love, and acceptance. The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking—they're the kind of pictures kids will ask to look at for a little longer before you turn the page while reading at bedtime. The story itself is wonderfully written. It follows Sulwe, a child with "skin the color of midnight," as she embarks on a magical journey and realizes her beauty.
- Photograph: Omsom
For Stress-Free Dinners
Omsom Best Seller SetWIRED reviews editor Adrienne So fell for Omsom's meal starters during the pandemic. This kit includes 15 starters, or enough to make 45 meals. The assortment includes Vietnamese Lemongrass BBQ, Thai Larb, Japanese Yuzu Miso Glaze, Korean Spicy Bulgogi, and Thai Krapow. Recipes are provided with each individual starter. You just need to supply the protein and veggies to make everything from spicy chicken to caramelized brussels sprouts.
- Photograph: Shine
For a Nudge of Positivity
Shine AppShine is a free app for iOS and Android that aims to make self-care easy. All Shine users get access to daily motivational messages, meditations, and self-care challenges. Premium subscriptions tack on even more meditations and programs, plus access to Shine's community features. Subscriptions cost $15 per month or $65 per year—you can gift a subscription here, and you can sometimes find deals via Groupon. This app has done wonders for my mental health since I first started using it in 2015, but it's been a constant source of comfort, especially these past few years.
- Photograph: Hida Tool
For the Landscaping Lover
Hida Tool Hori Hori Carbon Steel Digging KnifeHida Tool carries all sorts of great gifts for DIY enthusiasts. There are woodworking tools, kitchen knives, and bonsai supplies, among others. One fan favorite is the Hori Hori. It's made from carbon steel (one of our favorite knife materials) and comes with a vinyl sheath. While the tool is called a digging knife, it can be used for weeding, transplanting, trimming, planting, and cutting roots. There are a few versions available, but all of them would make a good multipurpose gift for your favorite green-thumbed friend.
- Photograph: Chunks
For a Good Hair Day
Chunks Classic Lines Slides PackChunks hair accessories are designed to be accessible, fun, and easy to use. The bold and bright designs come in all sorts of shapes and styles for every hair type. While they'll feel familiar to '90s kids, the nostalgic designs are as trendy now as they were back then. Every item is responsibly made in China, and the brand is climate-neutral.
- Photograph: Fly By Jing
For the Adventurous Eater
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili CrispFly by Jing's Sichuan Chili Crisp is hard to describe. It's spicy but not too spicy. It's oily but not too oily. It's smoky, it's savory, and there are tiny crunchy bits of chili that add an interesting texture. It's great with noodles, rice, soup, pizza, and eggs, but some online testimonials swear that it even pairs well with peanut butter or ice cream. (I can attest to the deliciousness of the latter.) The sauce is fragrant and flavorful, and you don't have to love spicy food to get a kick out of it. If you're getting a jar to give as a gift, I suggest you also pick one up for yourself. Otherwise, you'll end up placing two orders.
- Photograph: Umami Mart
For the Seasoned Seasoner
Umami Mart Japanese Spice SetWe love Umami Mart here at WIRED, and the salt from this kit was included in our guide to the Best Gifts Under $25. For a bit more cash, this spice kit includes not only Umami Mart's savory, earthy salt, but also Ume-Shiso Furikake and Shichimi Togarashi.
Furikake is a rice topping that elevates everything from eggs to salads. Umami Mart's version is tart, earthy, and flavorful. The Shichimi Togarashi is a crunchy, vibrant, seedy chili blend, complete with orange zest and savory nori. This versatile spice set would work well in any kitchen, and it even comes packaged in a giftable box.
- Photograph: Blondery
For the Sugar Seekers
Blondery Variety BoxBlondery's baked goods are exceptional, but the company is known for its bite-sized blondies. Traditionally, blondies are like a brownie in texture, but they're vanilla-flavored instead of chocolatey. Blondery's blondies are anything but traditional. My favorite is the Birthday Cake flavor, which tastes like a gourmet Cosmic Brownie. There's also Cinnamon Sugar, a snickerdoodle-like confection with toasted butter undertones, and Brooklyn Blackout, a rich, dark, fudgy ode to founder and baker Auzerais Bellamy's stomping grounds.
The desserts ship nationwide in thoughtful, gift-worthy packaging. Stock fluctuates frequently, but no matter which option you pick, anyone with a sweet tooth will be delighted by these desserts.
- Photograph: Urban Native Era
For a Not-So-Subtle Reminder
Urban Native Era 'You Are On Native Land' Everyday CapThis Indigenous-owned brand makes clothing for everybody to wear. The cap is made of organic cotton and features an adjustable strap to compensate for the one-size-fits-all design. Whether wearing it as a reminder, in solidarity, or both, this cap is a good gift for anyone (yourself included).
