Hi, friends! Today, we wanted to share our friend Andi’s list of 100 Black-owned kids brands to follow and shop from. She posted this incredible guide on her blog recently, and we hope you can reference it when shopping this season—we definitely will be.
“From books and toys, to clothes and accessories, to face masks and mealtime essentials, there are so many incredible shops to support! With the holiday season approaching, I wanted to gently encourage you to consider ordering something from one (or many!) of these small shops.
Below, you’ll find 100 Black-owned brands that sell all sorts of products for kids, organized by category. I also shared a quick blurb about the shop, plus links to their Instagram and website to start shopping. The categories are: clothing (organized by high-level style), accessories (hair, shoes/tights/socks), playtime (books, puzzles/games, dolls/toys), baby essentials (mealtime, diapering, miscellaneous), boutiques/retailers/marketplaces, personal care, art/home decor, and last but not least because of course, 2020—face masks for kids! Some are shops that *only* offer products for babies and kids and others (particularly in the art, home decor, personal care, and boutique categories) are for everyone with specific products also available for kids.
I believe this is important to call out the WHY behind this post. Why am I sharing this roundup? Why are you seeing others highlight Black-owned businesses, artists, creators, etc.? Here’s my imperfect answer. The Black community has encountered 400 years of systemic racism in America and by the numbers, this has created a huge disparity in wealth. Intentionally supporting Black-owned businesses is one way we can engage in anti-racist efforts to fight this gap. There are struggles Black-owned businesses often face that many white business owners do not encounter (access to capital/loans and generational wealth, just for starters). Supporting Black-owned businesses also means you are fostering job creation, supporting local economies, and uplifting Black communities.
Representation also matters. If you are only seeing and listening to and shopping from people and businesses that look just like you, that’s a problem. As a mother, I’ve noticed just how white, elitist, and frankly, non-inclusive the “baby and kids small shop” world can be, so it’s incredibly important to give visibility to Black-owned businesses in this space. And, if you’re not in a position to shop right now, the very easiest thing to do to support small businesses is to follow, share, comment on their social media. Sign up for their emails. It’s the easiest, lowest hanging fruit when it comes to engaging in anti-racism work. And don’t forget: “When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance.”
CLOTHING
Minimal
@lucylueorganics / organic baby clothing / WEBSITE
@minibrooklook / organic everyday kids wear / WEBSITE
@alf_phi / children’s clothing crafted from preloved and vintage textiles / WEBSITE
@avaandisa / linen & cotton children’s wear / WEBSITE
@loganandgreys / handmade children’s clothes / WEBSITE
@lepetitorganic / eco-friendly, vintage, handmade children’s shop / WEBSITE
@smallerexplorer / vintage, gender neutral clothing / WEBSITE
@milesandmilan / gender-neutral kids clothes / WEBSITE
@shopsacko / hand-dyed garments / WEBSITE
@yoahnewyork / gender-free ready-to-wear for the modern child. / WEBSITE
Modern/Trendy/Colorful
@minifridayatl / modern kids streetwear / WEBSITE
@candidartkids / kids reversible quilted jackets / WEBSITE
@kamsokids / ethical kidswear inspired by African heritage / WEBSITE
@myBuddhaBabe / luxury clothes and accessories for babies and toddlers / WEBSITE
@seviinchildrensapparel / cozy and comfy kids clothing / WEBSITE
@RAHLOVESBOUTIQUE / comfy and trendy kids clothes sizes 12 months – 6T / WEBSITE
T-shirts/Onesies
@kammy_kids / cute, simple onesies and kids T-shirts, perfect for special occasions like baby announcements, holidays, etc. / WEBSITE
@bashbabyclothing / faith-based T-shirts and bodysuits / WEBSITE
