Republish this content

<h1>8 Gift-Buying Alternatives to Amazon That Support Communities of Color</h1>
It’s that time of year again!

Retail stores across the country are decked with twinkly lights and tinsel, advertising “the best deals” to eager shoppers as they scramble to get the perfect gifts for their loved ones (to the tune of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, of course.)

This holiday season, shoppers are expected to spend <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/industry/retail-distribution/holiday-retail-sales-consumer-survey.html?id=us:2em:3na:holiday:dup3524:awa:cip:102616"> an average of $1,536</a>&nbsp;per consumer. Giant corporations like Walmart, Target, and Amazon will take in a great portion of the $1.1 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/18/retailers-could-ring-up-more-than-1point1-trillion-in-holiday-sales.html">retailers are projected to make</a>. In 2017, during Thanksgiving week alone, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2017/12/08/amazons-impressive-holiday-season-performance-sends-a-message-to-retail-giants/#36da383a7bd1" target="_self" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Amazon made an estimated $15 billion</a>.

While patronizing these large corporations can get us the latest or biggest gadget at a reduced price, it doesn’t do anything to address the problem of economic inequality.

Imagine if small businesses—particularly those owned by people of color—could garner a larger cut of that trillion dollars. An exec like <a href="https://qz.com/1446803/jeff-bezos-lost-20-billion-and-was-still-the-worlds-richest-man/"> Jeff Bezos could lose $20 billion</a>&nbsp;and still be one of the richest men in the world. But a bump in revenue for a business owned by Black, Latino, Native, or Asian people could make all the difference for those owners’ communities—which for some of us may even be our own community.
<blockquote>By 2024, the median Black household wealth will have declined by 30 percent, and 20 percent for Latinos.</blockquote>
This, of course, is not to say that this one thing will <a href="/?p=14846" target="_self" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer">close the racial wealth gap</a> that continues to grow—there is no single solution. But supporting businesses owned by people of color could help us move in the right direction.

Historically, people of color in the United States have navigated unfair systemic and institutional disadvantages, including economic inequities. Genocide and “Indian removal” of Native Americans, slavery of African Americans, and the internment of Japanese Americans have all had lasting effects on the ability of these communities to build collective wealth.

<a href="https://ips-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/The-Road-to-Zero-Wealth_FINAL.pdf"> A report by the Institute for Policy Studies</a>&nbsp;found that by 2024, the median Black household wealth will have declined by 30 percent, and 20 percent for Latinos. Native Americans, who are also affected by the racial wealth gap, are often left out of these conversations—simply because not much data exists on their communities. However, Native American families can have poverty rates up to twice the national average, according to the institute.

So what, as individuals, can we do?

Research suggests that <a href="/issues/solidarity/shop-here-not-there-science-says-reducing-inequality-is-almost-that-simple-20171120"> redirecting consumer money</a>&nbsp;can&nbsp; help reduce inequality—by up to 80 percent. Also, small businesses owned by people of color <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2018/11/23/how-small-businesses-can-create-a-culture-of-inclusion/#53d5c1827325" target="_self" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer"> foster a culture of inclusion</a>, meaning more inclusive products and marketing—and fewer racially insensitive campaigns (<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/01/19/hm-faced-backlash-over-its-monkey-sweatshirt-ad-it-isnt-the-companys-only-controversy/?utm_term=.777159ca3a0e">H&amp;M</a>, I’m looking at you!).

But, often, it’s because we don’t know about them that we don’t shop at businesses owned by people of color. However, simply searching Google, or asking for a recommendation from a “friend” or “follower” on social media can help.

Or useful magazine articles, like this one!

