Summertime means birthdays, graduations, Father’s Day, and weddings, which means many are on the hunt for the perfect gift to give to their loved ones. We want to make the process a little easier, which is why we’ve compiled a list of Black-owned shops that offer vegan and vegan-friendly gifts. From vintage clothing to candles and imported teas, you are sure to find the perfect present after browsing these online retailers (many of them have a physical storefront, too!).
Read on to find out which Black-owned shops we recommend, and maybe even order a little something for yourself as well!
MILES Culture
Ships Nationwide
Shopping for a fahionista/o? MILES Culture is your one-stop shop as they offer vintage clothing, hoodies, crewnecks, accessories, and handbags. Ty Holloway, designer and owner, chose the name of his shop in part to pay homage to his mother, Martina, whose maiden name is Miles, and also to reflect the durability of his streetwear fashions as they will last for miles. ‘90s kids will adore the Vintage Puffed Track Jacket, which comes in a blend of bright teal, blue, and hot pink colors. The signature tees and hoodies also make excellent gifts and come printed with original photos that the MILES team screenprints in Ty’s native Philly. Each graphic represents moving subjects, such as horses, automobiles, and an adorable pitbull named Pete.
Love Cork Screw
Ships Nationwide
Your special someone will be feelin’ fine with the wines from Love Cork Screw (LCS). The Chicago-based winery was created by Chrishon Lampley, the owner, négociant, and wine enthusiast. The company uses grapes supplied by small farmers, then produces, bottles, and labels the wine under the LCS name. Best of all, the wines are vegan! The Gift Set comes with 2 wines of your choice (choose from Pinot Grigio, Sweet Riesling, White Table Wine, Red Table Wine, and Rosé), a candle, and a body butter, making this the perfect package to send to your BFF on their birthday. While the company’s main focus is wine, in addition to candles and body butter, you’ll also find apparel and home goods as well.
*Please note that Love Cork Screw cannot ship to the following states: OK, RI, UT, MS, KY, DE, and AL.
Estelle Colored Glass
Ships Nationwide
We think the perfect way to accompany the gift of wine is with beautiful glassware to pour it in, and if you agree, check out the hand-blown glass collection from Estelle Colored Glasses. The online shop offers wine stemware as well as stemless glasses in a variety of unique and vibrant colors, like amethyst, emerald green, and coral peach pink. We also love this company’s backstory, in which the founder, Stephanie Summerson Hall, was inspired at an early age by her grandmother, Estelle, who had a passion for antiquing and was always adding to her colored glass collection. This marked the start of Hall’s love for the unique glassware, and became the catalyst for Hall to eventually open a shop of her own.
Scotch Porter
Ships Nationwide
Wondering what to get Dad for Father’s Day? Scotch Porter is your answer. The brand sells multi-purpose, handmade men’s grooming products, all of which are free from harmful chemicals, animal ingredients and animal testing. Calvin Quallis, the founder, believes that men should have access to quality skin, beard, and hair care items without having to break the bank, which is why he started the company from his kitchen in Newark four years ago. Keep Dad looking fresh with the Premium Collection, which comes with facial and beard products like face scrub and beard balm, which is sure to become his new favorite skin care routine!
Aziza Handcrafted
Ships Nationwide
Want to make your loved ones feel like royalty? Of course you do, and they certainly will with the gorgeous pieces from this Brooklyn-based jeweler. Aziza Nicole, the founder and artist, handcrafts each item she sells, doing everything from designing to cutting metal and polishing the finished product. Each necklace, ring, bracelet, and palm cuff is designed to be gender-neutral, so there is something for everyone at the online shop. All jewelry is made to order, so you can choose everything from the metal right down to the stones and sizing.
The Lip Bar
Ships Nationwide
This vegan and cruelty-free brand is defying industry standards with their bold and unique lipsticks. After getting turned down by investors on Shark Tank, the founder, Melissa Butler, decided to take matters into her own hands. The beauty mogul went from making lipstick in her kitchen to selling her products in more than 450 Target stores nationwide, as well as opening a flagship in Detroit. Now, let’s get to the goods. The makeup enthusiast you know will love the liquid matte lipsticks, which come in nude, red, purple, and hot pink shades, with sassy names like Man Eater, Boy Trouble, and Unimpressed. If you’re shopping for a child, you’re in luck! The Lip Bar Littles collection comes with a bundle of 3 all natural lip glosses made with the perfect amount of sparkle and no chemical ingredients. In addition to lip care, the brand also offers face and eye makeup. Use code VEGOUT for a special discount!
