In The Community
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!
And since supporting Latinx businesses is our thing, especially during the holidays, this easy gift-giving guide features Latinx-owned food brands that will impress the receiver of the gift and score you some holiday karma points at the same time.
Nemi Snacks
No one is doing it like Nemi snacks. Before finding out about their existence it never occurred to us to consider mixing these flavors, but we’re happy to report that every single snack bag is a powerful combination. They’re the very first Mexican-inspired nopales crunchy sticks AND they’re vegan. It gets better; with combinations such as chile-turmeric, you’re sure to make someone happy.
Loisa
This gift is great for a family or that person that you know who loves to cook. With this one, whoever’s receiving it will be making meals full of sabor for much longer than the holiday season. Founded by culinary enthusiasts who wanted to provide Latin pantry staples that feed tradition, Loisa sells a variety of spices to make any Latin dish pop. Our pic? The Flavor Trio combo, because if you have adobo, sofrito, and sazón in your life, everything will be alright.
Siete Sea-Salt Chips
If you read our previous gift guide, you know that our very own director of operations is obesssed with these. We trust him, of course, and it turns out he wasn’t lying when he said you won’t be able to put the bag down once you’ve tried just one. Not only are they ridiculously good but they’re also grain-free. Veronica Garza and her family founded this company with their customer’s health in mind. So yes, it makes the perfect gift, or the perfect snack to bring to that holiday party. And now that this brand is growing with even more distribution, you can easily find them in many grocery store aisles.
The Pinole Project
We’re long-timefans of the Pinole Project over here. It doesn’t get any better than a family recipe passed on through generations to create a super-food that is sustainably grown in Oaxaca. Their Pinole-Chia Oatmeal is the perfect gift for anyone, but especially those that are breakfast enthusiasts.
Progeny Coffee
Okay, we know coffee isn’t food but it’s turned into a drink, so cafecito for sure deserves a spot on this guide. Progeny coffee has an exciting array of flavors to choose from, but what makes them even cooler is that they are innovating the coffee supply-chain by ensuring farmers work in quality conditions and make fair profits. You’ll find a selection on their website, but we have to shout out their Alegria bag which has aromas of milk chocolate, caramel, and pear. Who wouldn’t appreciate this gift that does right by everyone from the beginning to end.
Salsaology
Sure, all salsas are great but I think we can all agree that homemade salsas and sauces are the best. Which is why we’re going crazy over Salsaology, a line of cooking sauces inspired by the regional flavors and ingredients of Mexico, made of all natural ingredients and made with care right in their kitchen! Yum! Their one pot simmer sauce gift set is bound to make your secret santa super happy 😉
And there you have it. Easy and delicious gift giving done right. What Latino food items are you getting for the holidays? Tweet us @luzcollective.