Here are eight businesses that you can choose to support this holiday season (and all seasons).
<h4><a href="https://www.goodnightdarling.co/pages/about-us"> Goodnight Darling Co. </a></h4>
Know anyone who suffers from insomnia? Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep, and that’s exactly what Goodnight Darling Co. wants for us all. Founder and “chief sleep officer” Aycee Brown struggled with her own relationship with sleep, so she researched different solutions, and created a luxury self-care brand with products to help tired folks everywhere get some shut-eye.
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUnvXkHier/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUnvXkHier/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Goodnight Darling Co. (@goodnightdarlingco)</a> on Oct 24, 2018 at 9:15am PDT</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<h4><a href="http://kashmirviii.bigcartel.com/">Kashmir.VIII</a></h4>
If you’re looking for something unique and creative to give someone this year, check out Kashmir Thompson’s work. A painter inspired by pop culture, Thompson creates work that is bold, fun, and empowering. You can buy her artwork on prints, tote bags, coasters, clutches, notebooks, and mugs. There’s something for everyone (including Beyoncé coasters!)
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-WZsqgdUi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-WZsqgdUi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Kashmirviii.com (@kashmirviii)</a> on Dec 4, 2018 at 9:43am PST</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<h4><a href="https://ivystea.com/">Ivy’s Tea Co.</a></h4>
Tea is the perfect gift for people you don’t know that well but want to buy gifts for—like your co-worker or your bus driver. Owned by herbalist Shanae Jones, Ivy’s Tea Co. offers a number of herbal teas that can replace coffee, relieve flu symptoms, and even help with anxiety. Jones’ teas are organic and locally sourced, and her blends are created with the Black community in mind. Ivy’s Tea Co. is at the intersection of tea and social justice, and every Friday the <a href="https://atlantablackstar.com/2017/06/05/entrepreneur-wont-leave-activism-behind-achieves-great-success-combining-tea-company-social-justice/"> company donates</a>&nbsp;a portion of its sales to charitable organizations.
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqfbEWWFeoI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqfbEWWFeoI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Ivy's Tea Co. ☕? (@ivysteaco)</a> on Nov 22, 2018 at 9:27am PST</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<h4><a href="https://greenboxshop.us/">Green Box Shop</a></h4>
If you have to buy a gift for a millennial who is passionate about social justice, this is the perfect place to do it. The Green Box Shop was started by Kayla Robinson when she realized the market was lacking in cool social justice T-shirts. Now, the online boutique offers T-shirts, hoodies and water bottles with bold statements like, “Deport racists,” “You were brainwashed into thinking European features are the epitome of beauty,” and “The only minority destroying America is the rich.”
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqpoYumAO38/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqpoYumAO38/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Find Your Medicine &amp; Use It (@greenboxshop)</a> on Nov 26, 2018 at 8:36am PST</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<h4><a href="https://trickstercompany.com/">Trickster Company</a></h4>
Founded by Native siblings Rico and Crystal Worl, Trickster Company carries a variety of products, from clothing to jewelry to home goods. They aim to promote “innovative Indigenous design” with their products, with a focus on art of the Pacific Northwest cultures. Trickster company is part of a larger <a href="https://trickstercompany.com/pages/friends"> group of Native creatives</a>&nbsp;who are, “pushing the economy of Native art into the modern era.”
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj74eYRBicx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj74eYRBicx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Trickster Company (@trickstercompany)</a> on Jun 12, 2018 at 12:03pm PDT</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<h4><a href="https://valfre.com/">Valfr<span>é</span></a></h4>
Founded by Mexican-born artist and designer Ilse Valfré, this Los Angeles-based company offers clothing and accessories perfect for anyone who does not subscribe to the status quo. After getting rejected by magazines and editors, Valfré took to social media to share her artwork, and slowly began amassing followers. Her work is inspired by her love for comic books, and her distinct style can be seen in every product—such as her take on the <em>Lotería</em>, the Mexican game of chance, printed on shirts and tote bags.
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqn0-u1g9tA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqn0-u1g9tA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Valfré (@valfre)</a> on Nov 25, 2018 at 3:48pm PST</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<h4><a href="https://mrcoryscookies.com/">Mr. Cory’s Cookies</a></h4>
Friends and family with a sweet tooth will appreciate cookies made by Cory Nieves, 14-year-old CEO of Mr. Cory’s Cookies. His entrepreneurial spirit started young, at age 6, when he decided to sell hot chocolate to save money for a car—because he didn’t want to take the bus to school anymore. Eventually, he started selling cookies, too. Cory and his mother Lisa Howard, COO of Mr. Cory’s, experimented until they found the perfect cookie recipe, a cookie worthy of building an empire.
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrB568flCuw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrB568flCuw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Mr. Cory's Cookies� (@mrcoryscookies)</a> on Dec 5, 2018 at 6:51pm PST</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<h4><a href="https://www.thentvs.com/">The NTVS</a></h4>
At the intersection of Native American history and pop culture is The NTVS (the natives). Founded by Natives Aaron Silva and Sam Rosebear, this urban clothing and accessory company is meant to preserve the importance of Native culture and history in today’s modern world. Their team is made up of people from various tribes—even their artists and models are Native. Some of their designs have deep meanings and address serious issues, like their “My culture is not a costume” shirt, while others are lighthearted and humorous, like their Stormtrooper helmet design with a Native twist. They even have a “stocking stuffers” tab on their website to make holiday shopping that much easier.
<blockquote style="width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnKABySnQRS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12">
<div>
<div>
<div style="height: 40px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div>
<div style="height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<p style="height: 17px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnKABySnQRS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style="height: 17px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by The NTVS (@ntvsclothing)</a> on Aug 31, 2018 at 1:13pm PDT</p>

