Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas from Black-owned Businesses

By J. Coyden Palmer December 15, 2022

I know, you’ve been procrastinating to the point where you’ve looked up and realized Christmas is in 10 days. Now you gotta get something quick and will probably have to pay a premium on shipping if ordering online. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Two years ago, PRNewswire reported on a Klarna survey which found that 79% of shoppers did some gift buying within two weeks of Christmas. See, you are in good company. But what to buy is the more difficult question to answer. Supporting Black-owned businesses is always a good thing, especially the smaller mom-and-pop operations. Here are a few ideas within a variety of price ranges.

If you’re looking for something unique, classy and eloquent, you might want to check out NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway’s exclusive watch collection at Banneker Inc. The company, founded in 2003 by Derrick Holmes, pays homage to Benjamin Banneker, the African American inventor and clock maker, by integrating luxury woods into every watch and clock design. It is one of the few minority-owned watch and clock companies in the world today and the first company to produce timepieces with the Banneker name in over 200 years.

The crossover collection, named after the basketball move Hardaway made famous, is the most luxurious of the company’s collection. They are on sale now for $370. Features of the limited-edition timepiece include automatic movement and each watch is individually numbered. It comes in silver or gold-plated versions along with an all-black option.

In addition to Hardaway’s collection, the company also offers a variety of men’s, women’s and unisex timepieces that vary in price starting at $119. The company also offers desk, mantel, wall and chiming clocks that would be a welcome asthetic addition to any home.

If you are looking for the perfect natural scent to wear before you leave the house, Hello to Natural, owned by Darrell and Mary Johnson, has increased their product line since the company’s inception in 2017. Their products are all natural, reasonably priced and smell just as good as a high-end perfume or cologne.

In addition to the scented oils, they also sell body butters, soaps and facial cleansers to keep you glowing throughout the day. If you’re a guy who is rocking a beard, you will definitely want to try the men’s beard oil.

Do you have a person in your life that loves to cook and prepare meals? In addition to your favorite aunt’s recipe for candied sweet potatoes, you can add some more to your repertoire with the “Wic” cookbook by Marissa Rudd. A single mom from New York, Rudd has become famous for her healthy recipes designed for those on the most limited budgets. Most of the ingredients used in her dishes are items that can be purchased using the federally funded WIC financial assistance program at grocery stores around the country. Remember though, WIC benefits vary by state and packaging so you might have to make a few substitutions.  

The “WIC” cookbook sells for only $10 and can be downloaded after purchase so you will be saving space on your bookshelf. So, if you want to learn how to make hummus avocado toast, fried mushroom nuggets, cozy bean chili and more visit www.sunnimusique.com.

Reading is fundamental. Books are always a great holiday present and there is no limit to expanding your knowledge. Even though finding a modern day independent bookstore can be a challenge, they do still exist. In Chicago, Semicolon Bookstore is committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge; while also using the power of words to better the African American community. Owned by Danielle Mullen, Semicolon is not just a bookstore, but also a gallery space that hosts authors, events for children and book signings.

Popular authors such as Omar Tyree and Terry McMillian can be found on the shelves, but if you are looking for some fresh voices with some incredible stories, you might want to check out some of these titles. “Until the Lion Speaks” by Billy Moore, which is his account of one of the most tragic murders in the history of Chicago. In November of 1984, Moore and prep basketball star Benji Wilson became entangled in a verbal dispute outside a store that escalated into Moore pulling a gun and shooting Wilson, who later died. Both were teens at the time. His story is one we hear far too often nearly 40 years later and Moore has now become an anti-violence advocate since his release from prison. Former President Barack Obama and his Secretary of Education Arne Duncan have praised Moore for his work in Chicago to keep young men on the right path.

Looking for something a bit lighter? Debut author Charmaine Wilkerson’s novel “Black Cake” tells the story of two estranged siblings who must set aside their differences to deal with their mother’s death and her hidden past. It is a journey of discovery that takes them from the Caribbean to London to California and ends with a famous black cake. The book has made the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Want something a bit more on the academia side, check out “The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World” by Kehinde Andrews. It is an exploration of the many ways in which the effects of anti-black colonialism philosophies and policies continue to inform, shape and influence our modern world. A relevant voice in a modern polarized nation, Andrews breaks down institutional racism at home and abroad supported by historical and data-driven evidence.

Need some stocking stuffers to accent your gifts? No problem I’ve got you covered. Say you have friends who do a lot of traveling, especially in the winter months when it is cold. They may vacation in the southern U.S. or the Caribbean. They will need to protect their beautiful skin from the harsh rays of the sun. Check out blackgirlsunscreen.com as they have all the items needed to keep your skin healthy and refreshing while on that warm weather vacation in January. Their products provide triple protection against sun damage, hyperpigmentation and fine lines without leaving that white greasy haze behind after you apply it to your skin. Their sunscreen products come in SPF 30, 45 and 50 so you have a choice on how much protection you need. They also have a product line just for kids. Their holiday gift sets range from $21 to $57.

With less than 10 days remaining until Christmas, it’s time to get to shopping!