Kids Brands to Know (and Re-sell), Online Deals
by STACY G

50+ Black Owned Businesses to Support

The desire to shop or support Black-owned shops is commonly voiced in many BST groups and mom groups and forums that I belong to. These groups are majority non-Black, and not as familiar with Black-owned brands. 

While a Google search will provide you with a list of brands to support in your area or beyond, I’ve found that these lists often are not curated in a helpful manner. 

A lot of the featured shops and products are T-shirts that proclaim Black Lives Matter (I already have a lot of that gear), or express pride in being Black. (I love expressions of self-pride, but as an East Asian woman wearing that shirt feels like a lie. Because it is, in addition to being cultural appropriation.) 

I also find lots of shops with products I can’t consume. Like beauty care for natural hair textures, cosmetic lines for darker complexions, or gallery art that I can’t afford. I do see lots of skin creams and lotions too, but I’ve been lazy-happy in my ashy skin for over 30 years and that will never change. 

So I decided to come up with a curated list of Black-owned shops and brands. I wanted to come up with a list of nonperishable goods that I actually buy, mainly toys, clothes, and books, with the only difference being the shop I’m supporting.

I’m a bit hesitant in even assembling and publishing this list. I thought maybe it needs to come from a Black person, or someone with deeper ties than I to that community. Shouldn’t I just stay in my lane? But ultimately I decided to share because I know there are other non-Black shoppers looking for this information too. And in easy-to-read, easy-to-shop format. I hope you find this helpful.

This list features women and kids’ clothing, toys, beauty products, home goods, and other gifts.  It’s broken out by category, and I’ll keep adding to it. These are products that are giftable for any child, friend, or family member on your shopping list. Or for yourself. 

Children’s Clothing, Toys, and Gear 

Healthy Roots Dolls

Health Roots Dolls is all about teaching young Black curls to love their curls, and to make sure they see their beauty and their hair reflected in dolls growing up. Yelitsa Jean-Charles wishes she had seen that representation of herself as a child. 

Kids Swag

Kids Swag is a Black Canadian owned business. It sells a little bit of everything for kids and babies in their shop: beautiful music boxes with twirling Black ballerinas to fashion dolls to notebooks and toys. Kids Swag also sells bodysuits and T-shirts, hair swag, and other giftable goods. In every product, there are positive and affirmational representations of color. 

Little Likes Kids

Little Likes Kids sells jumbo size puzzles, card games, board games, placemats, and more. Their jumbo floor puzzles are especially popular, as they are sturdy enough to withstand heavy use from preschoolers. 

Miles and Milan

Miles and Milan sells cute clothing staples for babies and kids with a twist of modern quirk and urban vibes. The brand focuses on creating super-soft, gender neutral pieces in white, black, or grey. Busy parents can easily mix and match these pieces with anything else in their children’s wardrobe. I especially love their playful twist on the smiley face icon and their long sleeve raglan bodysuits. 

Taylor + Max

Taylor and Max is a Black mom owned boutique and online retailer with a focus on sustainability. Taylor and Max carries toys and clothing from sustainable, heirloom-quality brands like Soor Ploom, Misha and Puff, Rylee + Cru, Plan Toys, Tocoto Vintage, Olli Ella, and Jellycat. There are many stockists who carry these children’s brands, but what I love about Taylor and Max is its focus on sustainability and incorporating inclusion. This is evident in the Black models with natural hair you see wearing cottagecore clothing, and the dolls and toys that feature Black, Brown, Asian, and other diverse faces.

Le Petit Organic 

Le Petit Organic is a Black owned business that specializes in vintage, organic, and eco-friendly clothing, accessories, and toys for children.  Among the labels Le Petit Organic carries: Maileg Mouse, Candylab, Briar Homemade, Ferm Living, Oeuf NYC,  and Meri Meri.  

Ade + Oyo 

There is nothing you won’t love about this joyful kids’ clothing brand Ade + Ayo. Their mission is to bring the joy of African cultures (plural) to your child’s life through colorful prints and designs. The Ade + Ayo brand reflects the colors, patterns, and sights of the Canadian designer’s Nigerian roots.  

When pregnant with her first child, she was inspired to create the brand. She wanted to find African-inspired nursery decor that wasn’t safari-themed or selling at art gallery prices. All of their garments are earth-friendly, super-soft to wear, and machine washable. The brand’s colorful prints for onesies, swaddles, bibs, hats, dresses, rompers, and separates are stunning. There’s information about the historical and social background of each print. Ade + Oyo carries size 0-3M to 5T, and most items are $24.50 or less – including rompers and dresses. 

