It’s that time of year again! And you know what that means: gifts, gifts, and more gifts! With so many gifting options, and so many people to buy for, how do you choose? We’re here to make gift-giving easy! Here’s Brown Girl Mag’s Holiday Gift Guide — all South Asian small businesses ready to fill your carts with holiday goodies!
For the Fashionistas…
There’s a fashion lover in every group! Here’s where you can shop for your’s:
LadkiPower
Where would one queen be without another queen fixing her crown? Nowhere! Honor your favorite queen with a little something from LadkiPower and let’s empower one another.
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Shop AnAya
Give the gift of apparel infused with culture with Shop Anaya.
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holiCHIC by Megha Rao
Want to honor your South Asian culture by dressing like a star? There’s no better way to do it than with some holiCHIC!
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abacaxi
Color is at the forefront of this brand. So give the gift of colorful apparel to someone who loves some rang barse!
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PRESERVE
Everything from resort to formal wear just got easier to get your hands on with rental services from PRESERVE.
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PopBuyIndia
A contemporary twist on clothes made in India — who wouldn’t want this in their closet?
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Aayka Fashion
Your one-stop shop for custom, made-to-measure clothing brought to you by artisans from South Asia.
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DenimRush
Add a personal touch to your gift for that someone special with DenimRush’s customized merch!
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Tuff Bandit
Get your loved ones to get their tuff on with this custom and re-worked clothing brand!
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NAVEDA
Is there someone with elevated taste on your list? Give them the gift of NAVEDA, where minimalistic clothing meetings universal elegance.
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AARA by SANA
Choose from a collection of high-end trends and breathtaking pieces.
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Ammarah
Ammarah is bringing slow fashion, a love for culture, and a celebration of their artisans all together, one garment at a time.
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KUMARI
Inclusivity and diversity are at the forefront of KUMARI. What better messages to spread than these during the holidays?
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Phenomenal
Choose something for everyone from your list at Phenomenal.
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For the love of Lifestyle…
From candles to accessories and everything in between, the following brands have you covered for the one who LOVES all things lifestyle:
Culturally Inclined
Pick up the Desi Chaat desi family game and make the holidays all about fun and games!
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DRINKSWALLA
Keep the party tradition alive with this party game that’s “stirrin’ sanskar.”
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Pyarful
Spread some joy with playful greeting cards and beautiful gifts by Pyarful.
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Mixing Up Masti
Now everyone can play a “drinking” game! Mixing Up Masti makes for a fun game for everyone!
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Scrumptious Wicks
Candles never smelled so good – your loved ones will fall in love with scents inspired by food and culture.
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THE KUSHIE
Who wouldn’t love a gift for toastie-toes? Sign me up!
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Masala My Life
Have your loved ones #livetheblend with these consciously-curated and South Asian-inspired gift boxes.
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hafandhaf
From mugs and prints, all the way to accessories, hafandhaf has a little something for everyone.
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Aadil Abedi
Pristine paintings are your’s (and your loved ones’) when you shop with Aadil Abedi.
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ADITI
Candles are a long-lasting present. Gift one by ADITI.
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Babbu the Painter
A little something that celebrates sisterhood through art and accessories.
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Kan’t forget the Kids!
The most precious holiday gifts are those toothy smiles from little ones! Here’s who can help you make sure you get those this holiday season:
The Heritage Supply Co.
Every child can use something that brings them closer to their traditions.
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Kulture Khazana
Gifts that children will treasure and put in their khazana forever…
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Modi Toys
Home to mantra-singing toys and books inspired by Hinduism. Modi Toys brings you the best of both worlds: Education and tradition.
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indigrow
Let their imagination run with multicultural books and games by indigrow.
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IN KIDZ
Introduce the little ones to countries around the world with country-specific gift boxes from IN KIDZ.
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HAVA
Dress the kiddies to impress! Start them young with apparel from HAVA.
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Hindi By Reena
Connect them to their mother tongue with Hindi-learning subscriptions. They’ll thank you later, trust us!
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The Culture Tree
Promote literacy about South Asia to the younger generation with a little help from The Culture Tree.
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For the Self-Care Advocate
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of self-care. Here’s where you can buy from for that perfect, at-home retreat this holiday season:
Ammu Beauty
Heirloom formulas made naturally at home, Ammu Beauty is a godsend for believers of the clean beauty regimen. Customers swear by its Glow To Sleep Facial Oil!
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Umm Skincare
From body essentials and curated spa bundles to a ‘build your own experience’ package. Umm Skincare is here to provide you a relaxing retreat, in the comfort of your own space. And that too, without breaking the bank.
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Khalm Skincare
Give your loved ones a taste of luxury with Khalm Skincare’s line of top-quality, luxe skincare products infused with the woodsy, rare elixir – Oud. It’s called ‘black gold’ for a reason!
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Plantkos
Do you have a friend who is always stocking up on serums but they don’t work on her brown skin? It’s time you became their guiding light and introduced them to Plantkos.
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Soma Ayurvedic
Here is a brand tapping into the healing powers of Ayurveda but without the fancy frills. Soma Ayurvedic does not aim to charm you with a glossy appearance, it just lets the product do all the talking.
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Ranavat
A luxury brand of botanical skincare products, rooted in Ayurveda and tapping into the rich biodiversity of India. A gift from Ranavat is fit for the Queen.
