Buzz
1. Liquid Matte Lipstick from The Lip Bar, crafted with a rich, long-lasting pigment that stays put all day. Say goodbye to constant touch-ups after every drink or snack!
The Lip Bar is a woman-led brand. All of their products are vegan and cruelty-free, offering more than just lipstick — check out their full range of face and eye makeup too!
Here's what my colleague Kayla Boyd says about this lipstick: "I use The Lip Bar's matte liquid lipsticks regularly, and the formula is simply amazing. It lasts all day, the color payoff is fantastic, and it doesn't dry out my lips — something that's so hard to find in matte lipsticks."
Get it from The Lip Bar for $13 (available in 18 shades) or Target for $12.99 (available in 10 shades).
2. A candle from Harlem Candle Company that radiates elegance and warmth. Once the candle has burned down, it transforms into a stylish cocktail glass. It's the perfect two-in-one gift!
This Black woman-owned business was founded in 2014 by Teri Johnson, combining her passion for jazz music and the spirit of Harlem.
Here's what my colleague Sally Elshorafa has to say about the candles from Harlem Candle Company: "The soy-based candles are blended with unique fragrance oils. I recently finished a tin of the Holiday scent, and it lasted way longer than other candles of the same size. Now, I'm enjoying the Speakeasy candle, which smells incredibly rich and luxurious. If I'm home, a candle is always burning. But I think I'll try to stretch out the Speakeasy one to make it last longer."
Grab the 22K Nightclub Map of Harlem Savory Luxury Candle for $65, the Speakeasy candle for $48, and explore their other scents.
3. A set of four deliciously fragrant candles from FORVR Mood that capture a whole vibe. With playful scents like "Caked Up" and "Left On Read," this luxurious collection is perfect for your daily gossiping BFF.
FORVR Mood is a brand created by YouTube star and beauty influencer Jackie Aina. Their collection of self-care products, like the candles mentioned above, is designed to help Black women indulge in the luxurious care they deserve.
Promising review: "I absolutely adore these candles! They make my home feel cozy and welcoming. FORVR Mood really sets the vibe and adds an energy to your space that you never knew you needed!" —Sade B.
Get the candle set from FORVR Mood for $143.
4. A charming satin-lined hat that prevents hair from becoming staticky when you take it off. Plus, you can remove the faux-fur pom-pom on top for a different look!
Honest & Faithful, a small business based in Virginia, also offers satin-lined hats for kids!
Promising review: "I've bought several of these hats for myself and my loved ones. We all adore them. They’re exactly what we need to protect our hair. Plus, the color options are fantastic." —Adenah
Get it from Honest & Faithful on Etsy for $20.50 (available in five colors).
5. A gigantic puzzle (we're talking 3 feet tall!), available in six different designs. Each one features a STEM theme and a member of the fictional Dadisi Academy Crew, a diverse group of characters eager to introduce kids to exciting new topics. Who said learning can't be fun?
6. A children's skincare bundle from Proudly that includes everything new parents need to keep their baby’s skin clean and moisturized. These products are specially formulated for babies of color, ensuring their delicate skin stays nourished and hydrated!
Proudly was founded by celebrity couple Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade with the mission to create a baby care line designed specifically for children of color. While raising their four kids, they struggled to find products that used gentle ingredients while addressing their kids' unique needs, so they took it upon themselves to fill that gap in the market!
This set includes lotion, baby wash, baby oil, all-over balm, and baby wipes.
Promising review: "My son Levi, who is 4 years old, absolutely loves these products! We’ve always been meticulous about his skincare, so he immediately noticed how different the Proudly products made him feel. He loves how soft his skin feels and how it glows. My husband has trouble with dry hands, and the nourishing oil is a game-changer for him! I even use the balm for some of the dry patches I’ve gotten during pregnancy. Our baby is due in November, and let’s just say, I’m only asking for Proudly products from family and friends as gifts." —Levi
Get the bundle from Proudly for $35.96.