Annie The Brave 

Annie The Brave sells STEM-inspired dresses, with a focus on encouraging girls to explore science and math. The brand started with a little girl who wanted an engineering themed dress. Cotton play dresses have plenty of twirl, and are priced at $38 each. They come in sizes 2T to 12Y. 

MiniBrook

MiniBrook may be a new favorite brand. Minibrook is a line of comfy, organic kids’ clothing. Their “beyond basics” clothing is organic and planet-friendly, made with toxic-free, low-impact dyes. All apparel is ethically made in Los Angeles. You’ll love their hoodies, beanies, shorts, joggers, tees, rompers, leggings, and tie dye funnel jackets. And everything else in their lineup. 

Marlo Bea

Marlo Bea sells the most exquisite and playful gorgeous head wraps, hair bows, clips, ties, and other accessories. The hair accessories showcase African  prints, as well as other designs that reflect the founder’s ethnically diverse family with Asian, European, and Hispanic roots. You can also find Marlo Bea sold on Maisonette. 

SEVIIN Children’s Apparel 

Seviin Children’s Apparel sells some of the most gorgeous clothing for babies and kids you’ll ever find. The brand’s owner and creator, Alayna Dunkin, is a mom of two little boys. Her mission is to create beautiful, gender-neutral pieces that are timeless, high-quality, and affordable. Especially adorable favorites include sherpa zip up sweaters, ribbed knit overalls, hoodies, linen jumpsuits, and oversized sweater rompers. Wheat, rust, cream, and gold are common colors. The style reminds me of a cross of Mebie Baby, The Gray Label, L’ovedbaby, and Jamie Kay. 

Related: Don’t Miss Black Friday Sales at Quincy Mae, Alice and Ames, Jamie Kay, Childhoods Clothing, Kyte, Boden, Oeuf NYC, Mebie Baby, and 100’s of Other Kids’ Brands. > > See all the Black Friday Deals

Alf-Phi 

Alf-Phi sells upcycled, sustainably sourced, eco-friendly  clothing that is stunning. Using vintage textiles and upcycled fabrics, Alf-Phi creates unique, handmade pieces.  You’ll find cashmere blankets, blouses, bloomers, jumpers, button-down shorts, and more. The brand reminds me a bit of Tocoto Vintage and Soor Ploom. While fabrics and prints can vary, there is a core set of staple styles like the “Emily Dress” or “Leia Blouse”, or “Albie Trousers” that you can consistently shop. 

Ava + Isa

Ava + Isa sells timeless linen and cotton children’s clothing on their Etsy shop. 

Harper Iman Dolls

Harper Imam sells some of the most beautiful dolls I’ve ever seen. The style reminds me a bit of Maileg, Meri Meri, or Pottery Barn Kids. Find Black dolls in every complexion and with every hair texture and style you can think of. I especially love the Mya More to Love Doll with curly hair and red glasses. 

The Fresh Dolls 

The Fresh Dolls have got so much hype in the news, you may already be familiar with this line of African-American fashion dolls. Think Barbie dolls, but with more realistic curves and all skin complexions, hair textures, and hair styles. The Fresh Dolls sells fashion dolls, toddler dolls, baby dolls, and 18” dolls. Find male and female dolls and a wide range of fun clothing and accessories. 

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Beauty, Skin, and Haircare 

Alaffia

Alaffia carries sustainable, fair-trade skin and hair care products for the family. Products include shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and body wash. Products are made from high-quality natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. A portion of your purchase supports the brand’s nonprofit foundation, centered on helping African agricultural development. 

Bee Love

Bee Love is a black-owned business on a mission. It employs formerly incarcerated individuals, giving them a chance at a fresh start. The company makes everything bee-related. From honey-infused skin care products to bee balms and sweet body scrubs. 

Beauty Stat

Beauty Stat is a line of innovative beauty and skincare developed by Black cosmetic chemist, Ron Robinson. He uses patented technology to make Vitamin C products shelf-stable, preventing degradation from light and air.

Briogeo

Briogeo is a line of shampoo and conditioner designed to leave hair feeling soft and fresh without using harsh products like sulfates, silicones, and parabens. 

Camille Rose

Camille Rose is a line of skin and hair care products that come in a wide range of decadent scents and textures. Hair and skin look, feel, and smell “delicious”. Their body scrubs and other products have rich ingredients like solid brown sugar and sweet almond oil. 

ConditionHer

ConditionHer is an all natural feminine moisturizer designed to keep you hydrated without disrupting your PH balance. It can soothe painful irritation or chaffing. 

Eu’Genia Shea

Eu’Genia Shea is a mother-daughter company. The brand makes pure shea butter balms for hair and skin in adorable, portable tins. 15% of the sales profits go to support women workers in Ghana, West Africa who produce all of the products’ ingredients. 