@typicalblacktees / anti-racism apparel for the whole family / WEBSITE
ACCESSORIES
Hair
@becauseofzoe / hair bows / WEBSITE
@rowanandcompany/ hair bows (as well as pacifier clips and teething toys!) / WEBSITE
@shopmarlobea / versatile head wraps / WEBSITE
@hazelknots.co / handmade hair bows / WEBSITE
@phoenixrayne_ / modern headwear for kiddos / WEBSITE
@lilyfrilly / fun, colorful, sparkly bows and other accessories (fun fact: the brand has a 6-year-old CEO!) / WEBSITE
@shop6heart / turbans and headbands / WEBSITE
@hausofheadwraps / modern and fun headbands and hair wraps / WEBSITE
Shoes/Socks/Tights
@shopoliviaj / children’s socks and tights / WEBSITE
@sunandlace / leather baby and toddler shoes / WEBSITE
@tippy_tot_shoes / stylish high quality footwear for walkers and “pre-walkers” / WEBSITE
@dionnegooding / unisex leather kids booties and sandals in African-inspired prints / WEBSITE
PLAYTIME
PUZZLES & GAMES
@puzzlehuddle / diverse kids puzzles / WEBSITE
@littlelikeskids / diverse jumbo kids puzzles / WEBSITE
@paperplaywonder / finger puppets, coloring pages, paper puzzles, puppet theater sets / WEBSITE
@theblacktoystore / handpicked, curated children’s toys, games, books, and gifts / WEBSITE
@browntoybox / STEAM-inspired educational boxes with a book about a Black trailblazer, a hands-on activity, a toy and more! / WEBSITE
DOLLS & TOYS
@shop.opalandfig / handmade heirloom dolls / WEBSITE
@harperimandolls / handmade linen keepsake dolls / WEBSITE
@mecharisdolls / handmade dolls / WEBSITE
@malavilledolls / dolls available with different skin tones, hair styles, etc. / WEBSITE
@thefreshdolls / diverse dolls that represent all children / WEBSITE
@healthyrootsdolls / dolls and storybooks that represent and empower kids / WEBSITE
BOOKS
@braveandkindbooks / indie kids bookshop / WEBSITE
@justlikemebox / monthly book subscription service / WEBSITE
@jambobooks / curated book subscription box that delivers 2-3 books each month featuring a child of color as the star / WEBSITE
@blackbabybooks / curated selection of kids books featuring Black characters / WEBSITE
@ashaybythebay / online bookstore offering tons of books for babies, kids, and teens (and adults too!) / WEBSITE
@mahoganybooks / DC-based online book shop offering books written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora (and lots of kids books!) / WEBSITE
@eyeseeme_bookstore / African American Children’s Bookstore also offering a monthly book subscription box / WEBSITE
BABY ESSENTIALS
MEALTIME
@modern.mama / suction bowls + plates, silicone bibs, spoon set / WEBSITE
@rootedbabyco / African-inspired children’s items (teethers, meal supplies) / WEBSITE
@prettypleaseteethers / teething toys, pacifiers, silicone bibs, pacifier clips / WEBSITE
@Eizzybaby_ / silicone bibs, collapsible snack cups / WEBSITE
@stinaandmae / bibs, changing mats, swaddle blankets and more / WEBSITE
@AviroBabyBoutique / bibs, pacifier clips, teethers, etc. / WEBSITE
@Junobiebags / eco-friendly breastmilk storage bags / WEBSITE
@nomiandsibs/ microwave + dishwasher safe silicone labels for bottles, sippy cups, and water bottles / WEBSITE
DIAPERING
@pootersdiapers /cloth diapers, natural creams, and more / WEBSITE
@crunchy_boutique / cloth diapers and other natural parenting gear and accessories / WEBSITE
@the.shine.cloth / social justice and Black pop culture-themed cloth diapers / WEBSITE
MISCELLANEOUS
@terico.ca / leather mats / WEBSITE
@estella_nyc / hand-knit baby gifts / WEBSITE
@heritagebabydesigns / ring slings / WEBSITE
@Hendrixandcompany / handmade baby photo props and monthly signs / WEBSITE
BOUTIQUES & RETAILERS
@kidochicago / Chicago-based IRL and online shop offering modern and fun toys, books, clothes, accessories / WEBSITE
@taylorandmax / eco-friendly, elevated children’s clothes / WEBSITE
@darlyngandco / baby items including apparel, teething toys, diapers bags, and more / WEBSITE
@kidsswagco / Canadian retailer offering kids toys, apparel, backpacks, and more / WEBSITE
@royalbabiesandtots / cute and affordable children’s clothing / WEBSITE
@shophappymango / Atlanta-based retailer offering nursery pieces, car seats and strollers and more / WEBSITE
