The most thoughtful gift giver is one who is fully attuned to what makes their giftee unique. Are they an animal lover who considers their pets proper children? Is it a label-hoarding friend who loves luxury and a bit of conscious consumption? Are you shopping for someone who only ever asks for gift cards? Knowing all these things will lead you to unearth what is sure to be the perfect present.
To help us answer some of these questions, we’ve called upon Issa Rae, who admits to Vogue, “I am fully a last-minute shopper. I am the worst shopper, actually. I always struggle and stress to find the perfect gift, and I always seek help. I’m the person who will be shopping in the mall or at some of my favorite small businesses on the 23rd and 24th to try to circumvent the last-minute shopping. I suck and holiday gifting stresses me out.”
This year Rae plans to spend the holidays getting some R&R with loved ones. “This has been such an intense, back-to-back year, and I really prioritized work over my personal time. I’m super excited to spend quality time with my loved ones and travel,” she says. But before she takes off, she’s curated an array of giftables available at the ByBlack Bazaar by American Express—a pop-up marketplace in downtown Los Angeles that features 16 Black-owned businesses and provides an in-person space for these style-forward brands to connect with customers ahead of the holiday season.
To Rae, the perfect present is about not stressing: “It truly is the thought that counts,” she says. “I also think it’s nice to support local small businesses this holiday season, as this could have a profound effect on them. Minority-owned small businesses have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, so it is more important than ever to support them however we can as well.”
If you’re in Los Angeles, the ByBlack Bazaar by American Express pop-up launches today and continues through tomorrow in downtown Los Angeles. And for those beyond L.A., see below, where Rae has unearthed the perfect present for every tricky gifting scenario—whether you’re shopping for a coworker you barely know or a mom who returns everything you gift. Turns out Rae does not, in fact, “suck” at gift giving.
For the Coworker You Barely Know
Any of the Miletree candles! This brand was launched in November 2020 by Shanice and draws on her Caribbean heritage to provide a tranquil and relaxing experience for all who purchase her candles.
For the New Boyfriend or Girlfriend, But You Don’t Want to Go Overboard
Any of the plants from Queen Los Angeles; it specializes in premium plants and designer pots.
For the High-Fashion Friend Who Loves Anything With a Logo
A dress from Sammy B, created by Samantha Black—a women’s ready-to-wear clothing line with an eclectic edge. You’re sure to impress a high-fashion friend.
For the Mom Who Returns Everything You Give Her
Body oil from Sknmuse. This brand utilizes West African beauty practices to elevate the beauty experience for the modern Black woman.
For the Sister Who Prefers Gift Cards to Wrapped Presents
A photograph from New York City–based, Syracuse-raised, self-taught photographer Mel D. Cole—she is one of hip-hop’s most accomplished and celebrated photographers and would definitely wow your sister.
For the Brother Who Only Ever Asks for Socks
Any of the casualwear items from Danzy Design Studio. Founded by Marshall Danzy Taulbert in 2018, this vintage shop is full of inspiration from Taulbert’s childhood and has unique, long-lasting pieces.
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