Gift like theGrio: Last-minute gifts with intention

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25 Days of Holiday
Just because it’s a gift card doesn’t mean it’s not thoughtful; these Black-founded brands are a last-minute shoppers’ saving grace.
Listen, holiday shopping is hard — so hard, one could nominate it to become an Olympic sport. Shopping centers are packed and often lack versatility due to the rise of online shopping. Meanwhile, in the virtual shopping aisles, the abundance of options can become overwhelming, and delivery fees and shipping lags can lead to you spending way more than anticipated. Not to mention, the responsibility of finding gifts that are meaningful and useful can induce so much anxiety it inevitably leads to procrastination.
Whatever your reason is for being a part of the last-minute shoppers’ club, you’re not alone, and theGrio has got you covered with gifts that arrive instantly and can be just as thoughtful as anything gift-wrapped – gift cards! Offering a range of price and product options, gift cards allow you to control your budget while giving those closest to you the agency to choose something that suits their personal style.
With a bevy of options that also allow you to support Black-owned brands, theGrio has suggestions that will make your recipient smile while allowing you to sit back and enjoy the holiday season.
Many in the Black community love the convenience of protective styles — but hate the costs that come with them. This holiday season, contribute to your loved one’s next protective style by gifting them a gift card from Rebundle, a Black-owned hair company creating sustainable, plant-based, itch-free braiding hair.
Click here to purchase a Rebundle virtual gift card.
Creating a world in which scent and skincare work together, Moodeaux is a Black-owned fragrance company that prides itself on creating long-lasting, skin-nurturing, earth-friendly eau de parfums. “Made for the unapologetically outspoken rebel inside us all, Moodeaux believes self-expression is the best self-care.”
Help your loved ones discover this world of fragrance with a Moodeaux gift card.
Founded by artist and designer Jonnell Chavez, Junction is a brand designed to represent the intersection where art and design meet. From jewelry to lifestyle products, each piece is carefully handcrafted and curated by Chavez to reflect the idea that “the modern woman is one who is not defined by societal expectations, but by her own beliefs, desires, and ambitions.”
Click here to purchase a Junction gift card.
Based in Chicago, Kido is a children’s boutique operating on principles of diversity, sustainability, and originality. Through the sales of unique products affirming the dynamic personalities of children, the brand puts a special focus on children of color, kids with disabilities, and non-traditional families to promote learning and acceptance for all.
Gift families a gift card from Kido.
With a focus on customers’ knowledge of Black history and cultural reading experience, Essence Book Gallery is an online bookstore on a mission to uplift the rich legacies of our culture. Open to all yearning to learn about Black history, the brand’s catalog features an array of books and stories.
Give toward your loved ones’ library with a gift card from Essence Book Gallery.
For the streetwear lovers and sneakerheads in your life, Union LA is the ideal destination. This Black-owned marketplace specializes in cool, unique items from around the world, from exclusive sneaker drops to pieces from the hottest streetwear brands.
Contribute to your favorite hypebeast’s fly with a Union LA gift card.
Brave+Kind bookshop features a thoughtfully curated collection of intentionally diverse and inclusive children’s and young adult books.
Give burgeoning bookworms their next favorite read with a gift card from Brave+Kind.
Formerly known as Marjani Beauty, Eighth+Kin is a Black-owned beauty retailer that “understands that beauty would be bland and lifeless without the contributions of all women, including, not excluding women of brown and dark hues.” Encouraging shoppers to experience beauty in full color, the brand works to honor Black heritage while building an inclusive legacy for the future.
Click here to shop Eighth+Kin gift cards.
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Offering exclusive luxury African decor, 54Kibo allows shoppers to bring African artisanship into their homes. Explore the endless creativity and talent of the diaspora through the marketplace’s assortment of home decor pieces.
Click here to purchase a 54Kibo gift card.
Inspired by a story, a memory, a place, or, in some cases, a specific scent note, Chris Collins creates fragrances designed to “capture feelings of attraction, daring, and freedom.” From gourmand scents to hypnotic woodsy notes, the brand created a fragrance library where any man (or adventurous scent lover) can find their signature playlist.
Click here to purchase a Chris Collins gift card.
For the proud pet parents, Trill Paw understands they are part of the family. The Black-owned company creates high-quality pet accessories inspired by pop culture to ensure your fur baby gets nothing but the best.
Spoil the pet lovers in the family with a gift card from Trill Paw.
NiLu is a Harlem-based online lifestyle brand and retailer creating and curating a collection of products by Black and brown creators. In a space that celebrates us, advocates for us, and welcomes all who want to do the same, NiLu is a one-stop shop for art, books, home decor, card games, and more.
Click here to shop NiLu gift cards.
Haniyah Philogene is a multimedia storyteller and Lifestyle reporter covering all things culture. With a passion for digital media, she goes above and beyond to find new ways to tell and share stories.