The holiday season, though fun and exciting, can be stressful when it comes to gift shopping. We have to be mindful to not repeat items, not accidentally purchase a duplicate that someone else already gifted, and still be creative enough to find that unique present that will manage to take the recipient’s breath away.
Hopefully, our loved ones remember to be just as intentional when they’re shopping for us.
Even if not, below you’ll find a well-rounded Black culture gift guide for the 2024 holiday shopping season, curated by UATL staff members.
If, while gathering ideas for your people, you manage to grab something for yourself in the process, remember that you too are family.
Brooke’s Pick: All the things at Black in Toys
Credit: Courtesy of Brown Toy Bo
Credit: Courtesy of Brown Toy Bo
Representation for Black children is major, and what other way is there to remind the kiddies that their Black is beautiful than showing that representation in toy-form?
Black in Toys is a collective for Black toy and game creators who specialize in diverse options for a wide age range of children. There are educational games that include flashcards for early development by ABSee Me, STEAM kits by Brown Toy Box for aspiring scientists and engineers, and advanced design games by Design Eye that teach kids how to work together as if they are part of a creative tech studio.
Black in Toys also offers more than three dozen doll brands: lifestyle dolls, paper dolls, and handmade dolls, just to name a few. I may be a little biased, but I was all about dolls as a kid (still today, kinda), and I’m pretty excited about the Natural Hair Dolls. Black people stay creative with our hairstyles, and these dolls do not disappoint.
Where to Buy: Online at BlackinToys.org.
Brooke’s Pick: Cultural statement pieces ($12-$67) at The Sistah Shop
We can’t have a holiday list without clothes. The Sistah Shop, which had a viral moment three months ago when a flash mob swooped in to support the Black-woman-owned store during a challenging time for business, offers plenty of clothing brands by Black women for children and adults wanting to make a statement with their apparel.
Items are semi-custom made: You choose the phrase or tagline line, then pick the color and style of the item. Wear your cultural pride and let it be known. My personal favorite is the Black History in the Making hoody.
Where to Buy: 265 18th St NW, Suite 4180, Atlanta. Online at SibExpoShop.com.
Ernie’s Pick: Draped denim skirt set ($118) at Victoria & Jane
Credit: Courtesy of Victoria and Jane
Credit: Courtesy of Victoria and Jane
Whenever I need something special for the woman on my list, I hit up Amanda Williamson, owner of Victoria & Jane. Brothers, she never disappoints. So if you are looking to make a daring statement this holiday season, gift your love this striking draped denim skirt set.
Featuring a sleek, formfitting maxi skirt and a bold denim-accented crop top, this ensemble combines modern elegance with a streetwear edge. The denim details add a touch of rugged charm, while the minimalist black skirt creates a figure-flattering silhouette. Perfect for the trendsetter on your list, this set transitions effortlessly from a holiday party to a night out, ensuring she stands out wherever she goes. And isn’t that what it is all about?
Where to Buy: Lenox Square Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. Online at VictoriaandJane.com.
Mirtha’s Pick: A monthly bookstack subscription or gift card ($5-$75) from yes, please books
Credit: Courtesy of Yes, Please
Credit: Courtesy of Yes, Please
On a quiet street near Your DeKalb Farmers Market sits a small house where the muscadine vines are fruitful, herbs are abundant and a special magic blossoms inside. This is yes please: a bookhouse and carespace that is true to every word in its name (and yes, yes please is written in lowercase).
From book-centered dinners cooked by local chefs and muscadine winemaking lessons to shelves filled with Audre Lorde, this Black-owned bookstore-in-a-house has created a unique space where community ties are fostered among those inside its four walls (and outside in the gardens), through an appreciation for books, plants and each other.
You can gift a subscription for two or four books per month, written by Black and BIPOC women and gender-nonconforming authors. Yes please’s owner, Lauren Jones, brings that special touch to her curated bookstacks, which can be a mix of fiction or nonfiction and span genres.
If your gift recipient’s bookshelf is already full, give them a gift card so they can choose the works they’ll want when shelf space frees up.
Where to Buy: 2984 Decatur Ave, Scottdale. Online at YesPleaseBooks.com.
Brooke’s Pick: For Keeps Bookstore
For the high-maintenance book collector in your life, you can’t go wrong with a rare edition of either their favorite read or a classic. For Keeps Bookstore offers a sweeping list of hard-to-come-by literature pertinent to Black American culture — hidden gems that serious book lovers would appreciate and, honestly, be shocked that you found. As a bibliophile, specifically one who loves a good revolutionary story, it’s on my list for a reason.
Whether you’re intrigued by the first copy of Black Boy by Richard Wright (one of my personal faves about growing up Black and angry in America), diving into the dystopian worlds of Octavia Butler, pondering a super-rare collection of poems by Harlem Renaissance writer Claude McKay, or maybe you’re looking into an extensive list of works by Ntzoke Shange (For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Was Not Enuf), this place has it or something just as valuable if someone snags that last copy before you.
But be sure to plan early: Rare editions mean a limited supply. Literally.
Where to Buy: 171 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta. Online at ForKeepsBooks.com.