Mateo New York
Ships Nationwide
Wondering what to buy for the minimalist in your life? Mateo New York is a great place to start. Founded by self-taught jewelry designer Matthew Harris, the brand exudes an aesthetic of sophistication and minimalism. While the main focus of the online shop is women’s jewelry, the candle collection is just as elegant and simplistic. The Pearl Candle will effortlessly blend into any room, and combines sage, cardamom, and amber scents.
Ivy’s Tea
Ships Nationwide
That friend with a whole lot of class and just the right amount of sass will cherish a gift from this pop culture and hip-hop inspired tea brand. Ivy’s Tea Co., which was launched in November 2016 by herbalist and tea connoisseur Shanae, offers tea blends as well as china to drink it in. Each tea is named after a song or popular TV show, like C.R.E.A.M. (a blend of peppermint and spearmint tea leaves), and Sister Sister (a blend of German Chamomile Flowers, spearmint, rose petals, lavender flowers, and cinnamon). Grab your friend’s favorite tea leaves, and then be sure to check out the teacups and saucers, which come adorned with phrases like “Boss B*tch” and “Boy Bye.”
Jacq’s
Ships Nationwide
Want to give the gift of glowing skin? Check out the vegan and cruelty-free skin care products from Jacq’s. The brand was created by Barbara Jacques, who was diagnosed with an ovarian tumor during her pregnancy. After developing nontoxic solutions to meet the needs of her changing body, Barbara founded the skincare line for women of all ages and skin types. Each product is formulated using tropical ingredients sourced locally in South Florida, and made by hand in Miami. The beauty and bath bars come in Wild Hibiscus & Carrot, Plantain & Activated Charcoal, and Yucca & Lavender scents. Gift one of the cleansing bars with an Organic Balm Cleanser and Moisturizer (infused with jackfruit & vanilla extract) and treat your loved one to a spa day!
Bold Xchange
Ships Nationwide
Need to purchase a birthday gift, but not sure exactly where to look? We suggest starting with Bold Xchange! The retail shop was created by Danielle and Doug as a way to sell products sourced exclusively from black-owned businesses. The online store has everything from socks and dress ties to self-care and home decor products, including a build-your-own candle set—we’re sold!
Marché Rue Dix
Ships Nationwide
Nestled in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, this cultural concept gem offers a curated assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, beauty products, and home goods, as well as imported coffees, teas, and spices. Lamine Diagne and Nilea Alexander are the brainchild behind the shop and adjacent cafe that specializes in Senegalese cuisine. Send a warm hug to someone through the Lit De Rose Tea blend, which is made using black tea leaves, rose petals and comes packed in a beautifully decorated container.
The Lit. Bar
Ships Nationwide
Treat the bookworms in your life to a good read from this indie bookstore. The Lit. Bar was created by Bronx native and resident Noëlle Santos, and is also the one and only bookstore in the entire borough. The online shop carries everything from books on social justice to fiction and children’s publications. If you are in the Bronx area when the physical bookstore reopens, be sure to check out their literary and community gatherings.
Glow Candle Bar
Ships Nationwide
Can we ever have enough candles? Of course not! Whether you’re shopping for your sister’s birthday or a college graduate who is getting their first apartment, candles are the perfect go-to gift, especially ones from Glow Candle Bar. The company was founded by Brianna A., a girl boss and lover of all things self-care. Each candle is made with soy wax (vegan + clean burning), eco-friendly wicks, and phthalate-free fragrance and essential oils. Choose from scents like Melanin Goddess (patchouli, jasmine, musk, amber, sandalwood, and vanilla), Strawberry Champagne, Mango Martini, and Pecan Waffle to name a few. The shop is also featuring a Juneteenth candle this month, which is their Melanin Goddess scent. 100% of the proceeds from this candle will be donated to the Louisville Bail Fund in support of the protestors fighting for justice for Breonna Taylor. The Juneteenth candle will only be available until June 14 or while supplies last, so get one while you still can!
