The holidays are a little different this year. The 2020 pandemic caused by COVID-19 has the most wonderful time of the year looking more like an anticipated season finale. Many are not looking forward to it, while others are as a form of distraction. This is a season of giving. For some, that may not be possible this year due to finances. Some are just being mindful of their holiday spending as we do not know how long this pandemic will last. Nonetheless, which ever way the spirit takes you, my 2020 Holiday Maverick Must-Haves list will surely have something for everyone and every wallet. It was important that I also highlighted a few small and black-owned businesses as they have been affected the most this year. So after you’ve made your list and checked it twice, check out the hottest holiday items that will be sure to make the spirits bright of those you love.
JOLLY HAIR
As the winter approaches, it is VERY important that we keep our hair hydrated and moisturized. It’s also important to treat and protect our hair from the cold weather, as well as from hideous “hat hair”. Check out these items for the hair lover in your life.
The Olaplaex Hair Repair Trial Kit ($25) is everything you need to repair, rebuild, strengthen, hydrate and eliminate frizz during the winter. The kit includes:
- (1 oz./ 30 mL) No.3 Hair Perfector ™
- (1 oz./ 30 mL) No.4 Bond Maintenance ™ Shampoo
- (1 oz./ 30 mL) No.5 Bond Maintenance ™ Conditioner
- (1 oz./ 30 mL) No.6 Bond Smoother ™
My favorite is the No. 3 Hair Perfector. I use it as my source of protein once a month. Helps with breakage and damaged hair. You are sure to see a difference after the first use. (Photo Credit: Olaplex)
Kreyol Essence Haitian Black Castor Oil is the secret weapon for everything hair and beauty. This blessing in a bottle (straight from Haiti) is a one stop shop to maintain healthy hair, moisturize your skin, and soothe muscle aches. It evens helps to grow your brows out! My favorite is the Orange Mango, Papaya, and Coconut. A little of this oil goes a long way.
JINGLING JEWELS
Shine bright like the star on the Christmas tree top with these unique fashion jewels.
Haus of Swag is making it a DOPE Christmas for that “Dope Chick” in your life. The “I Am One Dope Chick” custom cutout charm necklace ($28) is gold plated stainless steel and sure to make a statement. Like a friendly reminder to those that may have forgotten how DOPE they are.
And if that’s not DOPE enough for you, add a little ear candy to the bunch with their exclusive “DOPE” 2-Part earrings ($32). The icing on the cake? They come in a dope Haus of Swag custom gold foil gift box & velvet jewelry pouch. No need to gift wrap it. How DOPE is that?
I refused to buy Airpods. Not because I don’t like them. Because they never stay in my ears. Then I came across the ultimate game changer and holiday Must-Have.
Jewelry designer, MISHO is putting a chic twist on the way you wear and style your ear pods with these Pebble Pods ($120). It holds your ear pods in place and can also be worn with or without them.
HOLIDAY FOR ALL
Kill two birds with one stone and get these awesome gifts for both the man and woman in your life.
There’s nothing like a “FINE and GORGEOUS” man in Grey Sweatpants during the winter. Imagine what that smells like? fella is here to satisfy your crave… and curiosity.
The black-owned candle company, fella, has different natural fragrances that smell like a man is in the room with you. The candles, with themes like Cuffing Season, The Weekend, and Grey Sweatpants Season, burn for at least 40 hours. Perfect gift for the man that hates the girly-scented candles or a woman that loves or yearns for the scent of a man in her personal atmosphere. Check out their website and receive 25% off your purchase using the code: FESTIVE.
Beverage to-go? Make it CUSTOM. Rich with Love Cookies and Crafts bringing the “Ultimate Tumbler Heat” this holiday season. Custom tumblers start at $35 and can be anything you want it to be. It’s your chance to show your loved ones how unique and creative you can get with your gifts and also how well you know them if you hit them with a custom tumbler related to something they love (favorite team, artist, animal, etc.). Perfect gift for men, women, and even kids. (Photo Credit: Rich with Love Cookies and Crafts)
FESTIVE ATTIRE…
Head to Toe
The holidays are all about getting decked out in our best attire! From the holiday colors, glitz n glam, and shimmer and shine, or just naturally standing out, we got you covered with the best items to make you THE TALK at the dinner table and around the Christmas tree.
