The Ultimate Gift Guide When Representation Matters

As a single mother of a beautiful growing African American boy I have to put a little extra thought into his gifts each year. Not having a father around is one thing but then to also have difficulties seeing examples of young men that grow up looking like him is a whole other ballpark.

I know some feel, it shouldn’t be too hard just buy him his favorite toys and move on, but it is a big deal when most of his favorite toys look nothing like him. What he sees and watches at this delicate time in his development is integral to how he will feel about his self later on.

Of course he loves superheroes, cars, puzzles, characters from shows, and games like any other young kids. However, if we're being honest, in each category there's probably only one African American that looks like him. There's a few movies and shows out there that make it big enough to create merchandise but it doesn't happen all of the time. For example, my son loves “The Black panther” but he wants more options as well.

This year I was adamant to not only buy gifts that he wanted but also to get a few that looked and sounded like him as well. There's plenty of different companies out there that are claiming to support diversity and representation but I felt like it was only right to show my support and encourage the black-owned businesses that were at it even before it became the movement it is today.

For the parents out there that are interested in these products, but are of a different skin tone, these businesses offer their products in all shades which is another plus. The goal is to succeed in the business while representing, not to exclude anyone as it has been done to us. So feel free to show these hard workers some support and take a look at all of the young black kids being represented in a positive light.

Shout out to the people who made it possible to show kids, who usually only face the negative on the daily, that their dreams matter and that they can become an Astronaut, Doctor, or local superhero if they choose to do so!

1.) Notebooks

My little one has always been interested in writing and drawing; Whether it be for fun or school. These little notebooks with some cute little pencils were the perfect stocking stuffers along with some kid friendly paint sets and crayons. I mean come on how adorable is that cover?

What's even better is that you have the availability to find a child that more resembles your own. I bought this one for my oldest and another with a light brown afro for my nephew.

2.) Pillows

I know, I know you guys are like pillows mama, really? In all honesty these pillows opened up a whole can of worms and now im re-doing his whole room. Like I said before, its been Black Panther for awhile now and I would like for him to see a variety of different heroes so that he can have an option to have a "favorite" if he wants.

So pairing these with a whole new bedroom set will get any 4-7 year old excited. The pillows come in 4 sizes so it can fit all of your little ones needs. This site also has stickers, sweatshirts, socks, and other miscellaneous items that you can make a whole gift bag with which takes me to gift #3!

3.) Backpacks

For my third gift I chose a gorgeous backpack from kidsswag.ca. I stuffed it with other great gifts such as blankets to match the pillows, plates with handsome little African American astronauts on them, some gifts from the site listed above, and since my son has Jamaican roots as well as African American, I got a few puzzles teaching him about both sides.

4.) Monthly Book Subscription Box

Lastly, the Brave and Kind book subscription box was the perfect fit to add to my gifts. I read to my son every night before bed and it helps to have books that encourage and show him kids like him in the pictures. Books about growing up to be a doctor or traveling to the moon. Books explaining that its okay to be different.

This subscription was the best thing purchased and I cant wait to start adding to our collection. The subscription gives you the convenient options for 6 months or 12 months and you can also buy the books individually if you'd rather not have a monthly delivery. Check it out!