Tanorria's 2020 Holiday Shopping Guide

My holiday shopping plan for 2020 is to focus on shopping black, shopping small, shopping local, and shopping female as much as possible. I’m reducing how much I purchase on Amazon and being very intentional about sourcing gifts from businesses that could possibly not survive 2020 due to the pandemic.

Shirt by Curvy Girl Official

Determining what to buy for friends and family is still a process for me, even while trying to be intentional about how I shop. It doesn’t change the fact that I keep a list of things they talk about, and I try to shop from there. I am still mindful of price because I’m always on a budget. But shopping with intention also helps me to make an impact on my culture, my local community, and other people’s lives. As a business owner, I know first hand what it means to make a sale. It means I get to take care of my responsibilities. I get to help others, and I get to continue on this journey.

I’ve done a lot of clicking and submitting, making purchases while in quarantine. More than I’d like to admit. So let’s consider it research for this blog post! Below is a list of the black, small, local, or female businesses that I have enjoyed purchases from. There are even a few that I have admired for quite some time and still don’t own, but are totally mention-worthy.

These are not affiliate links. I am not getting paid to mention these. Each business I’m listing is a business I believe in, purchase from myself, or admire. This has been a year of coming together (while socially distanced) and supporting each other, and that’s truly my intention with this list this year.

Happy Shopping!

Food

It’s no surprise that I’m starting with food. It’s one of my favorite things and one of my favorite gifts to give and receive!

Variety Chocolate Bonbons

Cocoa Asante is a premium chocolate company that handcrafts truffles using cocoa beans sourced from Ghana. They have a variety of flavors ranging from dark chocolate and raspberry ganache to whiskey-infused caramel. The indulgent truffles make the best gifts...for your loved ones or for yourself. I got to team up with the owner of Cocoa Asante for a fundraiser event in Chattanooga, TN back in September and she is amazing. Her story is inspiring. Buy her chocolates!

FoodLoveTog You guys know I have an affinity to my sister in food, Candace. I have become more and more obsessed with her spiced blends over the last year. They really are delicious on everything. Each house blend is made to order with the freshest spices around. As of 2017, all blends are made with local suppliers native to the Indiana region.

My two favorites: Garlic Goodness & Young Bae

Rise & GRND is my favorite!

BLK & Bold Coffee Specialty Coffee & Tea x Community Impact. Their philosophy is simple, but their product is making an impact in the community and on my taste buds. While Bae was becoming obsessed with tea this year, I was learning more and more about BLK & Bold. Thank goodness their offerings serve us both in the tea and coffee department.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey I went on a mad hunt to find this whiskey for Bae’s birthday and just two months later I was standing next to the great great great great granddaughter of Uncle Nearest while she signed a bottle for us! I am not a whiskey drinker, but this stuff is amazing! The beautiful story behind the brand is an added bonus.

Tanorria’s Table of course! I’m offering virtual cooking classes at a special bundle price this holiday season. Check it out and contact us at Team Tanorria if you have questions!

Beauty

Self-care has been a priority for me this year and that includes trying different beauty products. Some just don’t work for me, but there have been some that have led me to a permanent switch. Here are some brands that I just can’t live without and even have some on my Christmas list this year.

• Bolden USA: This is skincare made for black women by black women. It has become apart of my regular skincare routine.

• Bevel: Bae is in love with these products. It started out with a shaving kit that I got him a couple of Christmas’ ago. He has built his collection of products over the last couple of years and has tried just about everything. I personally think it smells great!

• Fenty Beauty: I know. Rhianna has plenty of money, but if she keeps making me feel like my skin can do no wrong, she can have all of mine. From the foundation to the three-step skincare routine, I’m hooked.

• LipBar: It’s hard finding great makeup as a black woman. Lipbar has navigated the perfect color patterns for black women while making it affordable. I’m hoping to get a few things from this collection as gifts this holiday season. (Do you think my family is reading this for my hints?)

• Pattern: My curly hair journey has actually been a million times better than I imagined. I went into it with patience and have come out on the other side loving my kinks and curls. Pattern is partially responsible for that. It’s just so luxurious!

Apparel

Let’s be honest, most of our “fun” clothes have stayed in the closet this year. I’ve spent more time buying loungewear than anything I’d be proud to wear in public, however,I have walked away with quite a few fun pieces that make me feel great and made a statement.

• Curvy Girl Official expresses my thoughts in t-shirt form.

• Mess in a Bottle tells it like it is in t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, and more.

• Power in Black teaches lessons in history just by wearing a hoodie. Bae is obsessed!

• I’m proud to wear my Indy Black Lives Matter at home, on the street, and on TV.

Home

I’ve been fortunate enough to create a home-office space that I love this year. I settle into my space and create with ease. I have a feeling it’s because of a few key things.

• Candles have become an obsession of mine, and a good candle can keep me in my office all day. Posh Candle has the best!

• I draw so much inspiration from my friends who are creatives. I can even look up at their work on my wall. Nathasa Rae Art inspires me with every single piece I’ve purchased from her.

• I will not claim the status of a crazy plant lady until I’m sure I can keep them alive. Purchasing them from Grounded Plants sure has been fun!

Family Fun

Puzzle Huddle: I have been following Puzzle Huddle’s journey for quite some time now. I even helped them navigate the art for their Chef's puzzle! This year they made Oprah’s favorite list and I am so happy for them! Grab several puzzles for your kids. Give them the gift of toys and activities that look like them. If your kids aren’t black give them the gift of seeing something different and making it a norm in your home.

Culture Tags: Okay, this one isn’t so much for family, but it is definitely fun. I don’t own this game, but I NEED it and I can’t wait to own it. (Family…are you paying attention?) I am dreaming of in-person game nights where I just can’t stop laughing with this game.

There’s still always the option of shopping through my Amazon store. Purchases I recommend help my businesses. These are all products that I love and whether you’re looking for something in the food and cooking space or the anti-racism space.

Happy Holidays, everyone! Please shop small, black and female this year. Your purchases make an impact far beyond what you can see. Personally, your support not only grows my business, but it supports a real human person who is chasing her dreams and supporting herself. I appreciate you more than you know.