In The Community
As the holiday season moves full steam ahead, the inevitable dread for those who aren’t quite the natural gift-givers begins to set in. But fear not, Luz has you covered. We’ve shared our staff gift picks and our fave food items for those pesky stockings and holiday parties. Now it’s time to keep our fave Latinx-owned businesses on the good list. You can stay off the naughty list by impressing the masses with your gift choices while also supporting Latinx products. What’s better than that?
Candles
The trick to gifting candles is gifting one the receiver relates to. Try gifting that zodiac lover a zodiac sign-themed candle. Got a quirky friend? Try a candle that smells like a celebrity (yes, these things exist). Weird, but very unique. Have a friend who is obsessed with Harry Styles? A candle exists for that too – a Harry Styles-themed candle. So, if your friend loves a good candle burning in their home we’ve got a few on our minds:
Bonita Fierce
These Latino-inspired candles are perfect. With scents that are reminders of their culture, do we even have to say anything more?
Vela Negra
If your friend isn’t into the adorable packaging and instead wants a very simple candle that still smells bomb, Vela Negra comes with all-black packaging. Ideal for them, and fits in more sober or minimalistic styles.
Books
Sometimes a thoughtful card and a handpicked book are enough. For those booklover friends you can gift them a book from their favorite author, a limited edition book, or anything that they may enjoy.
For some inspiration, we’ll give you an example. There once was a secret santa exchange for a friend who had just gotten a puppy, and knowing she would be that wild dog mom (no shame), I bought her Dogstrologyby Luna Malcolm. Yes, an astrology book about dogs so you can know their personality, weaknesses, you name it. She loved it. So as you can see, presents don’t have to be pricey; it should just make the other person think, “Wow, they really know me.”
Latinx in Publishing
So for all your book purchasing needs, Latinx in Publishing can help you purchase from independent Latinx-owned bookstores. And you can find books written by Latinas here.
Apparel
Many Latinx-owned businesses sell apparel, whether it’s a boutique, custom-made shirts, or artists’ merch. For any clothing item as a gift, make sure you know their correct size because keep in mind, many of these small retailers don’t offer exchanges. Then think about what they like, are they Bad Bunny fans? Do they wear simple tees with no design? Or do they like wearing something with a bold statement?
Hija De Tu Madre
If your friend likes wearing shirts with a relatable saying, check out Hija De Tu Madre. Any of their apparel will make your friends feel empowered, all while looking good.
Luz Shop
If you didn’t know, your fave Latina publisher also makes apparel that you can gift to all the ladies and allies in your life. Who wouldn’t appreciate a shirt that says they’re allergic to machismo?!
@hijadetumadrela #Rokeras WYA🎸👇?! Collection drops today @ 9am PT. #fyp #latina #latinas #latinx #BenefitOfBrows
Makeup
For the people who have makeup lover friends, listen up. Places other than Ulta and Sephora do exist. These Latina-owned businesses care about how the makeup looks on different shade ranges because they know Latinas come in all shades. Their product presentation also makes for a festive and fun gift. Yes, these are perfect presents to gift your friends, but who said you can’t treat yourself and buy some products for yourself too?
A La Antigüita 💦🧼 #lavaderitoss #lavadero #alaantigüita #mexicana #latina #hispana #mexicancheck #fyp #foryoupage #fypage #makeup #makeuphacks
And for those tools that touch our face almost every day, all makeup lovers should also be enthusiastic about keeping those brushes clean and bacteria-free. So for that, check out:
This mini lavadero is perfect for cleaning those makeup brushes and sponges. The mini zote’s cuteness is to die for.
@gabymarentes5 A La Antigüita 💦🧼 #lavaderitoss #lavadero #alaantigüita #mexicana #latina #hispana #mexicancheck #fyp #foryoupage #fypage #makeup #makeuphacks
Skincare
Skincare products and wellness are always good gifts to give to anyone. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to know what to buy for the other person. If you’re buying skincare, have they mentioned a product they wanted to try? Is there a natural ingredient they love and swear by? Do you want to gift them something that they need or a little extra for that self-care day? Here are a few Latinx-owned ideas:
Nopalera
They’re all about that good cactus. We all know cactus has what seems like a million uses and Nopalera has mastered the cactus for skincare. They have some cute and heavenly products for your skin and body. Their cactus flower exfoliant is a must-try and a must-have.
Today at Cultured South #atl #atlanta
Becalia Botanicals
They sell bath soaks, bath bombs, and body butter with unique scents like horchata, cocoa, coco leche, and hibiscus. Perfect gifts for anyone who wants to pamper themselves. It sounds like a dream!
@becaliabotanicals Today at Cultured South #atl #atlanta
What are you waiting for? Get on over to some of these Latinx-owned brands and wait for the smiles they produce when that gift-receiver tears away that heart-felt packaging. Sustainability pro-tip: try using newspaper and grocery store paper bags as wrapping. We haven’t bought gift wrapping paper in years! Happy Holidays!
