Okayplayer’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: Black Designers, Culture, Tech & Home Goods

For last-minute gift givers, we're sharing the best options including pieces by Theophilio, Ami Colé, Homage Year, Bevel, Honor The Gift, and more. 

The holiday season is finally here. If you’re like us you’re probably looking forward to spending some time with your family and close friends. Breaking bread over your favorite dishes and desserts is a lovely way to wrap up the year, but gifting plays a large role during the holiday season, too. Whether you send presents off in the mail or deliver them in person, you want to get things right — and that’s where we come in. We’ve prepared another master list of items and pieces ideal for everyone from your friends in your group chat to your parents.

As usual, we’re sharing cost-effective items with a few pricey selections sprinkled in as well,  with most of them being from Black-owned businesses and brands for streetwear, tech, books, music, and more. 

For That Special Person That Deserves Something Nice 

THE BEST PICKS: For that special person (or persons) in your life obsessed with beauty and deserving of a treat, look to Ami Colé’s Skin Enhancing Tint. Earlier this year, Okayplayer’s Shop released a drop dedicated to Aaliyah, we recommend the Miss You T-Shirt from this exclusive collection.  BYCHARI’s Initial Pendant Necklace is another option that is sure to put a smile on their face, too. Blume’s Cloud Mug and Ekobo’s Illustrated Medium Plates are great selections for those who love eclectic home goods.  

For That Friend Who Is Always Saying “The Culture”

THE BEST PICKS: Everyoneknows what it’s like to have a friend that is obsessed with '90s hip-hop and classic books by Angela Davis and Assata Shakur. Pick them up an A Tribe Called Quest Tribute t-shirt from the Okayplayer Shop, or the ‘We The People Hooded Sweatshirt.  Either is sure to put a smile on their face. The Humped Zebra's New York But Bedstuy Sweatshirt is a surefire conversation starter. They’ll probably also be a fan of All Very Goods’ Power Button Tote Bag, which is inspired by the campaign and activist buttons in the National Museum of African American Culture and History. The Academy Museum Store’s Hollywood Black: The Stars, The Film, The Filmmakers could also prove to be a solid gift. 

For Your Girlfriend With Expensive Taste

THE BEST PICKS: Sometimes, the most difficult person to shop for is your girlfriend, especially if she has expensive taste (she’s worth it). But we’ve compiled a few selections just for that. On the lower end, Misho Design’s Mini Mismatched Hoops are a unique option, with the earrings coming in either a 22K gold or silver finish. Arch NYC is a brand that’s been top of mind for us for a while as well, with their new A-Line Lace Up Zebra heels a perfect gift for your beau. If she’s been on the hunt for a statement bag, look no further than Homage Year’s Ova Mini Shoulder Bag. To bring it all together (or if she’s simply a fan of blazers), consider getting Good American’s Better Than Leather Faux Blazer is an item that we’ve tested out and stand by. Last but certainly not least, you might want to pick up Beyoncé’s Renaissance Deluxe vinyl for your significant other straight from our own shop. 

For The Special Man In Your Life 

THE BEST PICKS: You can never go wrong when you gift pieces to the men in your life that they didn’t know they needed or have on their wishlist. We highly suggest Bevel’s Shave Kit, which includes a safety razor, shave brush, pre-shave oil, shave cream, balm, and blades. Supervsn’s Legend Trucker Hat is a selection that’ll be sure to become a favorite, too. If you’re stuck and you know they’re a Prince stan, cop them the Prince Purple Rain T-Shirt – it’s emblazoned with the classic cover art from the aforementioned album. There’s also the Prep School Henley by Russell Westbrook’s Honor The Gift, which’ll be a go-to for outings (and possibly the office). We’ve also got our eyes on New Balance’s 2002R silhouette. It’s outfitted with brown and cream piping, which makes it a standout winter footwear option. 

For Your Friend That’s Really Into Music 

THE BEST PICKS: Since we’re music heads here, we figured it’d make sense to share a few picks for those in your life who’re also devout music lovers. Crosley’s Record Storage Crate is perfect for someone who is in need of storage for their records. Summer of Soul’s soundtrack is also available for purchase in our shop. Turntable Lab’s Teenage Engineering Modular 16 Pocket Operator is a programmable keyboard/step sequencer that’s moderately priced. Uncommon Goods has a Mixtape Cutting Board that could prove to be enjoyable for the foodie who also loves cooking (and while you’re on their site you can cop a Personalized Record Doormat, too).

For That Friend Who Always Has The Coolest Merch

THE BEST PICKS: Do you have a friend that prides themselves on purchasing merch? If so, we’re keying in on some pieces that would be ideal for them. Pick up the Death Row Records Logo Crewneck Sweatshirt before it’s gone from our shop. For Keeps Books is an Atlanta-based bookstore but they have some incredible merch as well, like their Scorpio Season T-Shirt. Infinite Archives’ G-Dog Tee pays homage to Spike Lee’s film School Daze, as well as historically Black colleges and universities. Brooklyn-based designer Theophilio recently released a collaborative Crystal Family Tee alongside the estate of Jean Michel-Basquiat. This selection is a part of the stunning King Pleasure: Black Fashion Fair x Those Who Dress Better collection. Lastly, Seed Brooklyn, a brand-new streetwear store, café, and experiential space located in Bed-Stuy, you can find a Grandmaster Flash Reaction Figure. 

For The Techie

THE BEST PICKS:For those who are into tech, it’s usually pretty tough to nail down new things they don’t already have. Rest assured though, we did the work for you. HATCH’s Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock is a grown-up version of a bedside digital clock. As for Microsoft’s Surface Headphones 2, we tested them out. Although they’re not quite soundproof, they’re great for wearing in the office and also at home. XBOX’s Series S is the latest edition XBOX, and it’s a stellar pick. One of our staffers stands behind Therabody's Portable Massager Theragun. Also, is there jewelry someone's always saying they’re going to take to a cleaner? If so, SOAQ’s Ultrasonic Cleaner would be the perfect gift for them. 

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Banner Graphic: @popephoenix for Okayplayer