Staff Report

So often, black shoppers have expressed frustration over having trouble finding ornaments, wrapping paper, apparel and other holiday decorations that look like them.

But its 2017 and there are several companies that have worked to fill the gap by introducing products that black families can be proud to have in their homes Two of those companies are Greentop Gifts and ItsABlackThing.com.

Last year, Jacquelyn (Jackie) and Shaun rodgers introduced us to Clarence Claus, the friendly-faced black Santa whose likeness donned wrapping paper, mugs and other Christmas items.

Jackie and Shaun created Clarence after being unable to find Christmas decorations that their son elijah could relate to. unsurprisingly, Clarence went viral and he’s back again for the second year with familiar favorites and new products.

It’sABlackThang.com sells a wide variety of products that cater to black consumers and the holidays are no different. The online retailer has tons of Christmas ornaments and decorations that would be right at home in a black household.

Here are some of our favorite items from both companies:

Clarence Claus Close Up Wrapping Paper from Greentop Gifts features a close up of friendly-faced Clarence. The gift wrap is 27×6 inches and each roll wraps roughly 3-5 gifts depending on the size of the gift. Retails for $7.50. visit www.greentopgifts.com to order or view more merchandise.

My 1st Christmas Onesie from Greentop Gifts is 100 percent soft, preshrunk cotton, has a three-snap bottom closure and double-stitching on the neck, arm and leg openings. retails for $18. Visit www.greentopgifts.com to order or view more merchandise.

Clarence Claus Mug from Greentop Gifts is perfect for sipping your favorite warm beverage. enjoy coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate or hot tea in this 11 oz stoneware mug. retails for $9.99. Visit www.greentopgifts.com to order or view more merchandise.

Clarence Claus Button from Greentop Gifts is the perfect way to jazz up your holiday flair. Only 1.25 inches, the button is perfect for a stocking stuffer or an ugly Christmas sweater party. retails for $1. Visit www.greentopgifts.com to order or view more merchandise.

Baby’s First Tree – African American Santa Claus from It’sABlackThang.com is a 9-inch tall display of Santa helping a precious child celebrate their first Christmas by delivering a Baby’s first Christmas stocking. The unique white Christmas tree is decorated with rattles, baby shoes and teddy bears. Retails for $74.95. Visit www.itsablackthang.com to order or view more merchandise.

Jesus Christmas Swirls Ornament is made of hand blown glass and features a printed title and scripture with a satin ribbon to hang on the tree. Retails for $9.95. Visit www.itsablackthang.com to order or view more merchandise.

Evergreen Love – African American Mr. and Mrs. Claus from It’sABlackThang.com is an 11.5 inch collectible that expresses love in the shape of an evergreen wreath. Retails for $109.95. Visit www.itsablackthang.com to order or view more merchandise.

African American Christmas Cards from It’sABlackThang.com are an assorted mix of 15-5×7 cards and envelopes with varying designs and messages inside. Retails for $13.99. Visit www.itsablackthang.com to order or view more merchandise.

7-Piece African American Nativity Scene will be the centerpiece of your holiday decorations. It’s made of cold cast resin and hand painted with a size range of 3.25 inches wide by 1.75 inches high and 4.25 inches wide by 9.2 inches high. Retails for $169.95. Visit www.itsablackthang.com to order or view more merchandise.