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Aavrani
Moms have been begging us to realise the power of kitchen staples like turmeric and honey. Aavrani actually listened and came up with solutions for every major skin concern under the sun. And their Glow-Activating Exfoliator has over 200 positive reviews.
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Shaz & Kiks
Shaz & Kiks is a South Asian haircare brand you need sitting on your beauty shelf right now. Their ‘Back To Your Roots Scalp and Hair Pre-wash gives you all the benefits of a deep hair oil massage without the fuss of greasy strands.
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Areesa Botanicals
The brainchild of a certified skin expert, Areesa Botanicals is here to reform your self-care journey with a portfolio of face masks, serums, and hair oil, made with 100% organic ingredients.
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Shop Ghlee
Have you ever wondered if you can put shea butter and coconut oil on your chapped lips then why not grandma’s favorite pantry ingredient, ghee? Boy, are we glad that Shop Ghlee found some logic here. Its Nourishing Lip Balm is a life-saver in these dry, harsh winters.
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Prakti Beauty
Modern innovation meets tradition; Prakti Beauty is here to fill the gap for South Asian-led beauty brands. The brand’s exfoliator – Priti Polish – has been an instant hit in the beauty market and together with its Maha Mask, they make for a splurge-worthy present!
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For the Make-up Guru
There is no denying that make-up gifts can be instant mood-lifters. And when they are meant for brown skin, they are even more satisfying. Here are the brands you need to invest in for the upcoming celebrations:
Kulfi
Much like the brand’s name, Kulfi beauty products are a perfect combination of fun and sweet. Particularly those Nazar No More stickers that every brown girl needs to ward off the prying eyes of nit-picking aunties. But really, it’s their award-winning eyeliner that has beauty enthusiasts feeling weak in the knees. Time to amp up those naturally beautiful South Asian eyes.
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LiveTinted
It recently became the first South Asia-owned make-up brand to be stocked by Ulta Beauty. LiveTinted’s Huesticks are a one-stop shop for all your make-up needs – color correction, blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick. Who doesn’t want that for a gift?!
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Samreen’s Vanity
A make-up brand that is vegan, cruelty-free, halal, and kosher-compliant; we are so here for it! Samreen’s Vanity’s range of pigmented eyeliners can really stand the test of time. We say, grab em!
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Wander Beauty
Who hasn’t heard of Wander Beauty’s famous gold foil Baggage Claim Eye Masks? Its list of admirers includes the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kerry Washington. Come on, treat that new mom friend of yours. She deserves it!
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Mora Cosmetics
As expecting mums, many of us have struggled to find make-up that curbs our anxiety over the use of chemicals in this crucial period of our lives. Mora Cosmetics has changed that with its halal range of multi-sticks. We promise your friend will be thanking you and her stars for this one.
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Brown Girl Beauty
Lip glosses, lip oil, blush and highlight palette, and eyeshadows – all that just for brown skin. Brown Girl Beauty is true to its name. With the right amount of pigment and shimmer, these products are perfect for a fun night out.
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Bili Beauty
Vegan and cruelty-free makeup inspired by India and founded by Sarah Sophy Thomas, their “Eyes of India” eyeshadow or “Be Bold Creamy Matte” lipsticks are totally worth adding to your makeup bag.
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For The Food Connoisseur
Whoever said that the way to happiness goes through one’s stomach was not joking! Check out all the yummy, scrummy goodies you can share with your loved ones over the holidays:
Malai Ice Cream
Nothing can cheer you up better than a tub of sumptuous ice cream on a dreary, cold winter day. And with flavors like Baklava and Carrot Halwa, we bet you’re in for a treat.
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Kolkata Chai
It’s New York City’s favorite masala chai and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be the highlight of your holiday gathering.
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A Fresh Sip
“Let’s meet for drinks. But hey, they are alcohol-free,” said no one ever up until now! You know where to get those party drinks from if you want to skip the brutal hangovers next morning.
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Baraat Ice Cream
If the buzz surrounding Kat and Vicky tying the knot is anything to go by, it’s obvious we all love a good desi wedding. And if there’s no event in sight, there is always Baraat Ice Cream to serve up your appetite with its traditional, merry flavors.
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Element Truffles
Ayurveda-inspired artisanal chocolates? Yes, they exist! And they are both naturally sweetened and dairy-free too. Raise your hands if you’re thinking what we’re thinking? Chocolate diet it is!
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Knead Some Love
Move over Nigella! We like our desserts with a desi spin like Knead Some Love’s Ras Malai Rabri Cake. Care to join in?
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The Chai Box
No South Asian gathering is complete without a cuppa chai – it’s a ritual. And The Chai Box’s carefully curated tea blends will make you cherish these moments even more.
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Tagmo
Insta-worthy mithai made by award-winning chef Surbhi Sahni, who are we kidding here? You know you want it and some more. And if there is anyone you are hoping to impress this holiday season, consider the job done.
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Madhu Chocolate
Mithai Bonbons, Saffron Milk Chocolate, Dark Masala Chai Chocolate… are your tastebuds doing a happy dance? Your loved ones will be too when they unwrap that gift box!
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Are you feeling spoilt for choice with this holiday gift guide? Well, there is always that typical bath and body gift bundle you can get from your nearest departmental store, but it probably won’t bring in the smiles. If ‘thoughtful’ is what you’re aiming for, you can trust we have you sorted. Happy holidays and happy shopping!