@yinibinibaby / online and IRL boutique (Washington, D.C.) specializing in handmade, cotton children’s clothing + more / WEBSITE
@thelittlearkokc / online and IRL boutique (Oklahoma City) offering baby gifts, clothing, gear, and accessories / WEBSITE
@shopmoodbabe / curated modern kids shop / WEBSITE
@fivesunsboutique / kids goods curated from ethical and sustainable brands / WEBSITE
@Ebonyseedsco / boutique offering baby clothing, feeding accessories, and more / WEBSITE
ONLINE MARKETPLACES CURATING BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES
@black.owned.baby / online marketplace curating kids + parent items from Black-owned businesses / WEBSITE
@evrgreenbaby / online marketplace with a curated line of eco-friendly baby products and apparel from Black-owned businesses / WEBSITE
PERSONAL CARE
@carabnaturally / natural hair and skin are for babies and children / WEBSITE
@alaffia / body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body products / WEBSITE
@bgskids / SPF 50 sunscreen for kids created by Black Girl Sunscreen / WEBSITE
@playpits / natural deodorant, perfect for entire family / WEBSITE
@sheabutterbabynaturals / handmade skincare for the entire family / WEBSITE
@eugeniashea / all natural shea butter / WEBSITE
@Reagansanai / handmade natural and organic products for children of all ages with sensitive skin or eczema / WEBSITE
ART & DECOR
@annkelle / illustrator and textile designer selling colorful, simple art prints, kids masks, and more! / WEBSITE
@dinkymixprints / culturally diverse and empowering children’s art prints / WEBSITE
@_54kibo / unique contemporary African design items, including kids nursery decor, blankets and toys / WEBSITE
@shoplovedua / changing baskets + Moses baskets / WEBSITE
@sustainablehomegoods /ethnical and fair trade homewares, including nursery items + small gifts for kids / WEBSITE
@goodeeworld / curated marketplace with home and lifestyle items (including some kids items) / WEBSITE
FACE MASKS
@Henrymasks / colorful kids masks (come in 4-pack) / WEBSITE
@nsmithcollection / themed masks like Mickey Mouse, Disney princess, Spiderman, etc. / WEBSITE
@noelbynoelb / masks in fun patterns, including a DIY ‘craft mask’ / WEBSITE
@keeleystudio / reversible masks in fun colors and patterns / WEBSITE
@prettydopevinyl / mermaid, pirate, superhero masks featuring Black boys and girls / WEBSITE
@izzyandliv / face masks with adjustable straps and fun patterns! / WEBSITE
@jamilletextiles / gorgeous, handcrafted masks / WEBSITE
@shonsimonco / simple, colorful masks for kids (under $4 each!) / WEBSITE
@mixedupclothing / kid-friendly masks / WEBSITE
@showtelloakland / Oakland-based concept shop offering face masks for kids (and more!) / WEBSITE
*Many of the shops offering face masks also sell other items, and many retailers shared throughout in this post also sell masks!
Thank you so much for sharing this guide with us, Andi! You can find Andi on Instagram here and follow her blog here. xo
Thank you for this list! I am constantly seeking to shop from more black owned small businesses.
I own a kids hair bow business www.zeanieb.com. It is black woman owned and all bows are handmade with love by me. We currently have an array of bows in solid colors and prints. We also carry bows in ethnic inspired prints.
Feel free to follow us @zeanieb on IG & Facebook
Ohhh!! You gave so many ideas of brands to buy new stuff for my sister’s baby <3
thank you for sharing!
xx
Eli | Curly Style
What a great list. Thank you for sharing!
Great roundup! I added a few more follows to my Instagram account and already purchased one thing from this list. Another incredible paper doll designer is @adriennemeschelle see her website here: https://www.adriennebrown-david.com/minikin-shop
Thank you so so much for sharing these great businesses!
GREAT roundup. One add – Dough Me A Favor, a play dough kit shop for sensory kits. She’s a newer shop, but we have ordered from her and had great experiences. My daughter loves the kits she curates. https://www.doughmeafavor.com/