KNC Beauty

KNC Beauty makes concentrated moisturizing masks for your lips, upper lips, and under eye areas. These areas can get neglected with other beauty regimes, and their luxuriant masks plump and hydrate these areas for a more youthful and invigorated appearance. 

London Grant Co

London Grant Co is an eco-conscious line of skincare items, including butters, oils, and scrubs. All products are fragrance free and come in eco-friendly packaging – made from recycled and re-recyclable materials. Black Mompreneur, Tiffany Staten, sells her products directly on her website and at Nordstrom.  

UOMA

Uoma is an inclusive makeup brand that carries a vast range of colors and shades in foundations and eye makeup so everyone can find the best hues to match their complexion. There’s a free shade-finder tool on the site to help you get the best match for your skin. 

Booksellers 

Brave + Kind Bookshop

This book shop offers diversity-focused books for early readers and young adults. 

Cafe con Libros

Shop Cafe con Libros online, or at the physical bookshop that also serves as a cafe and an inclusive feminist meeting space for women. The book shop is all about fostering connections.  

Loyalty Bookstores

Loyalty Bookstores is a Black and Queered owned bookshop. Founder Hannah Oliver Depp created Loyalty Bookstores to foster diversity and create safe spaces for marginalized communities and individuals. 

Just Like Me Box

The Just Like Me Box is a subscription book service. With each box, you get two to three books that feature protagonists of color. You can personalize the box based on the child’s age, interests, and your budget, or pre-pay for a set number of months at a discount. 

Semicolon Bookstore

Semicolon Bookstore is a Black woman-owned gallery and bookstore in Chicago. Semicolon has a related non-profit foundation dedicated to raising literacy rates in Chicago. The nonprofit gives free books to Chicago public school students, and invites the students into their store so they have an inviting, artistic place to read. You can shop and support Semicolon Bookstore online. 

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Clothing, Jewelry, Glasses, and Accessories

Coco and Breezy

Coco and Breezy is a unique, super-cool optical eyewear and sunglasses company. Black twin sister founders, Corianna and Brianna Dotson, were intensely bullied as kids. So, they created the alter-egos Coco and Breezy and made superhero goggles to protect themselves. Coco and Breezy Eyewear offers stylish options for prescription eyewear, sunglasses, and eyewear accessories. 

Fanmmon

Fanmmom sells beautiful dresses in standout colors, prints, and designs. 

Khiry

Khiry is a celebrity favorite brand. Creator, Jameel Mohammed, designs modern jewelry that’s super sleek and has sculptural elements. 

Lemlem

Lemlem is an ethical, colorful collection of home goods and clothing for men, women, and children. Lemlem’s founder is Liya Kebede, famed Ethiopian-born model. Lemlem incorporates classic African patterns and artistic techniques into beautiful pieces that are popular among celebrities like Molly Sims and January Jones. Lots of texture, modern plays on color, and light and breezy fits are common themes with each Lemlem collection. 

Li-Li’s Creations

Li-Li’s Creation is a vintage-lover’s best friend. Black owner and designer, Malacia Anderson, loves fashion from the 1950’s and 19560’s. Her clothing combines retro-inspired prints with African wax to create a modern and unique look in flattering silhouettes and colors. 

Maison de Mode

Maison de Mode is an ethical luxury label. Fashion designer Hassan Pierre, fashion activist Amanda Hearst, and investor Carmen Busquets launched Maison de Mode in 2015. Pierre is a renowned advocate for ethics and sustainability in the fashion industry. You can feel good in, and about, all of Maison de Mode’s pieces. Maison de Mode offers loungewear, beach wear, evening wear, jewelry, and other accessories. 

Mixed Millennial

Mixed Millennial sells gorgeous necklaces and jewelry made of sterling silver and gold. The duality of these metals symbolizes individuals of mixed races and mixed experiences reunited together. 

Nude Barre

Nude Barre is an inclusive line of bralettes, underwear, tights and hosiery for ballerinas and dancers in all hues of black and brown. Former dancer, Erin Carpenter, was always frustrated when she couldn’t find tights to match her skin tone. So she created Nude Barre. There are 13 skin tone options available. 

Míe

Mie sells statement-making dresses that are eco-friendly. It’s a Nigerian based brand that launched in 2018. Local seamstresses and craftswomen create stunning dresses and looks from natural materials and biodegradable fabrics. 

Shades of Shades

Shades of Shades sells glasses in shades that can match all complexions. Founder, Marsha Douglas-Syndor, couldn’t find the right pair of glasses to match her complexion. So she started her own company of chic eyewear with a more inclusive range of colors. Anyone can find the perfect pair of glasses to complement their complexion.