- Photograph: Bread Beauty Supply
For Curly-Headed Friends
Bread Beauty Supply Wash Day Essentials KitWash Day can quickly turn into an hours-long, arduous process. Bread's kit comes with all of the essentials—a wash, a mask, and an oil—to help simplify and streamline the process. The kit was specially designed for 3A to 4C curl types, and it also comes with a scrunchie for gentle styling. My hair is a 2C/3A hybrid, and Bread's kit made my curls fluffy and defined—and smelling like delicious, fruity kids' cereal. The products are lightweight enough that they won't interfere with post-wash styling. Bread also sells mini sizes of the wash and mask.
★ For plastic-free wash days, try Vida Bars: I used to think I didn't like solid shampoo and conditioner. The bars never seem to fully permeate my hair, and trying to evenly spread the product takes forever. These bars still take a little longer to use than traditional hair-washing supplies, but they're significantly better than the pricier shower solids I've tried. The end results are great, and it feels good knowing there won't be plastic to throw away when I'm done with them. There are six types to choose from, and all of them are made without sulfates, wax, silicones, parabens, alcohol, or other not-so-nice ingredients.
- Photograph: Dreamgirls
For Long Hair Aspirers
Dreamgirls Healthy Hair KitHave you ever tried a product that was so good, you immediately had to text your best friend about it? That was me with DreamGirls' Healthy Hair System. Developed in a salon to help clients grow out their natural hair, these products are expensive but worth every single penny. (Plus, when you break down the cost of the set, each piece is about $25, which is inexpensive for salon products.)
Growing out natural hair is a long, rigorous, seemingly impossible process, but these immediately improved my hair's elasticity, texture, and overall health. The lineup can be used alone or in conjunction with protective styling. If you know someone struggling to break the cycle of repetitive heat or bleach damage, this might make a great gift.
- Photograph: Aloha Collection
For Your Daily Carry
Aloha Collection Rattan Mini Hip PackGo hands-free with this lightweight, versatile hip pack. It's weatherproof and has enough room to carry your daily essentials, like your phone, keys, and wallet (though you can also just stash your cards in the hidden inside pocket). The company was founded by two Native Hawaiian women and donates 5 percent of profits to Hawai'i-based conservation organizations.
- Photograph: The Wrap Life
For Stylish Sleepers
The Wrap Life Classic Flow Head WrapHeadwraps have been around for thousands of years and used for one reason or another by many different cultures. They're great for protecting your hair while you sleep, but they can also keep your strands shielded from the wind, get you through the awkward phase of growing out bangs, or quickly turn around a bad hair day. I love The Wrap Life's Classic Flow wraps for sleeping—they keep my curls shiny and prevent them from frizzing up overnight. The Bandie styles are great for everyday styling. There are a ton of fantastic tutorials for creating fancy bows and knots too.
★ For styling products, try Ecoslay: Ecoslay's handmade styling products are great gifts for anyone with curly hair. This Banana Cream hair mask has an incredible texture that melts into hair strands (no more globs of conditioner on the shower floor!) It smells like ripe, fresh bananas, and it leaves your hair soft, shiny, and detangled. A little goes a very long way. We also tested and liked Ecoslay's Orange Marmalade Curl Definer. Ecoslay operates out of one of the founders' kitchens and has a free recycling program for its empty containers.
- Photograph: Ruby Love
For More Than Half the Population
Ruby Love Period Loungewear OnesieHalf of the population menstruates, and among those people, there's an agreement that periods suck. They just do. Periods are uncomfortable, messy, expensive, and stigmatized. Additionally, more than 25 million Americans experience daily bladder leakage. Ruby Love makes clothing with built-in period and incontinence protection.
Each item features a liner that can hold two to three tampons' worth of fluid. The liner locks in moisture and odors, plus it can be used with or without additional protection. Every product is great and works as advertised, but this sleep onesie is a standout. The onesie is soft, warm, and comfortable, and it eliminates the need to get up in the middle of the night to run to the bathroom.
- Photograph: Tushy
For Anyone, Really
Tushy ClassicThis might be more of a practical gift for yourself than a gift for someone else, but hear me out: A bidet will change your life. The only drawback is that you will never want to go back to a bidet-less bathroom. We've featured Tushy a few times here at WIRED, simply because it so drastically improves something every human does on a (hopefully) regular basis. It fits any existing toilet seat and no special water or electricity connections are required. Added bonus: If we run into another nationwide toilet paper shortage, you'll be covered.
- Photograph: Em Cosmetics
For the Lip Balm Aficionado
Em Cosmetics Lip Cushion Tinted LuminizerEm Cosmetics was founded by Michelle Phan, one of the original YouTube beauty gurus (and the founder of Ipsy). Phan has been a staple in the beauty industry since 2007. This Lip Cushion Luminizer is a wonderful multipurpose product that feels like a balm but looks like a lip color. Instead of sitting on top of your lips, it sinks in, leaving them hydrated and glossy. The light wash of color is noticeable but natural, the shades are universally flattering, and the packaging is stocking-sized.