Ernie’s Pick: Puzzles ($25-$38) at Piece Love Soul
Credit: Courtesy of Piece Love Soul
Credit: Courtesy of Piece Love Soul
In 2021, reeling from the pandemic and social unrest, former journalist Joy Woodson found comfort in a childhood favorite: puzzles. Unable to find puzzles with images that looked like her and represented her culture, she started Piece Love Soul, a series of puzzles that illustrate and celebrate unity, compassion and cultural diversity, while amplifying women artists of color.
“We believe it’s past time to change up this pastime and normalize our vibe, our genius,” Woodson said.
A mother of a two-year-old, Woodson said a portion of puzzle sales go back to the women artists featured, and also supports talented student creatives and their teachers.
Where to Buy: Online at PieceLoveSoul.com
Gavin’s Pick: Floral arrangement and plant repotting classes at Nourish Botanica
Credit: Courtesy of Spotify
Credit: Courtesy of Spotify
Chances are you know someone that wants to get into plants but doesn’t know where to start. Maybe you have a friend that’s a sucker for crafty dried floral art. We got you.
Owner Quianah Upton aims to build a community around plants, flowers, art and food. With locations in Joyland and at Ponce City Market, the Black-owned spot is also big on bringing education opportunities for aspiring and practicing green thumbs. Get schooled on how to make art with dried flowers at Nourish Botanica’s floral arrangement workshop. The plant repotting class comes with soil, pots and a plant baby to call your own.
Nourish Botanica also offers gift cards for classes and other offerings in the shop. Did we mention there’s drinks and food, too?
Where to Buy: 1651 Pryor Rd, Atlanta, and Ponce City Market kiosk (in front of Reformation and Goorin Bros.); Online at NourishBotanica.cafe.
Najja’s Pick: Candle-making class ($35-$50) with Bear and Honey Candle Co.
Credit: Courtesy of Bear & Honey Candle Co.
Credit: Courtesy of Bear & Honey Candle Co.
For the friend who loves to set the mood with dim lighting and irresistible aromas, consider a candle-making class.
During each session, a Bear and Honey Candle Co. instructor guides participants through a 45-minute demonstration. First attendees choose their desired scent before mixing it with the wax. Then, after securing the wick in place, they pour the concoction into a 9-ounce glass jar. If your loved one wants to take their creativity up a notch, opt for the dessert candle class, where they’ll turn their favorite sweet treats into custom decor.
This Black-owned family business is located in Little Five Points. Visit and shop their signature candles, book private parties and attend other events.
Where to Buy: 421 Moreland Ave. Atlanta. Online at BearandHoneyCandle.com.
Brooke’s Pick: Just Add Honey Tea Company
Credit: Courtesy of Just Add Honey Tea
Credit: Courtesy of Just Add Honey Tea
While we’re on the subject of peace and serenity, if you’re shopping for a tea enthusiast, Just Add Honey Tea Company has more options than you probably thought were possible.
Filled with teapots, mugs, containers, tools, sweeteners and an abundance of flavored tea (I’m eyeing the Apple Crisp and Cacao Chai), the company champions “natural, pure, and easily recognized” ingredients. Even for folks who love coffee but maybe need an alternative, give them the gift of Not Coffee Tea. The rich taste is supposed to be akin to coffee, just without the extra caffeine.
If you’re still unsure of what to get, there’s also gift sets and samplers so your tea drinker can find their own new favorite.
Where to Buy: 684 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE, Atlanta. Online at JustAddHoney.net.
Mike’s Pick: Savoir Faire Fragrances
Credit: Courtesy of Savoir Faire
Credit: Courtesy of Savoir Faire
As someone who almost religiously buys fragrances every year around the holidays, I recently realized I’ve purchased very few fragrances made by Black people. That’s a shame, because duh, I’m Black.
This year I’m picking up one or several unisex scents from Savoir Fare, made by artist Chris Classic. The catalog leans into romance but each eau de parfum differs slightly, so you can pick something based on the nature of your relationship, especially if your relationship is spicy.
There’s Soul Café, which includes notes of blood orange, bergamot, black pepper, patchouli, lavender, Arabic coffee and firewood, described as the brand’s “most carnal scent to date.” Other options include Ascension, described as having earthy and angelic characteristics, and Indicativa, made with steamed and distilled cannabis oil blended with cedar, sandalwood and vanilla.
Shout out to Black people out here casually smelling great.
Where to Buy: The Village Retail, 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Suite 225, Atlanta. Online at SavoirFaire.store.
Brooke’s Pick: Coffee ($22-$85) at Portrait Coffee
Credit: Erin Fender
Credit: Erin Fender
There’s something beautifully Black about sipping a glorious beverage that mirrors our melanin and also pays homage to our Black ancestors through its very existence.
Black-owned roasting and brewing operation Portrait Coffee champions the African origins of the beloved coffee bean. Classic flavors are available, along with holiday releases, in ground or whole-bean options. I’m eyeing The Darker the Cherry for its notes of dark chocolate.
Subscription services are also available for the coffee-drinker still looking to find the right flavor.
Where to Buy: 1065 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd #A Atlanta. Online at Portrait.coffee.
Here’s one more gift we like: A subscription to the AJC.
Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez
Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez
It’s the gift they can open all year long, plus it supports all the work we do here at UATL.
Where to Buy: Online at ajc.com/holiday
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