2021 Bookish Holiday Gift Guide

Photo: Melanin in YA – Featuring XOXO, Sierra, Laurie Makes, and Black Paper Party

Melanin in YA had so much fun putting together a holiday guide last year that we’re back for another round! This quick Black bookish holiday gift guide includes 50 items under $60 from Black owned businesses/creators, including ten YA books by Black authors released this year (written 5 debut authors and 5 established YA authors) that we think you should gift this year. From Peach Cobbler flavored Cotton Candy that ships nationwide to Africa shaped coasters and a few discount codes just for Melanin in YA readers, we’ve got you covered!

Also, be sure to follow Melanin in YA on Twitter and Instagram where every December, we do a U.S. only giveaway everyday of the month! Woo!

Let’s get right to it!

*Melanin in YA recommends shopping as early as possible from small businesses to allow them the time that they need to process orders during the holiday season due to supply chain shortage and shipping delays caused by COVID-19. We also recommend paying for expedited shipping if you order on or after Black Friday if this is an option.

Gift Wrap

Snow Days Off Gift Bag Set – $15 – Black Paper Party

Aunt Holly Wreaths w/ Metallic Ink Gift Wrap – $18.88 – Black Paper Party

Nutcrackers Gift Tags – $3 – Copper & Brass

Cozy Winter Wishes Holiday Card – $5 – Graphic Anthology

Happy Kwanzaa Card – $4.50 – Neighborly Paper

Kwanzaa Greeting Card Bundle – $6.99 – YayDay Paper Co.

Mugs

Unbossed Unbought Unbothered – Life Quotes – Shirley Chisholm Coffee Mug – $17.99 – By Brije

Book Stack Coffee Mug – $25 – Dreaming of Celie

Apparel & Accessories

Unisex Read…Read…Write Shirt – $25 – Baldwin & Co.

Vintage I Closed My Book Crop Hoodie – $37.95 – DiversaTea Reads

1619 Beanie – $15 – Esquire EMB

Satin Face Mask + Protector – $8 – Undefined

We Are Harriett Hoodie – $30 – Girl Trek

Bags

1954 The Headlines Messenger Bag – $55.95 – 1954 by BD

This Bag Holds My Shit Together – $10 – Paisley Paper Co.

Curly Reader Tote Bag – $30 – The Trini Gee

Candles & More

Lavender Reed Diffuser – $20 – Blue Sage Boutique

Non-toxic Room / Linen Spray – $12 – Candles by Kira

Ellington Luxury Candle – $45 – Harlem Candle Co.

Perry Boyce Large Candle $24 – Peace and Riot

Smells Like a YA Novel Candle – $33 – XOXO, Sierra – DISCOUNT CODE: Use the code MELANIN at checkout for 15% Off Your Order For One Order Per Customer!

Self Care

Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen – $21.99 – Black Girl Sunscreen

Bamboo Bath Tray – $50 – Macklin Bath & Home

Moringa Mask – $24 – True Moringa

Calming Blend Bath Salts – $18 – The Wellness Apothecary

Eats, Drinks, & More

Pure Matcha – $28 – Golde

Gourmet Cotton Candy – $7.50 – Ivory Cotton Bar

The Classic Holiday Collection – $50 – Maya’s Cookies

Coasters

RainbowFunk Coaster – $16.99 – Jasmine J. Grant

Mahogany Coasters – $30 – Rain Sky Home

Bookmarks

Bookish Bookmark -$3 – Eboni is Moon

Black Bird Pop-Out Bookmark – $10 – Laurie Makes – DISCOUNT CODE: Use the code MELANIN10 at checkout for 10% Off Your Order From November 15 – December 15, 2021!

The Seconds The Witch’s Bookshelf Woodmark – $4.99 – The Seasonal Pages

Journals/Notebooks

Intention Journal – $20 – Aya Paper Co.

Cornell Notes Notebook – $13.90 – Cloth & Paper

Twill Blend Notebook – $10 – Paper & Stylo

The Guided Clarity Journal – $29.95 – Please Notes

My Story Will Change the World Notebook – $20 – XOXO, Sierra – DISCOUNT CODE: Use the code MELANIN at checkout for 15% Off Your Order For One Order Per Customer!