"What do small businesses mean to you?" I asked Emmy-winning actor Billy Porter [1] over the phone. "They are the lifeblood of a community," he began. "Small businesses are often set up for specific communities, and they serve those communities." The Pose star, who recently published a memoir [2], is passionate about small businesses. So when Amazon invited him to create his own holiday gift guide [3] on the platform, he saw it as a chance to uplift BIPOC founders.
"What drew me in were the Black-owned businesses [4], the queer, and the women-owned businesses [5] because these are the voices that need to be elevated." Billy continued. "I have been given a platform to do that." Let's also not forget that they're very high-quality, he added.
The products in question, an array of wellness goods designed to enhance any workout, skin-care, or beauty routine. Plus, healthy treats for dogs (because you can't forget your furry friends). Scroll on for Billy Porter's Amazon gift guide [6].
A Gentle Self-Care Reminder: Cocotique Subscription Box for Women of Colour
Spoil your best friend for a year with the Cocotique Beauty & Self-Care Subscription Box for Women of Colour [8] ($25 and up). Each month, they'll receive a selection of beauty and wellness goods that will remind them to take a break and recharge.
An Eco-Friendly Treat: Ghanaian Hot Chocolate K Cups.
The pods of these Ghanaian Hot Chocolate K Cups. [9] ($21) are recyclable, making them an eco-conscious gift. The chocolate contains ingredients designed to help you relax, and start your day on a high note.
For Your Furry Friend: Pawstruck Dog Jerky Treats
These Pawstruck Dog Jerky Treats [10] ($20) make delicious, protein-packed snacks. They are healthy snacks your dog will surely love.
A Haircare Essential: Afropick Anti-Static Plastic Hair Pick
The print of this Afropick Anti-Static Plastic Hair Pick [11] ($15) makes it artisanal and cool. It's designed with smooth, round tips for gentle care of the scalp, plus the grip will feel comfortable.
For Fitness Enthusiasts: Atlexo Luxury Workout Kit
Want to spoil an athlete, gym rat, or fitness-lover? This Atlexo Luxury Workout Kit [12] ($250) will be everything they'll need in one box. It contains a weighted jump rope, exercise resistance bands, core strength sliders, and recovery massage ball to ease soreness and improve circulation.
For the Beauty-Lovers: Bolden Glow Hydrating Mask
Made with intensely hydrating Hyaluronic acid, the Bolden Glow Hydrating Mask [13] ($20) will enhance their natural glow. It is designed to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pair this gift with the brand's Skin Clarifying Cleanser [14] ($16).
For a Health Boost: BLK & Bold Chai Green Tea
This BLK & Bold Chai Green Tea [15] ($24) is made to improve digestion and fight inflammation. The package can make up to 80 cups.
Barber-Approved: Gordon Andres Water Proof Beard Pencil
Barbers approve of this Gordon Andres Water Proof Beard Pencil [16] ($16), which gives it bonus points. It's designed to fill all beards with precision, making sure to reduce the appearance of gaps in anyone's beard, mustache, or hairline.