Alright, look here—we all know the holidays are about giving, but why not make your gifts mean something? I’m talking about supporting Black-owned businesses that are not only putting out amazing products but are also creating with mission and purpose. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the HBCU alum in your life or just want to indulge in some Black excellence, HBCU Leggings is about to put you on to some of the best-kept secrets in holiday shopping.
Forget the big-box stores this year. It’s time to show some love to small businesses that are creating incredible products and pouring back into their communities. Trust me, your gifts are about to be the talk of the holiday season.
Harlem Candle Company
If you're seeking a gift that embodies luxury and cultural richness, look no further than the Harlem Candle Company. Founded by Teri Johnson, this Black-owned brand offers more than just candles; it provides an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of Harlem by stimulating the senses.
About the Founder
Teri Johnson, a Texas native, moved to Harlem in 2000, drawn by the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage. Her passion for fragrance and history led her to establish the Harlem Candle Company in 2014. Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and the icons who shaped it, Johnson crafts each candle to capture the essence of Harlem's golden age.
What Makes Harlem Candle Company the Perfect Gift
These luxurious candles are more than just home fragrances; they are pieces of art that honor Black heritage. Each candle from the Harlem Candle Company is crafted to tell a story. Fragrances like "Langston," inspired by Langston Hughes, blend tobacco and amber to evoke the writer's creative space. "Josephine," honoring Josephine Baker, features opulent amber with notes of Tonka bean and Moroccan Rose.
With their elegant packaging and rich scents, they make thoughtful gifts for those who appreciate culture, history, and luxury. Choosing a candle from the Harlem Candle Company means you'll not only gifting a beautiful product but also supporting a Black-owned business that celebrates and preserves the rich history of Harlem.
Find them on instagram @harlemcandlecompany
Aya Paper Co.
Maybe you’re looking a gift that’s for a thoughtful and elegant gift that’s both practical and meaningful? Aya Paper Co. is the perfect choice. Founded by Black entrepreneur and designer, Kia D. McGhee, Aya Paper Co. offers a collection of stationery that blends cultural heritage, art, and functionality.
About the Founder
Kia McGhee, the visionary behind Aya Paper Co., launched the brand to elevate the world of paper goods while honoring her African roots. As a first-generation Ghanaian-American, Kia sought to create products that reflect her unique identity and celebrate the rich history of the African diaspora. After years of working in design and entrepreneurship, she decided to combine her passion for art and culture to create a line of stationery that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Why Aya Paper Co. Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift
Aya Paper Co. provides a variety of products that make exceptional holiday gifts. Whether you're looking for a special card to pair with a gift or a notebook to inspire creativity in a loved one, Aya Paper Co. has something everyone can appreciate.
When you choose Aya Paper Co., you’re not only gifting beautiful stationery, you’re supporting a brand that is rooted in Black culture and committed to uplifting the community. This holiday season, let Aya Paper Co. help you send your love and appreciation with style, culture, and soul.
Aya Paper Co. is more than just pretty paper – it’s a celebration of connection, culture, and creativity. Each piece in the collection tells a story. From their custom-designed greeting cards to their beautifully illustrated journals, Aya Paper Co. creates products that allow you to send messages of love, appreciation, and celebration in a way that is both stylish and deeply rooted in tradition.
See more on instagram @ayapaper.co
Octavia Morgan Fragrance
The power of fragrance is undeniable—it can evoke emotions, memories, and even set the tone for a moment. If you’re looking for something memorable and luxurious to gift this holiday season, look no further than Octavia Morgan Fragrance. This Black-owned fragrance company blends art and elegance in every bottle. The result? Fragrances that leave an impression and will keep you coming back for more.
About the Founder
Octavia Morgan, the mastermind behind the brand, has a deep love for scent and an understanding of its transformative power. Born and raised in New York, Octavia started her journey into the world of fragrance by curating unique blends inspired by her travels and cultural experiences. Octavia’s dedication to the craft shines through in every aspect of her brand. Her fragrances are crafted with the finest ingredients, and she takes pride in the process, ensuring that each scent tells a story.
Why it is a Perfect Present
Octavia Morgan Fragrance is all about creating an experience through scent. The collection is broad, with something for everybody and every occasion. From its signature fragrances like Golden Hour to more exclusive limited-edition scents, each fragrance is designed to be both a sensory experience and an expression of identity.
Each scent in the collection is made using high-quality ingredients, ensuring that the fragrances not only smell exquisite but also last throughout the day. Octavia Morgan’s fragrances are known for their complexity, with carefully layered notes that provide a truly unique olfactory experience. Whether you’re giving the gift of perfume or indulging in one for yourself, Octavia Morgan Fragrance brings a luxury experience to your everyday.
Follow on IG @OctaviaMorganLa
Allen's Pie
Looking for a sweet treat to gift? When it comes to holiday gifts, few things bring more comfort than a delicious homemade pie. That’s where Allen’s Pie comes in—a Black-owned, family-run business that specializes in hand-crafted pies. Founded by culinary artist Allen McAdoo, Allen’s Pie has quickly become a favorite for those seeking authentic, homemade goodness wrapped in every bite.
About the Founder
Allen McAdoo, the founder and heart behind Allen’s Pie, started the business with a simple but powerful vision: to share his grandmother's pie recipes with the world. Growing up in the South, Allen spent countless hours in the kitchen with his grandmother, watching her bake amazing pies. These moments laid the foundation for Allen’s own love of baking and the creation of Allen’s Pie.
After honing his skills and perfecting his recipes, Allen decided to share his love of baking with others, offering his pies to customers near and far. Each pie is made with the same care and attention that his grandmother put into her creations, and that’s what makes Allen’s Pie so special. Allen’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and family tradition is at the heart of every pie, bringing a taste of nostalgia and comfort to the table.
Why Allen’s Pie Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift
There’s something about receiving a freshly baked pie as a gift that feels like a warm hug. Allen’s Pie brings comfort and sweetness to your holidays, making it the perfect gift for loved ones, family members, or friends. Allen’s Pie offers a variety of delicious options that are perfect for the holidays—or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness. From holiday classics like Sweet Potato Pie and Pecan Pie to the indulgent Peach Cobbler Pie, Allen’s creations are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The pies are baked fresh to order, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the first.
Whether you’re gifting a pie for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, skip the store-bought desserts and treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to a homemade pie from Allen’s Pie.
See website for shipping details and follow on IG for more @AllensPie
Giving with Purpose
This holiday season, make your gifts matter. When you shop from Black-owned businesses like these, you’re not just giving a present—you’re supporting the creativity, culture, and hard work of passionate entrepreneurs. You’re gifting something that tells a story, preserves history, and uplifts communities.
And if you're looking for the perfect way to round out your holiday gift list, why not add a little HBCU pride to the mix? At HBCU Leggings, we offer more than just stylish apparel—we offer a way for you to showcase your school spirit, support HBCUs, and honor the legacies of the institutions you love. Our apparel makes the perfect gift for any student, alum, or HBCU supporter who wants to wear their pride and look good while doing it.
So, whether you're gifting a luxurious candle from Harlem Candle Company, a meaningful notebook from Aya Paper Co., or some HBCU Leggings apparel, you're not just shopping—you're supporting businesses that pour love, culture, and excellence into everything they do. Here's to making this holiday season as meaningful and giving with purpose.
Love and Leggings,
Bibi
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.