Merry christmas readers, and welcome to gal-dem’s guide to gift giving this festive season. Never fear, late shoppers of the world, we have you covered. Read on for our recommendations for beautiful gifts to give this year.
1. Magazines
Where would we be without a little shameless self promotion? That being said, 2017 has been an incredible year for independent publishing, especially that run by black and POC groups. Our recommendations? A mix of print and online subscriptions that cover everything from fashion & art, to sexuality and identity.
2. Art
2017 saw a huge number of POC independent exhibitions pop up across London, and we fell in love. Whether it’s the identity exploring creations of Joy Miessi, or the intricate embroidery of Nicole Chui, we’re planning on gifting our friends with the work of some of gal-dem’s favourite artists this festive season. You can reach out to the artists either via their shops, or instagrams for purchases.
- Joymiessi.bigcartel.com
- Jsthompson.wix.com/jasminethompson
- Instagram.com/thatsewnicole
- http://charlotteedey.com/
- @veedzo
- @cutedyke
3. Ibile Botanica
Help your friends out with their health kick new year’s resolutions with a purchase from Ibile Botanica, a shop that sells a range of herbal teas and balms all designed to promote wellness and feminine healing.
4. Suhaiyla’s jewellery
If jewellery is more your style, check out gal-dem fave Suhaiyla Shakuwra’s unique gemstone and cowrie shell creations. You can find her work on her instagram page @suhaiylashakuwra and at London Fields Sunday market.
5. Jacob V Joyce 2018 Herstory calendar
In 2016, artist and activist Jacob V Joyce blessed us with their 2017 Black History Year calendar, featuring beautiful depictions of revolutionary & radical figures from African or Caribbean descent. This year they’re back again with a calendar focussing on the work of black womxn.
6. Beauty Cocoon subscription
For the make-up obsessed friends, a subscription to inclusive beauty box Beauty Cocoon is the perfect gift. Monthly deliveries of makeup and skincare tailored to under-represented skin tones in the beauty industry are delivered to your door, from mainstream and independent brands.
7. hand-made gifts and home decor
For those of us with a taste for culture, but preferably without feeding into further appropriation of “African-inspired” products, Sapelle is your new ethical hand-made gifts, stationery and homeware, accessories and apparel haven and you’re very welcome. Products are sourced in partnership with ethical artisans across Africa who uphold the same fair wage and environmentally friendly practices Sapelle sets by reducing, reusing and recycling most materials with minimal waste.
African print hardcover notebooks and journals can also be found at Gazelle London: http://www.gazellelondon.co/products
8. HOODRICH lifestyle clothing brand
Hoodrich is one for the grafters among us. This Birmingham-based lifestyle brand consists of streetwear-inspired collections ranging from tees to hoodies, headwear and accessories for all to rep. Their strong motif is illustrated all over, with a clear reminder of their growth ‘From Nothing To Something’. If you’re looking to bless that special someone with a limited edition tracksuit, Hoodrich have you sorted.
9. Lucocoa Chocolate
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If you didn’t think Christmas could get any sweeter, say hello to Lucocoa Chocolate. Self-proclaimed as London’s first independent bean to chocolate maker with no refined sugars, Lucocoa Chocolate “makes luxury ethical chocolate that is better for you and removes the guilt from guilty pleasure.” Lucocoa’s supply chain transparency is refreshing as the beans are ethically sourced across the world, primarily in South America and Caribbean, above the ICE price ($500) with details of each farm available on the website. With an array of chocolate selections and mouthwatering recipes to match, such as the Limited Edition Bars To Celebrate Our Women Farmers*, a variety of stockists can be found on the website as well as purchased online.
*Each chocolate bar depicts a woman from their global farms. Minni Forman – Belize – 73% Belize; Idelsa Brito – Dominican Republic – 70% Dominican Republic; Yasmira Lisbeth – Guatemala – 73% Guatemala
10. Babbu The Painter’s hand-painted apparel and home designs
Not everyone loves to go for the bold, statement looks, but if you know someone who is a constant motive and lives and breathes the very meaning of being a vibe, then you really need not look further than Babbu The Painter. Her ability to fuse modern desi diaspora pop-art with streetwear is unmatched with a variety of gifts on offer from her “No Means No” illustrated tees and fleeces to hand-painted kettles, mugs and denim jackets.
11. Luxury Fie Cushions
Christmas doesn’t need to break the bank, nor should it be a cause of stress especially when wrapping up the year alone can seem like a joke – where you’re the pun. Fie (pronounced ef-ee-ye) means home in the Akan languages Twi and Fante. They produce luxury cushions at affordable prices using traditional African fabrics made in partnership with Ghanian artisans, which further funds the artisan’s practices back in Ghana.
12.Unique By Yuni terrarium plants
As it dawns on us that, with Christmas approaching, a new year is almost upon us. Bring new life into someone’s world with a unique handmade terrarium plant. With a five star rating, UniqueByYuni creates miniature worlds to be hung or placed as a beautiful interior to brighten up any room. From spheres to dinosaurs and geometric casings, these terrariums come in various size and shapes and allow you to pick the one best suited to that person in mind.
