By SHEENA TATUM

Courtesy of Sophistishe.com

For two years, I’ve wanted to create an African American gift guide, but I’ve somehow managed to become distracted both years. Realizing that I need to make a better effort to complete personal goals/projects of mine, I decided to finally check one off my list. So today, I’m taking a break from my usual blog duties to finally share this year’s “Holiday Gift Guide For African American Families.”

These gift ideas come from companies that are Black owned or celebrate and cater to African American culture in some way form or fashion. Many of these are products that we already own or plan to purchase in the near future. I hope you enjoy them and share them with your family and friends. Happy Holidays and happy shopping!

1. Mama (Africa) Ring
Pay homage to the Motherland with a gorgeous Africa statement piece.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACEIMAGES

2. Chocolate Hair
Dubbed the natural hair bible, CHVC is a comprehensive guide featuring everything you need to start a healthy hairstyling routine with your kinky-curly haired child.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHISTISHE.COM

3. Hape Doll House Family
These Waldorf inspired dolls are perfect for imaginative play in any dollhouse.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHISTISHE.COM

4. The Ezra Jack Keats Collection
This DVD is an engaging way to read along to classic stories and a wonderful way to indulge in a little screen time.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

5. Happy Girl Natural Hair Print
This print is sure to add some whimsy in Babygirl’s room. If I ever have a girl, this’ll be one of her first possessions.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHISTISHE.COM

6. I Really Like My Afro Tee
This is the perfect tee for kiddos embracing their fros. I can’t wait to pick one up for Juicy who enjoys twirling his ringlets.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ETSY

7. Personalized Christmas Rag Doll
She’s a classic at an affordable point, making it a must-have for every little girl on your list.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WALMART

8. Daily Reminder Krobo Bracelet
In the midst of life’s ups and downs, these beautiful bracelets are there to provide a little uplifting. As a dreamer, the Live The Life You’ve Imagined bracelet serves as encouragement whenever I need it.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WALMART

9. One Love Doll
10. Snowy Day Doll
I almost fell out of my chair when I discovered Merry Makers Inc., creator of dolls and toys based on well- known children’s books. We just had to have the One Love and Peter dolls to go with our One Love and The Snowy Day story books. Hat tip to Diary of a First Time Mom for suggesting we check out Merry Makers Inc.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MERRYMAKERSINC.COM

11. Black Pearls Book
With the turn of recent events, I think we could all use a little daily uplifting. This is a great lil’ book to keep on the nightstand.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

12. Handmade Loc Charms
Looking to adorn your crown? I absolutely love these charms currently gracing my locs. I’m totally going back for more.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHISTISHE.COM

13. Bino and Fino DVDs
I’ve been admiring Bino and Fino as they share their production updates with the world. This children’s educational cartoon show is full of African culture and history. I can’t wait to download both DVDs for the boys to give them a break from Adventure Time, lol.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BINOANDFI- NOSHOP.COM

14. Oha (Queen to Be)
Fans of Coming to America will appreciate this print! I hollered when I discovered it! LOL!

15. Don’t Tell Me To Relax Tee
As a natural of 9 years, there’s nothing more freeing than being released from the creamy crack. Don’t Tell Me To Relax is one of my absolute favorite graphic tees from Differently Clothing that I wear proudly.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHISTISHE.COM

16. Custom Superhero Prints
Superhero aficionados will appreciate these custom prints that look just like them. They’re just what my heroes need in their headquarters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ETSY

17. Onyx Box
Out of all the beauty subscriptions boxes, Onyx Box has got to be one of my favorites. We Are Onyx is the first all-in-one online beauty destination dedicated to Black Women. Their subscription service offers a box of goodies featuring undiscovered boutique brands and trusted favorites, whose products boast natural and often all-organic ingredients.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AFROBELLA

Sheena Tatum is a self-described: introverted free-spirit and serial dreamer obsessed with all things tropical and carefree. She loves inspiring others to live wholly and find beauty in the mundane. She married her Jr. High sweetheart and together, they raise three tiny humans in NW Indiana. According to Tatum, “I don’t always get it right, but I’ll keep trying anyway. To contact her email: sheena@sophistishe.com. For more gift ideas, visit www.sophistishe.com/african-american-holiday- gift-guide/