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For a Wonderful WakeupNguyen Coffee Supply Vietnamese Coffee Brew Kit
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For Frequent HostsLove Notes Fragrances Grace Candle
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For Avoiding Paint ParalysisClare Interior Paint (Gallon)
Read moreSystemic injustices are at the forefront of contemporary society, due to countless conspicuous instances of police brutality and other harms. Racism and racial injustice are nothing new—but the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and xenophobia toward American Asians sparked an ongoing wave of awareness across the US.
One of the easiest ways to support Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities is by purchasing goods and services from companies owned by people of color. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite gear from BIPOC-owned businesses. To support minority-owned businesses year-round, try checking local marketplaces or your city’s tourism website. Online directories like We Buy Black, Chez Nous, AAPI Business Collective, and Intentionalist can be helpful resources as well.
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Updated December 2022: We’ve added new picks and adjusted pricing.
Former and current WIRED staffers Camille Bromley, Pia Ceres, Kimberly Chua, Samantha Cooper, Alan Henry, Jennifer Conrad, and Phuc Pham contributed to this piece.
Photograph: Nguyen Coffee Supply
For a Wonderful WakeupNguyen Coffee Supply Vietnamese Coffee Brew Kit
Did you know that Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee in the world? Vietnamese brand Nguyen Coffee Supply highlights several statistics on this blog page, but suffice it to say that Vietnamese coffee offers a different experience from the Arabica version—due to the beans, which are Robusta, as well as the brewing process. That difference is a good thing. Expect bolder flavor, more caffeine, and an especially great pairing with your favorite creamer.
This kit includes three different bags of coffee, as well as a mug set, a scoop, and a Phin brewer. It’s everything you need to make a delicious cup of joe. The brand also offers monthly subscriptions for easy re-upping once your beans run out.
Photograph: Grounded
For the Plant ParentGrounded Plants
Black-owned Grounded Plants’ inventory fluctuates frequently, but one thing remains the same across nearly all of the plants it offers: They’re easy to care for. Choose from succulents, cacti, flowering plants, climbers, and other easygoing houseplants. If you’re not sure what your giftee would prefer, opt for a gift card, or perhaps a beginner-friendly plant. Grounded sells planters too, and local pickup is an option if you’re in the Washington, DC area. There’s even free 1-on-1 plant care advice for any situations beginners may encounter.
Photograph: Love Notes Fragrances
For Frequent HostsLove Notes Fragrances Grace Candle
Love Notes makes several different candles, but the Grace holiday candle is our top pick. The packaging is festive and weighty, and a playlist is included to set the mood. It feels like a lot of holiday scents are predictable blends of cinnamon, cloves, and gingerbread that can get old quickly. Grace is holiday-themed, yet it wouldn’t be out of place during any other season. It smells like pomegranate and pine, with a hint of spicy woods from the pepper, mint, and sandalwood. The glass container has a chrome finish, so when you’re done burning the candle, you’ll be left with something a bit nicer than the typical clear cylinder from other brands.
★ Another Candle Company: Cavo Candles are vegan and made from 100 percent soy wax. The company ships sustainably, complete with biodegradable packing peanuts. The best part is the relatable candle names. After a Good Cry smells like the embodiment of finally dragging yourself out of bed after spending a day feeling melancholy. Not too cheerful, but just cheerful enough, with notes of rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bourbon. It’s optimistic but not pushy.