November 24th is Small Business Saturday and as usual, Luz will use it as a platform to celebrate Latina strength. How, you ask? There are 28M Latinas in the US today, and our annual spend power is $700 BILLION DOLLARS.That’s Billion with a B! So ladies, let’s use those hard earned dollars to support our community. To make life easy, we’ve curated 15 of Luz’s favorite Latina-Owned shops and encourage you to spend some holiday dollars supporting hustling ladies like these.
1. Brown Badass Bonita
With a mission of “creating healing and empowering art pa’ la raza”, founder Kimberly gives us life with shirts like this. And you know you have the perfect prima in mind for this gift. Available on Etsy for $24.99
2. Jen Zeano Designs
Founder Jen Zeano is our kind of woman. According to her site, she believes in “kindness, girl power, staying up til 2am, over dressing, having cake for breakfast, and celebrating every tiny victory”… same, girl! All her products are eco-friendly and made in the USA, so get this for that friend who loves to look cute and recycle.
3. GetYrPHX
This is one of our favorite shops not just because of the cleverly subverted images of pop culture, but because Kayden (the badass LGBTQ Latina behind this shop) is a creative powerhouse! She’s developing a graphic novel called Jalisco about a Latina super hero who launches blades from her folklorico dress – are you kidding me?! Check out this Wonder Woman + Cat Woman kiss pin and follow her shop. Available on Etsy – $10
4. TALLAO
Florida based Yisi “GC” brings us so much joy with her creativity. A proud mother and wife, she built a company rooted in the creativity she shared with her own mother growing up. She gets what it means to be both Latina and American – surf her site, and take a good look. I’m pretty sure my whole squad is getting something from here.
5. Crafty Chica
Founded by Kathy Cano-Murillo, Crafty Chica has a huge range of products I never want to live without again. Our favorite is this “Self-Love & Confidence” Soy Candle to remind that extra hustling friend to take a breath and find center. This dessert-scented candle will bring just the right amount of sweetness and luz to her life.
6. PowerliftingChica
This one is for your extra dramatic, but self aware girl. You know… the one who asks for the 2 pumps half-caf, non-fat extra hot lattes…but she’s also the one who admits she’s a pain, and has your back when you need her. Yes, that one. And if that friend is you, toss this in your cart with pride.
7. Lil’ Libros by Patty Rodriguez
This is a no-brainer. If you have kids, nieces or nephews, get some of Patty Rodriguez’s Lil’ Libros for your mom. She’ll have a blast reading these bilingual books to the kids, and they’ll get to know some of Latino culture’s biggest icons! There’s Celia, Selena, Frida and more!
8. Iliana Designs
Hands down, Iliana is one of our favorite designers. She creates beautiful, bright, strong images of Latinas in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You’ve probably seen us share her work before, and we’re proud to recommend her for your shopping this holiday. The woman is TALENTED and you can bring one of her prints home or gift it to your friends this Christmas.
Available on Etsy – $15.00 (ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Best deal on the internet)
9. Marias Vinyl Creations
This simple, affordable gift is something you can give alllllll the primas this Christmas.
10. Little Things Tiendita
Speaking of primas, check out this Prima Gift Box! Give this to the fam that’s your ride or die. It comes with two “prima” stemless wine glasses, two cantaritos, a hangover bag, and all kinds of latino candies. Pour, snack, and enjoy!
11. Raggedy Tiff
Founder Jessica Resendiz was born in Queretaro, Mexico but was raised in San Diego most of her childhood. She was always stylish and not afraid to create her own look, creating her own hair accessories and even clothes starting at 8 years old! She launched Raggedy Tiff after graduating from FIDM, so it’s no wonder her style is so modern, bold, and sleek. It feels like our traditions are reimagined. This bracelet is perfect for your artsy friend (or damn, I might keep this myself!).
Available on RaggedyTiff.com – $55.99
12. Luna Sangre
Aubrey of Luna Sangre is a bold queer Latina artist/creator/entrepreneur and we love her work. Her wearable art is handmade in Southern California, and honors what we love most about our culture. These make for great gifts for your bright, confident and stylish friends. Check out her other work!
13. Claudia Ramos Designs
There’s just nothing like Claudia’s graceful simplicity. The graphic designer, illustrator, and mom is “inspired by cuteness,” and delivers it at every step. Her voice is strong, her merch is one of a kind, and this little stitch piece would look perfect next to the cafecito mugs.
14. Give Me Luz Shop
Last but not least, check out the Give me Luz Shop. If you’re on this page, odds are you like the content you’ve seen from us, and are a pretty powerful Latina yourself. So….why not buy an #ALPHALATINA shirt for you, and all the powerful mujeres who surround you? Available on Give Me Luz Shop – $24.99 Happy shopping, ladies!