</div></blockquote>
<script src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<p>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.yesmagazine.org">Yes! Magazine</a> at <a href="https://www.yesmagazine.org/economy/2018/12/12/8-gift-shopping-buying-alternatives-to-amazon-that-support-communities-of-color">https://www.yesmagazine.org/economy/2018/12/12/8-gift-shopping-buying-alternatives-to-amazon-that-support-communities-of-color</a>.</p><link href="https://www.yesmagazine.org/economy/2018/12/12/8-gift-shopping-buying-alternatives-to-amazon-that-support-communities-of-color" rel="canonical"/><p>Yes! Magazine is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of ... . Learn more at <a href="https://www.yesmagazine.org">Yes! Magazine</a></p><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://www.yesmagazine.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=11546&ga4=G-74QJNNY44Z" style="width:1px;height:1px;">

8 Gift-Buying Alternatives to Amazon That Support Communities of Color
It’s that time of year again!

Retail stores across the country are decked with twinkly lights and tinsel, advertising “the best deals” to eager shoppers as they scramble to get the perfect gifts for their loved ones (to the tune of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, of course.)

This holiday season, shoppers are expected to spend  an average of $1,536 per consumer. Giant corporations like Walmart, Target, and Amazon will take in a great portion of the $1.1 trillion retailers are projected to make. In 2017, during Thanksgiving week alone,  Amazon made an estimated $15 billion.

While patronizing these large corporations can get us the latest or biggest gadget at a reduced price, it doesn’t do anything to address the problem of economic inequality.

Imagine if small businesses—particularly those owned by people of color—could garner a larger cut of that trillion dollars. An exec like  Jeff Bezos could lose $20 billion and still be one of the richest men in the world. But a bump in revenue for a business owned by Black, Latino, Native, or Asian people could make all the difference for those owners’ communities—which for some of us may even be our own community.
By 2024, the median Black household wealth will have declined by 30 percent, and 20 percent for Latinos.
This, of course, is not to say that this one thing will close the racial wealth gap that continues to grow—there is no single solution. But supporting businesses owned by people of color could help us move in the right direction.

Historically, people of color in the United States have navigated unfair systemic and institutional disadvantages, including economic inequities. Genocide and “Indian removal” of Native Americans, slavery of African Americans, and the internment of Japanese Americans have all had lasting effects on the ability of these communities to build collective wealth.

A report by the Institute for Policy Studies found that by 2024, the median Black household wealth will have declined by 30 percent, and 20 percent for Latinos. Native Americans, who are also affected by the racial wealth gap, are often left out of these conversations—simply because not much data exists on their communities. However, Native American families can have poverty rates up to twice the national average, according to the institute.

So what, as individuals, can we do?

Research suggests that  redirecting consumer money can  help reduce inequality—by up to 80 percent. Also, small businesses owned by people of color  foster a culture of inclusion, meaning more inclusive products and marketing—and fewer racially insensitive campaigns (H&M, I’m looking at you!).

But, often, it’s because we don’t know about them that we don’t shop at businesses owned by people of color. However, simply searching Google, or asking for a recommendation from a “friend” or “follower” on social media can help.

Or useful magazine articles, like this one!

