Now that we have passed the two busy online shopping seasons of Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday, many people find that they are still looking for items that can be crossed off their shopping lists. Although inflation and empty shelf issues may make it more difficult for you to find what you need, especially for last-minute shoppers, they also provide a great opportunity to shop directly from black, indigenous, and BIPOC-owned businesses Come to support local small businesses that can benefit from your hard-earned money. Remember, in order to move towards fairness, the most important thing is that we transfer funds to those who are systematically denied access to wealth. If you are looking for a place to start, here is a guide to help you complete the task (but remember to check the delivery date with the website or store): 

Noir Lux Candle Company is a small candle shop run by black women. Its motto is "Life is short. Order that candle. Keep it lit" with your favorite music as the background to inspire your relaxation, and their CinnaBAE The scent of the candle enlivened the atmosphere. They also offer a 90-minute "sipping + pouring" candle making course, which can be attended virtual or in person. Candles can be found online and at selected local retailers. 

Owner Colina Bruce said: “When you look at data and statistics, there must be differences in who the small business owner is and the advantages or disadvantages of the small business owner based on factors such as socioeconomic status, race, etc.” Bruce plans to open a physical store in 2022. He shared: "Some of my non-black colleagues may have more funding channels, whether through friends and family, or through loans or grants." For companies owned by BIOC, this is challenging. She said she relies on the support of customers and supporters from her village to create sustainability. She also said that because small businesses of color "frequently produce handmade products that come from our own resources, all of our products carry a little extra love and intention." 

You may have heard of Boon Boona coffee or visited their locations in Renton or Seattle, but this local coffee company—connecting our locals’ love of this beverage with the owner’s East African roots—is online Many choices are provided, including their three originated in one origin sample box, which is a perfect gift. If you are looking for more types of coffee, the Intentionalist's Coffee Like It Matters gift certificate allows you to visit different BIPOC-owned coffee shops in the greater Seattle area. If you want to pair a coffee gift with some handmade chocolates, check out Hot Chocolat, which offers a variety of chocolates for those who like to enjoy delicious dishes. You can also use Irene's Grazing gift vouchers that offer exquisite handmade cheeses and specialty meats to give grazing gifts, or order a bread subscription from Moon Village Bakery. 

For those seeking art, there are many outstanding local collectives featuring BIPOC artists, such as Native Works and yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective. Another option that features artworks, cards, gifts, and various clothing from local watercolor artists is Yardia. If you check the store locator, you can find their products in many local stores. Or, if jewelry is more in line with your style, check out AYA Jewelry Design’s handmade silver products.

The Sacred Circle Gifts and Art gift shop offers a variety of online products made by indigenous artists, including toys and games for all ages. You can find everything from stuffed animals and puzzles to decolonization cards: disturbing card games and more. If you are looking for gifts that combine education and art, you can find a lot of children's books online at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse Store. These books cover everything from learning to count to the animals of the Salish Sea, and will surely attract your child's attention and imagination. 

Because paying attention to the environment is always important, here are some ideas to upgrade and make your own gifts, such as this DIY laptop bag or this video, which shares how to make reusable food wrappers with only a few supplies . Or, consider giving someone your time or a thoughtful letter, or find other cunning ways, such as recycling socks to make sock puppets. The material is easy to reuse; instead of sending it to a landfill, use it as a gift wrap! 

Below is a list of upcoming events, where you can make last-minute shopping. 

This list is by no means intended to be a comprehensive guide for local BIPOC shops, artisans and pop-up shops, but to encourage changes in the way you consume within your community. Hope this change will continue throughout the year. When you decide to buy an item, don’t go to companies like Amazon and Target, but focus on building a network of other options. One way is to look at guides such as Spend Like It Matters by Intentionalist or Buy Black Listing by Seattle Good. The other is to contact your friends, family, and neighbors; those in your own network may own the businesses they have been buying. Finally, stay informed and focus on organizations that are committed to addressing these differences, as they will often share BIOC businesses that you can support during the holidays and throughout the year. 

The normal pressure of the holidays may be exacerbated by increased commodity costs and current supply chain shortages, but these challenges are great opportunities for us to concentrate our spending power where it matters most. During this period, many BIPOC companies could not benefit from owning a storefront, and could not rely on customer support to continue operations. These small, locally-owned BIPOC companies are least likely to benefit from the massive online sales of Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday, so it is more important to find ways to help maintain their ability to bring products to the world and our families.

Patheresa Wells is a poet, writer, and storyteller living in SeaTac, Washington. Her mother is black and her father is Persian. Her experience as a multicultural child shaped her desire to advocate and expand the community. She is currently studying at Hyland College in Des Moines. Follow her on Twitter @PatheresaWells.

📸 Featured images courtesy of M_Agency/Shutterstock.com

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