SPGBK

SPGK is a modern line of watches for men and women. Watches come in a beautiful and stylish range of colors, from bold reds to earth-toned neutrals. Everyone can find a watch in their preferred color palette, and all SPGBK watches can be easily dressed up or down. The colors and memories of the founder’s home in North Carolina are the inspiration for this brand. 

Zou Xou

Zou Xou is a line of beautiful and comfortable handcrafted shoes for women. Katherine Theobald is the brand’s founder and designer. Her goal is to create pieces that inspire women to look and feel their best in her shoes. 

CultureFit

CultureFit is a line of yoga apparel for culturally-conscious women. CultureFit garments are made of premium materials that don’t thin, pill, or tear. And they come in a range of West African patterns and designs.  

Priscas Art

Priscas Art sells wearable, cloth face masks in all different styles, including ones made from African fabrics, prints, and designs – including Batik. Not only do they look bomb, but you can find options with an interior mesh filter and a wire at the nose that give enhanced safety and help your eyeglasses stay de-fogged. 

PRU Apparel

PRU Apparel is a line of supportive fitness wear for women. The Marula Bodysuit is one of the brand’s most popular pieces. This bodysuit, and other garment styles, all capture the vivid colors and prints inspired by the African diaspora. 

Gifts and Home Goods 

Be Rooted

BeRooted is available at Target. Be Rooted sells beautiful journals that show a diverse range of Black skin tones and hair textures and styles. Notebooks start at just $13. 

Bespoke Binny

Bespoke Binny is a line of African-inspired lampshades. Founder, Natalia Manima, is of Ghanian (West African) descent. She believes in transforming rooms and moods in your home through layering light in different ways. Bespoke Binny is an Etsy shop. You can also find a number of other home goods there, including throw pillows and blankets. 

Brilliant or BS?

“Brilliant or BS?” is a fun board game that’s great for parties or a Saturday afternoon. This trivia game is hilarious, family-friendly, and Zoom-friendly too. It sells for around $20 on BrilliantOrBs website, or you can buy the game at Amazon or Uncommon Goods. 

Bolé Road Textiles

Bolé Road Textiles sells global-inspired throw pillows and textiles that are designed in Brooklyn and handwoven by Ethiopian artists. The super-soft cotton is super cozy on your couch and beds. 

Marabou Design

Marabou Design is a “playfully refined” collection of wall art, home decor, and stationery. All of the designs have special, personal meaning for founder and designer, Brandy Brown. Her daughter’s interests are a big inspiration-driver for many of the artwork themes. You can shop Brown’s designs on Walmart.

Clare

Black interior designer Nicole Gibbons created Clare to give people a super-easy way to choose the perfect paint colors for their home. The interactive “Clare Color Genius” is perfect for anyone who’s looking to redesign or re-imagine a space in their home. 

Copper and Brass Paper

Copper and Brass Paper is a line of adorable notepads, folders, and other office and school supplies. You can shop Copper and Brass Paper on Etsy. 

Effie’s Paper

Effie’s Paper sells all sorts of lovely and thoughtful giftable items for the home. Whether you’re on the hunt for a glam coffee mug, super-beautiful notebooks, or other unique home goods. Shop Effie’s Paper on Etsy. 

Goodee World

Goodee World was founded by Montreal-based twins Dexter and Byron Peart. Goodee World offers a beautiful curated selection of items for your home that are unique, inspiring, and eco-minded. Every item sold by Goodee World is responsibly sourced, including their awesome Goodee hoodies. 

Good Vibes All Purpose Cleaner

GoodVibes All-Purpose Cleaner is a plant-based cleaner that is made with water, vegetable-based soap, cleaning salts and vinegar.  It’s a super short list of ingredients, and comes with many lovely fragrance options. 

Joe + Monroe

Joe + Monroe is a Black-owned luxury candle brand. The candles come in the most gorgeous packaging ever, and candles are handcrafted with a blend of fruits and natural essential oils. All candles are vegan (no beeswax or other animal byproducts). 

Show & Tell

Show & Tell is a Queer Blacok womxn owned shop that sells everything from T-shirts to wall hanging to cloth face masks in unique patterns and designs. 

Pivet

Pivet sells high-quality cell phone causes, including the Self-Cycle case which will naturally decay in landfills – unlike most plastic that just takes up space. 

Timeless Goods

Timeless Goods doesn’t sell puzzles; Timeless Goods sells masterpieces waiting to be constructed. Photographer creator Cary Fagan has transformed his artwork into beautiful puzzles. Friends and families can bond over assembling a jigsaw, and appreciate the fine art they construct together. 

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