Here are eight businesses that you can choose to support this holiday season (and all seasons).
 Goodnight Darling Co. 
Know anyone who suffers from insomnia? Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep, and that’s exactly what Goodnight Darling Co. wants for us all. Founder and “chief sleep officer” Aycee Brown struggled with her own relationship with sleep, so she researched different solutions, and created a luxury self-care brand with products to help tired folks everywhere get some shut-eye.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Goodnight Darling Co. (@goodnightdarlingco) on Oct 24, 2018 at 9:15am PDT

Kashmir.VIII
If you’re looking for something unique and creative to give someone this year, check out Kashmir Thompson’s work. A painter inspired by pop culture, Thompson creates work that is bold, fun, and empowering. You can buy her artwork on prints, tote bags, coasters, clutches, notebooks, and mugs. There’s something for everyone (including Beyoncé coasters!)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kashmirviii.com (@kashmirviii) on Dec 4, 2018 at 9:43am PST

Ivy’s Tea Co.
Tea is the perfect gift for people you don’t know that well but want to buy gifts for—like your co-worker or your bus driver. Owned by herbalist Shanae Jones, Ivy’s Tea Co. offers a number of herbal teas that can replace coffee, relieve flu symptoms, and even help with anxiety. Jones’ teas are organic and locally sourced, and her blends are created with the Black community in mind. Ivy’s Tea Co. is at the intersection of tea and social justice, and every Friday the  company donates a portion of its sales to charitable organizations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ivy's Tea Co. ☕? (@ivysteaco) on Nov 22, 2018 at 9:27am PST

Green Box Shop
If you have to buy a gift for a millennial who is passionate about social justice, this is the perfect place to do it. The Green Box Shop was started by Kayla Robinson when she realized the market was lacking in cool social justice T-shirts. Now, the online boutique offers T-shirts, hoodies and water bottles with bold statements like, “Deport racists,” “You were brainwashed into thinking European features are the epitome of beauty,” and “The only minority destroying America is the rich.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Find Your Medicine & Use It (@greenboxshop) on Nov 26, 2018 at 8:36am PST

Trickster Company
Founded by Native siblings Rico and Crystal Worl, Trickster Company carries a variety of products, from clothing to jewelry to home goods. They aim to promote “innovative Indigenous design” with their products, with a focus on art of the Pacific Northwest cultures. Trickster company is part of a larger  group of Native creatives who are, “pushing the economy of Native art into the modern era.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trickster Company (@trickstercompany) on Jun 12, 2018 at 12:03pm PDT

Valfré
Founded by Mexican-born artist and designer Ilse Valfré, this Los Angeles-based company offers clothing and accessories perfect for anyone who does not subscribe to the status quo. After getting rejected by magazines and editors, Valfré took to social media to share her artwork, and slowly began amassing followers. Her work is inspired by her love for comic books, and her distinct style can be seen in every product—such as her take on the Lotería, the Mexican game of chance, printed on shirts and tote bags.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Valfré (@valfre) on Nov 25, 2018 at 3:48pm PST

Mr. Cory’s Cookies
Friends and family with a sweet tooth will appreciate cookies made by Cory Nieves, 14-year-old CEO of Mr. Cory’s Cookies. His entrepreneurial spirit started young, at age 6, when he decided to sell hot chocolate to save money for a car—because he didn’t want to take the bus to school anymore. Eventually, he started selling cookies, too. Cory and his mother Lisa Howard, COO of Mr. Cory’s, experimented until they found the perfect cookie recipe, a cookie worthy of building an empire.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. Cory's Cookies� (@mrcoryscookies) on Dec 5, 2018 at 6:51pm PST

The NTVS
At the intersection of Native American history and pop culture is The NTVS (the natives). Founded by Natives Aaron Silva and Sam Rosebear, this urban clothing and accessory company is meant to preserve the importance of Native culture and history in today’s modern world. Their team is made up of people from various tribes—even their artists and models are Native. Some of their designs have deep meanings and address serious issues, like their “My culture is not a costume” shirt, while others are lighthearted and humorous, like their Stormtrooper helmet design with a Native twist. They even have a “stocking stuffers” tab on their website to make holiday shopping that much easier.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The NTVS (@ntvsclothing) on Aug 31, 2018 at 1:13pm PDT

Republish this content

Inspiration in Your Inbox.