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Loving Starrseeds Holiday Picks

Check out our picks from some of our favorite small (black owned) businesses!

By Loving Starr SeedsPublished 3 years ago • 1 min read
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T-shirt from the Loving StarrSeeds Shop! lovingstarrseeds.threadless.com

If you are a parent of color with any level of consciousness then you know the struggle of being completely inundated with the cultural programming of mainstream society. Your children scroll through hours of programming, walk through aisles and aisles of stores... and are constantly affirmed with the messaging that white is the norm. Considering non whites are the global majority, it's truly a shame. Fret not.. one positive thing about the internet is that everyone has been empowered to bring great ideas to market and straight to the hands of customers without the big distribution traditionally needed.

I've compiled a list based on some items we've come to really love and enjoy...and some we really want!

We only have the DVD but my children LOVE Black Sands Entertainment. My son especially has started to memorize all the words. We watch the DVD in our van so I only get to hear it and I love the messaging and tiny gems. Following on social media, I really love the movement and what they're trying to accomplish. They specialize in comic books with a few other things. We look forward to collecting as they grow. Check them out: https://blacksandsentertainment.com/

This isn't something we've had the pleasure of trying out at the house but I know it's something especially Oriah, my oldest daughter would love. Every doll she has she tries to wash and style their hair but as we know that just destroys the hair lol.. well not destroy, they just end up with matted hair. This doll right here is built for washing and styling and perfect for little black girls to appreciate their hair. Check them out: https://healthyrootsdolls.com/

Here's another personal fave. We now have both Gifted&Lit DVDs, vol 1 and 2. My children WERE'NT feeling it at 1st.. or should I say, they were skeptical. Then the hit beat them and they were hooked. Now even when we're riding with friends they are singing along and excited about the learning that's happening at the same time. Check them out: https://giftedandlit.com/

So here's another brand we haven't had the pleasure of checking out just yet but can't wait too.. so much so, I'm going to share some other items from the site.. aren't these pajamas the cutest.

Seriously... look at this... and come to find out they have subscription boxes!

And I'm not sure about yall children but mine always want watches.. I'm not sure why but it's a thing. Check out the full shop here: https://www.izzyandliv.com/

Here's another fave! My children and any children I've worked with LOVEEEEEE these coloring pages. Truly.. you never realize how much you haven't seen yourself represented in something until you are truly represented. Like hair, dress and the like included. Plus Aaron Maybin is a friend and colleague and truly cares about what he does. He's a dope father and educator and supporting him means you're supporting that work. www.aaronmaybin.com

This right here is not a black owned company but they deserved to be on this list because how truly awesome the designs and quality are. Oriah has the Harriet Tubman and Mae Jemison shirts because she loves them. The fabric quality is great and they hold up in the wash. I was scrolling one day and she decided she wanted all the shirts, even though she doesn't know all the women featured. They also have prints, pajamas, dresses and more. They are a great break from unicorns and rainbows... like girls like other things too.. Check them out: https://piccolinakids.com/

Here's another wish list item. My children destroy puzzles quickly. They are currently 6, 4 and 2 so I'm waiting for them to become a tad bit mature to get this.. I know it's coming. I might grab these as gifts for others: https://puzzleandbloom.com/

Last but certainly not least and other item from a personal friend. She's been killing the game as an owner of a bake shop as of late but a few years ago she came out with the book "Greens Don't Grow in Cans". A wonderful informative and fun nutrition for kids book.

Oops.. wait.. we almost forgot to shout out ourselves. "Go To Sleep Oriah" is a children's book that was inspired by the eldest's namesake but it's for all the families with active and imaginative children. Becoming a mother, I became frustrated with there not being a lot of books for preschoolers with Black children leads that weren't about hair or a historical figure... or even about being Black.. I mean I'm BLACK but these children just came out and as much as we have to actively affirm them.. we also need to let them be and see themselves in everyday stuff, as well as fantasy and wonder, etc. So that's what this book represents and you can check it out at www.gotosleeporiah.com. We also just started a new artist shop that has these items and more. Hoping to add to the artist shop soon with the children's own designs. lovingstarrseeds.threadless.com

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About the Creator

Loving Starr Seeds

The Loving Starrseeds are Oriah, Che and Sheva.. a creative, loud and imaginative sibling trio.

This blog will feature them made content and articles with useful tips, tricks and activities for families with young children.

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