- Photograph: Unsun Cosmetics
For Sunscreen That Blends in Better
Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Face SunscreenWe don't know for sure that sunscreen can prevent cancer, but it does prevent sun exposure. The FDA recommends sunscreen for most people. BIPOC folks are more likely to die from skin cancer, partially because people of color tend to use sunscreen less often. Ingredients commonly used in sunscreens, like zinc oxide, can create a white or greenish cast that's unflattering on dark skin tones. Unsun Cosmetics tries to solve this problem. It makes two tinted face sunscreens that are suitable for a wide range of skin tones. The sunscreen is hydrating, doubles as a makeup primer, and won't leave your skin ashy.
- Photograph: Koa
For Skincare Students
Koa Facial Care KitKoa's Full Set has every component of a simple, effective skincare routine. The cleanser is gentle and smells slightly of citrus. The toner is exfoliating but not harsh or stripping. The moisturizer is lightweight and works for both dry and oily skin, and the daily SPF is an essential step made easier, thanks to how soothing it feels. The fragrances and packaging are both unisex, and the products are all user-friendly. Koa's packaging is sustainable as well, and 1 percent of proceeds are donated to ocean preservation organizations. This set is a great gift for skincare novices.
- Photograph: Ceylon
For Distinguished Gentlemen
Ceylon Skincare SetCeylon products will work just fine for anybody, but they're designed specifically for men of color. All of the ingredients are meant to be gentle and moisturizing while taking into account specific concerns of those with more melanin in their skin (like hyperpigmentation or razor bumps). The set comes with a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, and you can opt to bundle in cotton rounds if you'd like. The products are gentle on sensitive skin, and they smell subtly like citrus and lavender.
★ For targeted skincare, try Blesswell: These hemp-derived products feature lots of buzzwords, like “CBD” (a non-psychoactive compound from cannabis plants) and “DJ Khaled” (the founder). Believe the hype—regardless of what we know about CBD so far, this skincare is ultra-moisturizing and pleasant to use. Aside from the typical three-step skincare products, there's also a clay mask, a shaving cream, and a beard oil. Most are unscented.
Photograph: Proper GnarMore Great Businesses
BIPOC-Owned Business Picks by WIRED StaffersWe informally polled some WIRED staffers of color for their favorite BIPOC-owned businesses. It's impossible to fit all of their picks into one article, but here are even more recommendations—every business listed below ships nationwide.
- A Black woman-owned skateboard company: Proper Gnar has tons of products to choose from, including clothing, prints, and naturally, full-fledged skateboard decks. Every piece features bright, punchy, overtly feminine designs, all of which are drawn by owner Latosha Stone herself.
- Graphic streetwear with dope collabs: Brain Dead is a collective streetwear brand cofounded by designer Kyle Ng. Its designs are splashy and recognizable, and there's no shortage of fire collaborations (like this Magic the Gathering collection).
- Prints for parity: Diversify Photo is a community of photographers, editors, and producers working to diversify visual storytelling in mass media. These holiday prints feature work from DP members (and they're gorgeous). These sales don't take place year-round, but you can support (and hire!) artists individually if the prints aren't available.
- Ethical leather for everyone: Freebird of California creates small-batch leather goods. There are wallets, bags, plant hangers, cord keepers, and other gifts, with price points that should work for nearly every budget.
- Vintage photography gear + DIY supplies: Glass Key Photo carries all sorts of vintage photography goodness, including expired film, hard-to-find film, and cameras both new and old. You'll also find darkroom supplies, including nontraditional chemicals for things like tintype and cyanotype development.
- Sustainable hair removal: Sugardoh makes natural, compostable at-home sugaring products. The paste is reusable and easy to use, just like its aftercare products. Sugaring is an easier and cheaper method of removing hair than at-home waxing. (I find it less painful, too.)
- Symbolic Hawaiian patterns meet sustainable fashion: Manaola products feature patterns designed by Manaola Yap. Items range from face masks to bags to tops and bottoms for men, women, and kids. Every item is ethically and sustainably made. You can read more details about the individual patterns on product pages.
- Community-driven coffee: Five percent of BLK and Bold's proceeds are donated to nonprofits across the United States, with a focus on benefitting local youth. A wide variety of coffees and teas are available to suit any taste.
- Tree-free paper goods: Reel Paper makes toilet paper, facial tissues, and paper towels, with 100 percent tree-free fibers. The packaging is plastic-free and biodegradable. Subscriptions are available to ensure you never run out of the essentials.
- Outdoorspeople, unite: Wondery makes clothing and outdoor gear. The brand's mission is to empower women and nonbinary people in the outdoors, with an emphasis on education and events focusing on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
