The most wonderful time of the year is officially here, and it’s safe to say, this holiday season means much more to many of us.
After over a year of quarantine and separation from the people we love, we are finally reuniting (under the mistletoe, anyone?). If living through a pandemic taught us anything, it’s that when a crisis strikes, the beautiful side of humanity emerges, ready to lend a helping hand to support its friends and neighbors in need. Let’s keep that energy going.
So, put heart behind your gifts this year by supporting businesses and causes you or your receiver cares about. Here, covet-worthy gift ideas that fight to make the world a better place.
If you want to support Animal Rights…
1. Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette
Glam up and keep the environment beautiful too. This popular, cruelty-free matte eyeshadow palette features 14 natural shades that work on every skin type.
2. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Winter months mean dry air and potentially dry skin. Give the gift of hydration and a natural glow with this 3-in-1 multitasker. This moisturizer protects skin from UV rays via its 30 SPF and adds a bit of color to one’s complexion in the season of Snow White skin. (Finally, grandma will stop asking why we look sick in the winter.)
3. Pacha Soap Co. Whipped Soap + Scrub
Relax, unwind, and treat yourself to self-care without compromise. This self-care gift feels like luxury on the skin with its moisturizing plant-based oils. And it doesn’t hurt Peter Rabbit? Let the herald angels sing.
4. Sea Salt Suds Bath Bomb Set
These handmade, vegan bath bombs are all one needs to transform the bathroom into a spa. The set includes six bath bombs that restore your skin as you soak with ingredients like Epsom salt, shea butter, and vitamin E.
5. Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque
Aesop is known for its lavish soaps and body products and delicious herbal scents. This anti-blemish mask is gentle on the skin thanks to the soothing chamomile and plant actives, which work with purified clays to clean and clear the complexion. It’s perfect for the teenager in your life that needs a confidence boost paired with their skin routine.
6. Jack Black Beard Grooming Kit
Beardy bros have all they need to maintain their luscious face locks with this four-piece gift set. This quadruple hitter helps to cleanse, condition, and soften facial hair and the skin underneath. So good, Santa might think of keeping this one for himself (and its reindeer-approved of course).
Holidays are the season of giving, believing, and fragrances. In the overwhelming arena that is personal scents, you don’t need to drop an arm and a leg to smell like the designers. This unique and natural, solid men’s Cologne comes in 12 different scents and is built for the man who needs everything in one. It can also be used as a skin moisturizer, cuticle cream, hair wax, beard balm, or mustache wax.
8. Conair Unbound Cordless Auto Curler
This Tik Tok famous hair curler is a fan favorite among users. With over 4,000 reviews and a four-star rating on Amazon, the cordless curler takes the effort out of producing gorgeous curls and waves – a skill set usually all on its own. Plus, its size makes it perfect for traveling.
Candles are great go-to gifts when you’re unsure what to get someone. These natural, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free soy wax candles yield 70 hours of burn time and provide aromatherapy with its calming notes of lavender and birch.
If you want to support Black owned businesses…
1. Pattern Curly Hair Care Set
Curly-haired guys and gals, rejoice! This seven-piece haircare set by boss babe Tracee Ellis Ross yields salon-worthy results and includes: Hydration Shampoo, Heavy Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner, Jojoba Oil Hair Serum, a brush fit for curly locks and a hair clip.
2. House of Marley Positive Vibration XL: Over-Ear Headphones with Microphone
Keep the good vibrations coming this season with these over-ear headphones by House of Marley. This Black-owned business produces standard and noise-canceling headphones that come in three sexy colors to fit the tastes of your music-loving receiver.
3. BLK & Bold | Rise & GRND Coffee Blend
Need gift ideas for your boss or coworkers? Put this on your holiday hit list. The next time they need a caffeine boost after that meeting that could’ve been an email, they’ll thank you. This java comes in eight flavors for all taste profiles and inspires the warm fuzzies inside (no, it’s not the coffee hitting your soul). This Black-owned business supports 5 percent of its profits to support at-risk youth both locally and nationally. Now that’s what the season is about.
4. Shades of Color Weekly Planner
We all have that person in our life who desperately needs to get organized, and what better way to help them do that than with a gorgeous weekly planner that simultaneously inspires them on the daily? This planner comes in 17 designs and shares inspiring quotes, recipes, and coloring pages.
5. Yubi Miracle Makeup Brushes
Stuff this in the stocking of the girl-on-the-go. The all-in-one beauty tool works as a makeup and skincare application brush, and its vegan bristles guarantee zero shedding. This set also includes a makeup sponge and travel bag, so your go-getter has everything in one place.
6. Talley & Twine Worley Chronograph Watch
Classic, timeless, and couture – this high-end wristwatch embodies style and function. Perfect for the man who buys himself everything (sigh), this watch has a fully-functional chronograph design with working dials and sundials.
These adorable (and giggle-inducing) dog hoodies are the perfect gift for the pup parents in your life. Keep it fresh, Fido.
8. Cloth and Cord Handmade Hoop Earrings
Handmade items just feel more special, don’t they? These lightweight, vibrant red African wax print hoops make a gorgeous statement and will thrill any jewelry lover or fashion fiend.
If you want to support women-owned business…
Gift a little love in the form of these adorable, mini heart earrings. These minimalist stud earrings are plated in 18k gold, 18k rose gold, rhodium, or sterling silver. Not feeling the hearts? The female-founded business also features plenty of other simple, eye-catching pieces that make a statement.
2. Humble Chic Vegan Leather Backpack Purse
Founded by women and it’s cruelty-free? Yes, please. This chic, fashionable vegan backpack is perfect for the wanderlust gal pal who needs more storage for her daily life essentials.
Need a white elephant gift idea? These fun 3D socks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and induce a few laughs. And while kids are generally unimpressed by socks (or clothes for that matter), we have a heavy suspicion these may be one of their favorite stocking stuffers.
4. Spa Destinations Ultimate Bath and Shower Experience Kit
Support three causes and bring the spa home with this ultimate bath and shower kit, which contains loofahs, sea wool sponges, body wash, and body lotion. Not only is this self-care kit Made in USA, it’s also women-owned, and cruelty-free.
This is for your friend who lives in activewear. You know, the one who thinks gym leggings are acceptable in her work wardrobe? (Okay, but maybe they are). This women-owned athletic line has plenty of showstopping sets to choose from for your fitness-crazed besties.
Inspire creativity in the kids with this au naturale face paint. Each kit contains six colors of natural earth paint: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and brown – so parents can inspire carnival-like fun at home. Plus, it’s Made in USA – so you can feel good about supporting your neighbors during the season of giving.
7. eeBoo Create and Tell Me a Story Cards
These totally unique, and interactive story cards allow kids to let their imaginations run wild. Help parents switch it up at bedtime and help kids improve their reading skills. It’s a win-win for everyone and the gift that keeps on giving.
8. Poo-Pourri In A Pinch Pack Toilet Spray Gift Set
Okay, we know what you’re thinking…bathroom spray? These practical poo-pourri sprays are perfect for the frequent traveler who may be a bit…shy about the happenings in the bathroom. We all have that friend who holds it until they get home. Give them the gift of release in peace.
One reviewer called these stylish sneakers “a beautiful shoe for the modern Egyptian God.” This should come as no surprise as the line was inspired by African Royalty. With its high-quality leather, exquisite attention to eye-catching details, and all-around fresh feel – you’ll make the fashion-forward man in your life very happy.
Don’t forget to shop Consciously this holiday season. Happy shopping!