Mini Totes have been a popular trend this year. If you are trying to make a statement with said trend, Brandon Blackwood is the way to go. The New York based designer originally from Jamaica is taking the popular mini tote trend to a whole other level. Higher than Jacquemus. My favorite is the ESR Mini Canvas Tote ($70). The statement bag reads “End Systemic Racism” and a portion of proceeds from sales go towards pro bono legal assistance provided by Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. What better reason to shop than for a cause? It’s the perfect gift for that Fashionista in your life. FYI! The bags sell out quickly every restock. It has been reported that a restock of these bags will dropping at the end of the year. So if you want to get your hands on one of these babies, visit the website and sign-up for their email list or turn those IG notifications ON. I know I did! Bags start at $95. (Photo Credits: Brandon Balckwood)
“Go Jesus! It’s your birthday! We gon’ party like it’s your birthday!” You can even dress for the occasion with Spicy Christians latest holiday item. Because if you’re going to be holy, be fashionably holy! Check out the website and enjoy 25% off the entire site with my code: MAVERICKXMAS. You’re welcome!
There’s nothing like coming across a unique and one-of-a-kind fashion piece that no one else has. N.E.W. by Nik will add that special touch to your casual holiday look with these handmade Refix’d totes and handbag. The beauty of these bags? Every bag is one of one. No bag is made the exact same. If you like custom hoodies, N.E.W. by Nik is the way to go. You think I’m joking? Check out the website, shop, and get 15% off the entire website with my code: MAVERICK15. Tis’ the season of giving! (Photo Credits: N.E.W. by Nik)
As the ultimate shoe lover, I would stan and splurge on a good pair. Especially a pair by a woman black-owned shoe company. Strut into the holidays with a fierce pair of Keeyahri pumps. The signature heel alone is something to scream about and will absolutely have Santa do a double look from his sleigh…while you SLAY! My favorite is the Jenine – Fairytale ($749). They look like sugar plum fairies on your feet shining bright from the gold resin on the custom heel. The feathers are hand applied to suede leather…with love. You feel it in every step you take. Worth the splurge on yourself. Because… you survived 2020! Reward yourself!
SWEET WINTER TREATS
Baking always brings family together. The Unicorn Cookie Cup Baking Kit from Cookie Cups is perfect for the little one in your life that loves baking…and UNICORNS. The entire baking experience is all in one box. It includes all the ingredients and tools (including apron) needed to make mini cookie cups. What are cookie cups? Simply put… a “genius mistake” that makes for the right treat. Available on Amazon for $49.95 for kids ages 3 and up.
If you are not the baking type but still want to satisfy your sugar rush or have wonderful desserts at your dinner table, BCakeNY has an assortments of cakes and treats that can be delivered anywhere in the U.S. Makes a great gift for loved ones near or far (for obvious reasons), co-workers, and friends. My favorites: The Variety Cake Jars and The Reindeer cake.
Sidebar: These are also great alternatives for Santa’s treats. *wink wink*
There are so many ways to gift your friends and loved ones without breaking the bank.
- Handmade gifts are always a sweet gesture.
- Mailing a Christmas Card goes a long way. Now more than ever.
- Donating to a loved one’s favorite non-profit organization shows care and also support to a cause.
- Food and baked goods never fail. The foodies at heart will be sure to appreciate a favorite dish or dessert of yours.
- Writing a letter. 2020 has truly been a year of reflection. We have had so much time to think and re-evaluate life. What better way to express how you feel about loved ones than words on paper… from the heart!
Which ever way your gift-giving route takes you, it’s the thought that counts. Honestly, the greatest gift most of us have been given is the ability to see another day. Many were not as fortunate this year. The simplest gift of them all is a HUG, and we are not even able to do that. Whatever you give this year, really mean it. If you don’t buy presents this year, that’s OK too. We have all been through it. Tomorrow is not promised. Appreciate your NOW. Your presence is a present. Unless you’re a GRINCH.
If you shop the guide, tag me in your photos on Instagram. Would love to hear your reviews.
Happy, healthy, and safe holidays to all.
See you in 2021!
The GlamMaverick 
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