7. An intriguing alcohol infusion kit from InBooze – each kit comes with a pouch of dehydrated fruits, spices, and herbs. Simply steep the pouch in alcohol for a few days, and it will infuse the alcohol with all those delicious flavors. Then, mix it with some seltzer or your favorite soda for an easy, flavorful cocktail!
Each kit makes enough for 8-10 cocktails!
InBooze is a Black woman-owned business located in Grandville, Michigan. Each handmade InBooze packet contains a pouch of dehydrated fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs to infuse your alcohol. One kit is enough for 8–10 cocktails.
Promising review: "This is a delicious addition to tequila. The pouch is filled with whole dried fruits that really bring flavor to your drink. I highly recommend this product. It's also perfect for those on a lower-carb diet — you can add seltzer and fresh lime for a lighter drink." —Kirsten Charles
Get the spicy margarita kit from In Booze on Etsy for $18 (check out the other flavors here).
8. The Rhyme Antics game if they have a talent for words and you want to give them a chance to showcase their lyrical abilities at the next party they attend.
9. An adorable mug to remind them of the happy things in life. It's a perfect gift for someone going through a tough time — they’ll think of you and smile every time they take a sip!
Raven and Unicorn is a Black woman-owned Etsy shop based in Raleigh, North Carolina. They offer a variety of cards, mugs, and other giftable items featuring the creator's unique designs.
Get it from Raven and Unicorn on Etsy for $25+ (available in two sizes).
10. A jar of raw honey from Zach & Zoë, infused with wildflower and raspberry flavors, so they can add a touch of sweetness to their day. You might want to grab two jars because this delicious honey disappears fast!
11. A Hairbrella that can be conveniently stored in their bag, ready for any unexpected weather. The satin-lined cap prevents frizz on rainy or humid days, while the visor keeps precipitation off their face.
12. A succulent garden puzzle from EcoVibe, featuring double-sided design, making it a perfect choice for homebodies who love spending time indoors surrounded by their many succulents!
EcoVibe is a Black-owned, family-operated, and woman-led business based in Portland, Oregon, that specializes in selling plants, gardening accessories, and supplies.
Get it from EcoVibe for $15.99.
13. Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush from Fenty Beauty, the perfect gift for any makeup enthusiast always eager to try something new. They'll love how effortlessly this blendable formula glides on.
Fenty Beauty, founded by the iconic Rihanna, offers a blush that is both vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I’m typically not into cream-based products, but this one has completely converted me. It gives a lovely finish. Whether on bare skin or layered over foundation, it looks great. You can apply it with fingers, a Beauty Blender, or a brush. It's customizable in terms of intensity and gives a healthy glow." —Ver0x0
Get it from Sephora for $22 (available in seven shades).
14. A luxurious set of 100% linen sheets — the perfect gift for someone who has just moved into a new home and would love a high-end upgrade to their bedding.
Linoto, founded by Jason Evege, is known for its top-tier linen products, including sheets, towels, napkins, and even boxers.
Promising review: "The fabric quality is amazing. It's absolutely worth the wait since each item is made to order. From now on, I will only buy my bedding from Linoto. Their quality truly exceeds expectations! Thank you, Linoto!" —Kim C.
Get it from Linoto for $299+ (available in 11 sizes, four styles, and 29 colors).
15. A flavorful gift box from Lillie's of Charleston, featuring their signature hot sauce, mustard BBQ sauce, and a spice rub to elevate any meal. You might even want to get one for yourself — it’s that delicious!
16. *Alternatively*, consider a set of hot sauces from Hot N Saucy, made with vegetables and peppers that will absolutely blow their taste buds away. This is not your average hot sauce — it’s an explosion of flavor!
Hot N Saucy is a Brooklyn-based, Black woman-owned brand that specializes in crafting small-batch, vegetable-based hot sauces.
Get it from Hot N Saucy for $30.
17. A body care gift set from Beelove, which includes a shower gel, body lotion, and lip balm, all infused with honey. It’s the ultimate “treat yourself” gift for anyone in need of a little relaxation after a stressful time.
