4 Black-owned businesses to make your white elephant gift Blackity-Black-Black

This holiday season, as we’re returning back to work and gathering more with friends and loved ones, gift giving can totally take over your life! To avoid purchasing gifts for everyone, many people choose a secret Santa gift giving option to ensure everyone receives a present without breaking the bank. But did you know there is also another option for holiday season giving?

White elephant gift exchange is a form of gift giving where each participant brings a wrapped gift to exchange. In order to exchange gifts, each person chooses a number and, in sequential order, each person picks and unwraps a gift. The next person can either choose a new, wrapped gift or steal the gift of the previous person. This goes on and on until all gifts are given. This is a fun and unique way to exchange gifts with loved ones within a certain budget. This year, make it a Black elephant exchange and shop at these four Black-owned businesses at varying price points for your gift contribution.

Mielle Organics: Give a gift to the curly crew from Mielle Organics and expect to get thank you cards well into 2022 . Founded by registered nurse, Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics carry products from hair/skin care to dietary supplements formulated with “a unique proprietary blend of herbs, amino acids and minerals to support healthy hair, skin and nails, and immune system”. Not only are the ingredients top notch, but the reputation of the products and its results is amazing!

SK & CO: Have your gift become the most clamored for item at the gift swap with beautiful African print dresses and tops (with matching masks) by East African designer, Sarah Kenyi. The stylish designs and prints of the garments are perfect for any size and can be incorporated into any wardrobe. With classy and versatile silhouettes, an SK & CO piece is a one of a kind item that will have whoever receives it stylin’ and profilin’ in 2022.

McBride Sisters Collections: For the wine lovers in the group (well who isn't one since the pandemic), receiving this as a gift will be a treat that cannot wait until Christmas to open. Founded by two newly found sisters, both from areas known for their delicious wine (California and New Zealand), the McBride Sisters have a huge selection of red, white and sparkling wine (even candles!) all infused with BLACK GIRL MAGIC!

Talley & Twine: Now if you have a higher price point for your white elephant exchange (Real Housewives of Atlanta style), Virginia-based Talley and Twine is for you! Featured in more than a dozen magazines and publication outlets, founder Randy Williams’ goal was “to create a quality, detailed, attention-grabbing timepiece that spoke to a market that has been ignored by mainstream companies”. Bringing this gift for your white elephant gift not only oozes luxury and rich-b*$%h energy, but you also won’t be that friend that brought a really bad wig as a gift (shame, shame Drew Sidora!).

Disclaimer: all the products featured in this article were independently selected by the author. Audaz may collect a share of sales or other compensation if purchases are made through the selected links. Product availability and prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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Li Lee

Native Brooklynite and home chef, AB Lee has a natural zest for life, food and anything that sparks joy (Marie Kondo style). Her writings and recipes provide the scene to reflect on her Afro-Caribbean upbringing, relate with her ever-changing present in the Big Apple and reveal her internal thoughts and inside jokes all behind the comforts of the keyboard.

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