5 Native Gift Ideas for Anyone on Your List
By Emily Clarke
Double Sided Plush Blanket from Lopez Beading
Lopez Beading is owned and operated by Lexi Lopez (Cahuilla) and sells various Native-inspired products such as blankets, clothing, plush toys, accessories, beadwork, household items and more. Arguably one of the most popular products Lopez Beading offers, this king size plush blanket is perfect for the holiday season. Lopez Beading offers an assortment of sizes, patterns, and colors of blankets for you to choose from as well as competitive prices on all of their products. Lopez Beading ensures that all products are shipped within 3-5 business days and also makes a point to note that their blankets are for everyone, both Native and non-Native, to purchase and enjoy.
‘You Are on Native Land’ Beanie from Urban Native Era
Although Urban Native Era is not a specifically California Native-owned business, they are located in Los Angeles, California and create products that reflect Native identity and perspective. Their ‘You Are on Native Land’ collection is widely worn by both Natives and non-Natives and is made as a “sign of solidarity” while also highlighting Indigenous perspective. The ‘You Are on Native Land’ beanie comes in an array of colors and would be the perfect addition to one of Urban Native Era’s ‘You are on Native Land’ t-shirts or beanies. On top of offering a wide-range of apparel, Urban Native Era is dedicated to creating sustainable products that don’t hurt the environment.
Shy Pocket T-Shirt from Shy Natives
Shy Natives is a lingerie and apparel brand founded by two Northern Cheyenne Sister’s and located in Los Angeles, California. The brand collaborates with Indigenous models, artists, creatives, and influencers to create products and images that reflect all aspects of Native identity and expression. Much of their lingerie is sold out, but their ‘Shy Pocket T-shirt” is available in two colors, 100% cotton, and made in Los Angeles. The shirt is available in sizes ranging from small to 3X and looks like the perfect lounge shirt for the holiday season. In addition to the ‘Shy Pocket T-Shirt,’ Shy Natives has two other shirts available for purchase at this time.
Basket Print from Weshoyot Alvitre
Weshoyot Alvitre is a Tongva artist whose work often focuses on looking at history and pop culture through an Indigenous lens. Weshoyot is a comic artist, so you may have seen some of her work in your favorite Native comic books or throughout the various museum exhibitions she has illustrated for. Her website offers everything from prints and original artworks to comic pages while showcasing a wide array of artistic styles and expressions. More specifically, Weshoyot’s Basket Print is a fully colored 11×17 signed print from a page from the comic “My Sisters” written by Chag Lowry. The print shows various hands holding and perhaps in the midst of weaving a singular unfinished basket, which is contrasted with a bright background. To me, this print is the perfect gift for someone looking to add both color and culture to their home decor, office walls, or just to expand their art collection.
Land of Birds Shirt from Ndn Up Clothing
Ndn Up Clothing is a Native-owned and operated clothing brand based out of Southern California. The brand is still new and was officially launched in the summer of 2021. Ndn Up Clothing sells t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and more in various Native-inspired designs. Some of my favorite t-shirt slogans include “Columbus didn’t discover sh*t,” and “Certified Auntie Slayer,” but their “Land of Birds” Shirt is by far my favorite. The shirt reads “California Native” and “Land of the Birds” and includes a California bear graphic filled with the names of various California tribes. The design showcases the Birdsigning tribes of California and includes Cahuilla, Morongo, Kumeyaay, Pomo, and more.