Beelove is a Black-owned, Chicago-based business that specializes in all-natural, honey-infused body care products and raw honey. They also support former prison inmates by training them to become beekeepers and offering job opportunities.
Get it from Beelove for $40.
18. A stylish handbag with neutral tones and an elegant, structured design that pairs perfectly with virtually any outfit. Gift this to your trendiest friend and watch them rock it daily!
Lilly's Kloset is a Black-owned, woman-led small business based in Houston, Texas, founded by Kemetria Lilly. She’s dedicated to offering stylish and affordable fashion for all.
Promising review: "This bag holds all my essentials and pairs beautifully with so many dresses. I’m in love with it." —Stacie P.
Get it from Lilly's Kloset for $42.
19. A pair of stunning statement earrings inspired by Matisse's iconic cutout art. Wearable art in earring form!
Moon-Seed is a Black-owned small business from Charleston, South Carolina, renowned for its stunning, hand-crafted earrings.
Promising review: "Absolutely fabulous! I ordered the gold ones, and I am in love with them. They're incredibly lightweight, and the craftsmanship is flawless. Fast, friendly service, and they're a delight to wear. I will definitely be ordering more!" —Angela L.
Get them from Moon-Seed for $38 (available in six vibrant colors).
20. Or consider The Carver Tassel Earrings from The Tiny Tassel if they love bold jewelry that makes a statement. These versatile earrings will complement nearly every outfit in their wardrobe!
The Tiny Tassel is a woman-owned business based in Charleston, South Carolina.
I had the pleasure of visiting The Tiny Tassel store during my bachelorette trip in 2022, and I instantly fell in love with it! Their items are bursting with color, and their signature tassel earrings are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Even though I don’t have my ears pierced, I was thrilled to discover that many of their earrings come in a clip-on style! I ended up purchasing two pairs—one white pair that matches everything, and a bright pink pair for a pop of color. I wear them constantly and always get compliments when I do!
Get yours from The Tiny Tassel for $34 and check out their handmade jewelry here.
21. Why settle for plain wineglasses when you can gift a colorful set of stunning stemware? These vibrant glasses will elevate any wine experience—even if it’s a budget-friendly bottle! They'll make sipping feel special every time.
Estelle Colored Glass is a Black woman–owned small business that creates vintage-inspired hand-blown pieces in beautiful jewel tones.
Get a mixed set of six from Estelle Colored Glass for $185 and check out their other glassware here.
22. A Luv Scrub mesh exfoliator to use in the shower to buff away all that dead skin so they'll end up with the smoothest skin ever. It's also much more hygienic than a loofah!
Luv Scrub is a Black-owned, woman-owned business from Brooklyn, New York, known for its innovative mesh body exfoliators. These exfoliators are inspired by traditional mesh scrubs used by West African women for generations.
I personally love the Luv Scrub! Before trying it, I used a loofah that I replaced only every few months (when I remembered!). The thought of all that bacteria makes me cringe now! The Luv Scrub is a much cleaner option, plus it lathers beautifully. Its length makes it perfect for reaching my whole back, and it effortlessly removes dead skin, leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. I use it before shaving my armpits and legs, and I’ve noticed a smoother, bump-free shave when I do. I think my hair even grows back slower since I started using it! After I’m done, I just hang it up to dry in about an hour, which also makes it a great travel companion.
Get it from Luv Scrub for $18 (available in five colors).
23. Gift them a nourishing hair mask from Briogeo, made with avocado and kiwi to leave hair feeling softer and more moisturized after just two uses. This mask is especially amazing for curly hair — just look at the bouncy curls in the picture below!
Promising review: "When I first used this hair mask, I saw immediate results! My hair, which was incredibly dry, became unbelievably soft. It's been dyed, and I've never seen or felt it so healthy. Even before dyeing, it was never in such good condition." —Albie
Available on Briogeo or Amazon for $39.
