11 last-minute gift ideas from Black-owned brands

Hanukkah is underway. Christmas is this Sunday. The gift-giving portion of the holiday season has officially begun. If you haven’t already gotten something for everyone on your list, you’re likely scrambling. Before you opt for the tried-and-true gift card (no shade), we have a few ideas for gifts you still have time to grab before the big day—all by Black brands.

Whether you’re shopping for a friend, a sibling, a parent, or your whole family, we have thought of everyone. 

Give them a good read

As noted in our list of favorite reads from 2022, books make excellent last-minute gifts. They can be purchased conveniently either online or in person at your nearest bookstore and, if chosen well, can be really thoughtful. In addition to our extensive list, we suggest “Two Old Broads: Stuff You Need to Know That You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know” by Dr. M.E. Hecht and Whoopi Goldberg, which is filled with laugh-out-loud wisdom on aging—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We’re never too young for a word from the wise. 

Two Old Broads: Stuff You Need Know That You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know  ($19.95)

Give them a photo finish

When you’re in a rush and also working with little information on what to get someone, you can’t go wrong with an item like a modern photo frame. It’s simple, affordable, and can be found just about anywhere. We recommend the wooden photo stand by The Heart Department Co.; it’s sleek and comes in two different sizes. 

Wooden Photo stand ($8.50 – $13.50)

Give them some glow

Candles are such a last-minute gift staple, there’s a “Saturday Night Live” skit about it. But they’re rightfully a popular gift because they are easy to find and yet still somewhat personal in nature. They also offer a boost to your recipient’s home decor and fragrance. If you don’t know their tastes, a safe bet is to go with a vibrant yet layered scent like the 22k Gold “Speakeasy” luxury candle by Harlem Candle Co., which boasts 80 hours of burn time and offers a unique blend of scents, capturing the essence of Harlem’s iconic Lenox Ave.  

Harlem Speakeasy candle $65.00

Give them room to grow 

A new planter is a great last-minute gift idea for someone with a green thumb or a collection of plant babies. You could even gift a striking one to someone as a decor item; they make great alternatives for holding everything from umbrellas to pens and pencils. Ultralight Dreams’ indoor terracotta planter comes in four colorful styles and two sizes. 

Ultralight Dreams Indoor terracotta planter ($85.00 to $130.00)

Give them some flavor

Everyone has got to eat, right? Gifts for the kitchen can be the kind that keep on giving and they’re easy to pick up just about anywhere. Something as simple as an apron can make a great gift whether the recipient is a top chef or new to cooking.   

Royal Jelly Harlem apron ($52.00)

Give them a lift

If they have a crown they’re proud of, you can gift them a simple hair tool. A nice set of brushes and combs or even a special hair pick can be practical yet stylish last-minute gifts. We are obsessed with the Build Your Own Pick Collection by Afro Pick that comes with your choice of three different picks in a variety of patterns. 

Build Your Own Afro Pick Collection (currently $44.99)

Give them some self-care 

Colder temps in some regions mean harsher skin conditions. A face mask is a low-commitment, last-minute gift that promotes self-care. Golde’s Clean Greens face mask is like a green smoothie for the skin and is gentle enough for all skin types; even better for providing them some last-minute luxury without much intel on what they need.  

Golde Clean Greens face mask ($34.00)

Give them a buzz 

One of the easiest last-minute gifts is a bottle of either wine or some other kind of spirit.  In some cities, you can even pick this up the day-of; all it requires is a bow, and boom—it’s a gift. A bottle by a Black-owned label will especially stand out. 

2019 Petite Sirah by Brown Estate Wines ($60.00)

Give them the tea

Maybe libations aren’t their thing. Maybe they’re more of a tea or coffee drinker. If you know they always start their day with a cup (or end with one), gift them a set with a variety of options. The tea box company Sips by curates a box of teas all by Black-owned brands. 

Black-owned Tea Brands Box ($16.00)

Give them coziness

Socks don’t have to be an obvious last-minute gift if you spring for a pair with some personality or even a bit of luxury. Whatever a person is into, there’s a sock designed with it in mind. Are they still talking about “Wakanda Forever”? Rock’em Socks has a purple, black, and gold “Black Panther”-inspired pair they may never want to take off, so maybe spring for a few pairs.

Wakanda Forever socks ($19.99)

Give to the entire fam 

Let’s say you have your entire family unit to consider. Rather than take the time to find something for each individual, you could save your energy with something they can all enjoy, like matching holiday shirts. 

Dope Black Family Shirt ($9.00)

Kay Wicker is a lifestyle writer for theGrio covering health, wellness, travel, beauty, fashion, and the myriad ways Black people live and enjoy their lives. She has previously created content for magazines, newspapers, and digital brands. 

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