ONLINE GIFT SHOPS & HOMEWARE
This is a London-based “illustration lab” that sells pop culture influenced prints, books and homeware online. Their products have been sold in stores such as Oliver Bonas and Scribbler. This adult colouring book would make a good gift for a dog lover.
Cherelle started out designing and selling greeting cards that 'uplift and celebrate the beauty of a more inclusive and diverse society.' Since then the business has become a multi- award winning brand that has been stocked in Paperchase and Moonpig and now sells notebooks, note pads, prints and cotton lunchbags! I think that this 2021 Affirmation Diary would make a nice present to a young pre-teen/teenager.
Avila.diana is a greeting store that also has a section selling prints, notebooks and mugs. If you know anyone who is a nurse then lookout for the 'Phenomenal Women Collaboration' which has two prints to choose from. ( the prints say 'women' on them so just a warning if you wanted a gift for a male nurse. )
Founded by Ricki Lawa, his shop sells candles that are vegan-friendly, soy candles that are hand-poured in London. What makes them stand out is that the label on the candles contain plant seeds and once you're done with the candle you can use the empty glass jar to plant the seed and watch it grow! They have created a limited edition ‘Conscious’ candle which is fragranced with geranium essential oil to help de-stress and descrease anxiety. The candle retails at £24 and £5 from every candle sold is donated to the Black Minds Matter UK charity. They also sell candle making kits too!
If you're looking for affordable prints then this Etsy store is the place for you. These minimalsitic inspired prints range from £6-£24 with the majority priced at £6-£8.
ONE STOP ONLINE SHOPS
Yard and Parish sells jewellery, clothing, beauty and homeware. They have a lovely Self Care Discovery box (£49.99) which contains a Minzaani Shea Sucre Lip scrub and body butter, a Tanaka handmade Earle Grey, Bergamot and Cardamom soap, a candle from Liha and a gold rimmed trinklet plate from Afton by Palm. Also check out Line and Honey, they have a gorgeous lounge satin line art scarf (£25) as well as this minimalistic Eyes to the Sun print (from £18) . I also love these Spiral Omi earrings from Relic London they are made from gold plated silver with a simulated pearl (£30.)
Sancho's Shop The Home of Sustainable Fashion
If you are after an ethical and sustainble gift then Sancho's is the place to shop. This brass 4 ring stack (£14) are handmade by Bombolulu, a social enterprise in Kenya who not only create beautiful jewellery but provide opportunities for people with physical disabilities. The rings are nickle free. Another option are these unisex lioness t-shirts (£22) which are made from 100% fair trade organic cotton and are available in black and white from size XXS-XXL. Alternatively slippers make such a cozy, practial gift and these Egos slippers (£39) are handmade using pure new wool and eco friendly dyes. They are designed in Denmark and made ethically in Nepal. They have a double sole to be extra comfortable, They come in blue, black, dusky rose and natural grey. If you're looking for a pampering gift then this Organic Soothing Aphrodite Facial oil by Magic Organic Apothecary (£28) may fit the bill. It is a blend of hydrating rosehip oil, damask rose, yarrow and geranium. Rosehip is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids which help to restore skins elasticity, calm redness, irritation and protect against environmental stress that can lead to age spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
Ebonyx describes itself as an Afrocentric marketplace, a hub for African goods and inspiration.
I love this Vive Con Style 'Progress not Perfection' note book (£14.99) because this mantra sets realistic, motivating goals for study or work. I love it so much I'm going to pick one up! This sustainable handmade back pack from Kirosha Krochet (£65) is made from recycled t-shirt yarn and PU leather. If you're looking at jewellery then this flags of Africa necklace (£14.44) from Isura Jewellery is made from gold plated stainless steel with a 45cm (18″) chain that you could layer with other gold necklaces. If you're buying for someone who's into vegan beauty then The Mango Girl bundle (£45.97) may be the answer. The bundle contains a toner and anti aging face mask and serum. The Rose Aloe toner is rich in Vitamin C to brighten and tone the skin.The anti-aging serum is blended with carrot infusion and aims to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The face mask contains green tea to help reduce the signs of premature ageing by improving the elasticity of the skin. It also contains cucumber, watermelon and apple extracts. On orders over £25 Ebonyx will donate to the Deworm the World Initiative.
KIDS
This online store was set up by Pamela who felt it was important for children to have access to toys and dolls that are culturally diverse to represent, educate and empower children. They sell teddies and elephants made from African print fabric, dolls that are bi-racial/mixed, black, white with red hair or have viligo (which I imagine would start a coversation explaining and educating what the the skin condition was.) They also sell books, quizes, puzzles and games.
This store sells plimsols that can be decorated with fabric pens. The founder David feels that art is important for developing children's creativity and confidence. He wanted to convey the message that ‘there are no mistakes in art.' Plimsol packs include stencils, fabric pens, straps and white canvas shoes which currently retail at £22-£25.
Imagine Me stories sells children's books in which black and ethnic children are represented. The founder wanted to see that "every child grows up seeing their realities reflected in books and that all children are able to read diverse stories about different experiences." They also have a book subscription service and one off boxes.
FASHION
Everyday Froday sells lots of cool slogan tees and sweatshirts, such as "I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams” “ powered by jollof!" and "Stay Woke" (£24.99) below.
Maroon Dawta sells African inspired t-shirts with prices that range from £14-17. I like the unisex Balance T-shirt below (£17) it's available in black and navy with sizes ranging from S-3XL.
Inoir sells sporty, shapewear clothes. Some tops have a Calvin Klein/Armour/ millennials aesthetic and others feature African prints.
SPECIAL MENTION Alero Jasmine I love the clothes that they sell but since everything is sold out at the moment you need to wait for a restock.
JEWELLERY
Faetured in Cosmoplitan, Omo Lola Jewellery is a sustainble business selling afforable, modern jewellery. They also have the popular gold cowie shell earrings that are sold out everywhere else on sale!
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| Cowie Shell Hoop Earrings £3.30 / Gold Cowrie Shell Earrings £14.50 / Bola Earrings £16.50 |
Thea Smartt Henry makes jewellery from polymer clay. She likes expiermenting with the different textues she can make, so pieces may look like they are made stone, metal and china. Her style is modern/ artsy, some are influenced by batik patterns, bubbles, stone and flowers.
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| Link to earrings |
