Can you even believe it? I’m back (sort of) writing a blog post before the end of 2020. I thought I’d return with a holiday gift guide because these are fun to write and I usually hear from a few of you who find gifts for friends and family on these lists, which always warms my heart.

I know the holidays will look very different for all of us this year or at least it should look different (and if it doesn’t, I’m totally judging you for it) but at least we still have online shopping, right? Even before the pandemic, I loved online shopping – mainly because it’s always such a treat getting packages in the mail AND it limited my interactions with people (shrug). Now, limited interactions with people are just part of our quarantine life.

As you troll the internet this holiday season for gifts, I hope you’ll find this guide helpful. This year’s guide is broken down into four categories: food & beverage, clothing & accessories, beauty & lifestyle and baby must-haves. On top of this, I’ve noted if it’s a Black-owned business too. Happy shopping!

Let’s find the perfect gift!

Cxffee Black
Black-owned company
Earlier this summer I learned about Cxffee Black through the Bet On Black Owned Instagram account. We’ve been sipping a variety of Black-owned coffee brands this year and while they’re all delicious (and on a consistent rotation in our house), Cxffee Black was the original Black coffee brand we tried and we love it. They’ve currently partnered with one of our Chattanooga coffee shops, Mad Priest, for a cool coffee collab.

On The Rocks, premium cocktails
I love a delicious cocktail but since Mason’s arrival, I haven’t had a ton of time to really experiment with cocktail recipes. Thank god for delicious pre-made cocktails. I was given a bottle of On The Rocks (margarita) for my birthday this year and was immediately a fan. The bottles are beautiful and you can choose from a variety of cocktails like the margarita, old-fashioned, cosmopolitan or mai tai. TIP: gift this to new parents who desperately need a drink.

Modern Comfort Food Cookbook by Ina Garten
I love Ina and her cookbooks. Her recipes are yummy and pretty easy to follow. This is her latest cookbook and it’ll definitely make the cook in your life squeal with happiness.

Taste of Chatt Box
Black-Owned company
Subscription boxes are always nice because who doesn’t love a little monthly surprise? These boxes feature some pretty awesome brands here in Chattanooga like Hoff Sauce, Mad Priest Coffee, Southern Spoon Chocolate Sauce and so much more. They’re the perfect gift for a local Chattanoogan or your foodie friend who lives far away. BONUS: use the code ‘SupportLocal’ for 15% off a Taste of Chatt Box.

Maison Noir wines
Black-owned company
Gotta wine lover in your life? Give the gift of Maison Noir wine. I’ve fallen in love with the O.P.P. (other people’s pinot noir) and the Love Drunk rosé. Check to see if it’s available in your local wine store.

Brandon Blackwood ESR Purse
Black-owned business
I don’t think I’ve purchased *a lot* of things during quarantine but the items I have purchased are well worth it. One of them being a Brandon Blackwood handbag. But not just any purse; one with a message that says: end systemic racism. I have this one (there may be a waitlist for it) but he has lots of different styles and color options. If you can snag one, get it.

Sam Edelman boots
When I’m looking for a good shoe that’s not super-expensive, Sam Edelman is my usual go-to. While I’m mostly posted up on my couch this season, I couldn’t help but add these pink boots to my closet. They come in a variety of colors; the snakeskin boots almost made it in my closet too. Whichever you choose, these would make an awesome gift for the shoe lover in your life.

Ambitious sweatshirt from Phenomenal
Black-owned business
Any tee or sweatshirt you purchase from Phenomenal will make any stylish person (who wants to also make a statement) happy! I love this Ambitious sweatshirt because it’s bright pink (duh) and bold. Get it for the ambitious person in your life.

Telfar shopping bag
Black-owned company
Alright fine, I’ve purchased yet another bag during quarantine. I like to think of it as supporting my fellow Black business owners. Telfar bags are hard to come by but if you get on their email list, you’ll get notified when they have new drops. I participated in their bag security program earlier this summer. It guarantees your purse so you don’t have to keep waiting for drops. The only catch is: you will have to wait for a bit for your purse but it’ll be totally worth the wait. Also, these bags are made with vegan leather. Get you one.

Customized name necklace from Grace Personalized
When I wanted to treat myself to a little piece of jewelry before Mason was born, I purchased a nameplate necklace. I love it! It’s dainty and looks good layered with other necklaces. Buy one for yourself or someone special in your life.

Pholk Beauty face wash
Black-owned business
I’ve written about Pholk before when I shared my skincare routine. I love their face wash. It smells good and doesn’t make my face oily. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves beauty products, try Pholk.

Simple Modern tumbler
Are you wondering why a water bottle is on my gift guide? Probably but let me just say I love this tumbler. I bought it while I was pregnant because I wanted to increase my water intake. I like that it has a straw, which makes me feel like I drink more water. It also keeps your water (or whatever you decide to fill it with) cold.

Craft kit from The Chattery
Black-owned business
Are you looking for ways to keep yourself (or your family) entertained during the holidays? Look no further than an at-home craft kit from, yes my own company, The Chattery! Of course I would do a plug here, duh. We have kits ranging from macrame, gingerbread house, handlettering and more. Get on it.

ManiMe at-home manicures
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me mention this brand before. When the pandemic hit, I knew it would be a long time before I had luxuries like getting my nails done. Luckily, I got an ad for ManiMe and I’ve been hooked since. It’s non-toxic press on gel polish that uses 3D technology to custom fit your nails. Pretty cool.

Pattern Beauty hair tools kit
Black-owned company
Pattern Beauty was started by my fashion icon, Tracee Ellis Ross. Whether you have curly, coily or tight-textured hair, Pattern has something for you. I loved this bundle of hair tools – perfect for wash days, detangling and giving your curls a little volume.

Hatch Sound Machine
I love this machine; it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It comes in handy while your babe is still a baby but it can grow with them too. If the parents in your life don’t have one of these, it makes an awesome gift. Also, Hatch makes lots of varieties; we have this one.

Merlin Sleep Suit
You can get into a ton of rabbit holes about this product. Some people hate it and some love it. For us, it was wonderful. It really came in handy when we were transitioning Mason from a swaddle. Babies look like little marshmallow people in these suits which is hilarious but they’ll also get a good night’s sleep. Check with the parents before making this purchase.

Pretty Please Teethers
Black-owned business
Babies get to a certain stage in their lives when they like to put everything in their mouths. If you have a friend or relative whose baby is at that stage, something from Pretty Please Teethers is just what they need. Not only are their products beautiful but they’re also non-toxic which is obviously important. Mason loves her rainbow teether.

Little Cocoa Bean
Black-owned business
When babies start to eat solid foods, for me, nothing has been more overwhelming. One thing I’ve noticed that can help is having the right products on hand. I found Little Cocoa Bean by way of IFundWomen and have become a fan. If you’re looking for a gift to give from them, try their first foods kit.

Keekaroo Height Right High Chair
Can you tell we’re in a solid food phase with Mason? Anyway, a high chair is a perfect and necessary gift for the growing baby in your life. This chair grows with your child and there’s no upholstery which makes cleaning it a breeze.