Black Friday shopping and gift ideas from theGrio

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

Birchbox also has a monthly product sampling service for men, in case you’re looking for a gift for him as well.

So what else is out there? How about a KitchenAid single serve coffee maker, which allows you to use fresh grounds instead of K-cups, and even comes with it’s own 18 ounce travel mug? Or a down mitten covered ice scraper, which could come in handy for the next winter snow storm? Cute gifts like these are both unisex and universally practical.

And if you’re looking to patronize a black-owned business this Black Friday, here’s an option: ByBrooklyn, a shop owned by Gaia DiLoreto, which sells household items, artisanal foods, clothing and jewelry.

TheGrio’s entertainment editor Chris Witherspoon (@WitherspoonC) has a few recommendations, too.

For the music fan, Chris recommends two tributes to musical greats we’ve lost: the Michael Jackson Bad, 25th Anniversary Edition CD box set, an essential for any fan of the late King of Pop, and I Will Always Love You: The Best Of Whitney Houston, also an amazing collector’s box set. Meanwhile, the DVD for Whitney’s last film, Sparkle, hits stores (both old school and online,) starting November 30th.

You don’t have to wait that long for Beyoncé’s perfume, though. Midnight Heat is already available as a great gift set. You can also pick up Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday Perfume. Both are available at Macy’s.

Keeping with Chris’ gift theme of all things Whitney, if you have a Houston fan on your list, he also recommends the new coffee table book, Whitney Houston: Tribute to an Icon, which is filled with beautiful and iconic pictures of the late superstar.

Also on Chris’ list: clothing or an accessory from Queen Latifah’s Queen Collection, or a chance to find your inner Charles Barkley or Jennifer Hudson with a Weight Watchers membership, just in time for those New Year’s resolutions.

TheGrio also asked our interns what they would recommend for the holidays.

Melissa Noel (@noelknowswell) has a few ideas for the kids on your list, starting with It’s Hip Hop, Baby, a DVD series that teaches young children (ages 2-6) their letters, colors, numbers and animals to the  beat of hip hop music. Melissa also highlighted a couple of doll collections. Jacq’s Dolls features handmade dolls representing every ethnic group and shade, designed by J. Bryant Campbell. And SkyKay Dolls by artist Diana Stanley include great, ethnic dolls for collecting and play for everyone from children to adults.

TheGrio’s newest team member video producer Hassan Washington (@Hasswash) has some recommendations too, including some humorous gifts for men: the Girlfriend Body Pillow is “just the thing for when the wife is out of town, or if you just live alone and need a hug,” Hassan says. And since two can play at that game, there’s a Boyfriend pillow, too.

Expecting moms on your list might enjoy a comfy item from Lowe Blow tees, by African-American broadcaster Audra Lowe, host of the syndicated lifestyle TV program The Better Show.

Two other black-owned enterprises that make Hassan’s list are Miss Zee coloring books and apparel, and Chocolate Me, a children’s book by actor Taye Diggs. It’s site also offers branded apparel.

Whatever you choose to give this holiday season, theGrio team wishes you a happy and safe holiday. Happy shopping!

Follow theGrio on Twitter at @theGrio.