With Christmas on the horizon, many of us are making gift lists and checking budgets. When pondering stocking stuffers or thoughtful, useful gifts for close friends, neighbors, or that teacher you adore, consider the Ally League.
This wonderful website features products from Black-owned businesses that also meet every need you can imagine, be it edible treats like cookies, candies, snacks, beverages, or barbecue sauces, or self-care items like candles, body butter, lip balm, or nail polish. Even niche items such as custom apparel, comic books, or self-love books can be found at this gift giver's paradise.
Founded during the pandemic by activist and biotechnologist Kesha Rodgers and fellow biotechnologist and entrepreneur Sara So, the Ally League has a mission to combat racism by helping allies move from empathy to action. The two friends gave birth to this place that brings together products from Black entrepreneurs and presents them to allies who might not know about them.
Their goal? To make an impact on the community by supporting and amplifying Black-owned businesses. They believe that having allies include more Black-owned businesses in their buying behaviors can help stimulate the economies of our communities.
These two women have created a purpose-driven organization and have made sure that the Ally League stands by their values. They believe that everyday actions add up to bigger changes over time and have dedicated themselves to pinpointing shifts we can all make in our behaviors that move us away from racist systems.
Despite their primary focus being racism toward Black people, they also recognize that any non-white person can feel its impact. Because of this, whenever they can, the Ally League uses Black and minority-owned companies for their vendor needs. They work to make authentic connections across races and believe this will ease the path to a world free of racism.
They place an emphasis on communication as a tool for lasting change and share content to help educate and amplify voices, with the goal of bringing the conversations to new places. They have prioritized local action and understand that creating lasting change starts with the impact we can make in our communities.
Support The Ally League
So, if you need affordable items for stocking stuffers or prepacked gift sets, the Ally League has you covered. Single items range from $2 drinks to a $150 in-person serenade-a-gram (virtual options are available), with a wide range of gifts and prices in between. The $6 handcrafted napkins are eye-catching, and the $25 "Brilliant or BS" trivia game seems like a great addition to any game night.
But one of the best options the site carries is its Black Boxes! These preselected boxes start at $25 for the Puget Sound Snack Edition, which includes a 4 oz. pack of spicy candied pecans from the Brown Pecan in Tacoma, a 12 oz. can of sparkling flavored water from Hunniwater in Edmonds, and a 2 oz. pack of crispy plantain chips from Miss Marjorie's in Seattle.
While there are $50 and $75 Black Box options as well, the Bold Black Box and Big Black Box (both $100) offer 7—13 items, perfect as a gift for one person or a set of gifts for a number of people. Don't like the particular item selections? Build your own Black Box with a minimum of four products for no additional cost than the items you choose to add. The company will provide the box and packing, and wrap it with a bow to create your perfect custom gift.
So, this year, while going down your Christmas list, focus on the importance of being an ally and contributing to our community in a meaningful and impactful way. But, in the words of Kesha and Sara, remember, allies aren't saviors. They just use their privilege to help those without it, even if it disadvantages them as a result.
Learn more at https://www.theallyleague.com/