Each year we scour our networks for fun, memorable, and unique gifts made by Native change makers and share our finds with you — our community. Scroll on to discover ingenious gifts for the holidays and #BuyNative!
Kwana Tside (Rain Bird) yoga leggings from Khohay
$69.99 + shipping
Khohay Apparel was founded by artist and designer David A. Naranjo from the Pueblos of Santa Clara, San Juan, and Cochiti. Inspired by Puebloan pottery designs and iconography, his line of leggings feature bold patterning of Puebloan pottery designs and bird and water iconography. A great gift for friends & family members who hit the trails or practice yoga!
The Tribute Wool Blanket from Navajo designer, OXDX
$225.00
We at Change Labs are big fans of Jared Yazzie’s OXDX brand. A graphic desiger-turned-entrepreneur, Jared iconic tees and stickers on display in his Phoenix retail shop advocate for Indigenous rights. In addition to his apparel, he collaborated with Eighth Generation to design and produce this stunning wool blanket. It’s a fantastic way to keep cozy on a cold winter night while also supporting two Indigenous businesses!
Sterling silver Turtle Cuff from Navajo-owned Teesyatoh Diné Jewelry
$555.00 + free shipping
Entrepreneur Rosabelle Shephard, co-founder of Teesyatoh Diné Jewelry, participated in Change Labs programs in 2022 and we were blown away by her beautiful craftsmanship. Shop her online store for the jewelry-lover on your list and pickup a unique Navajo-made design.
The perfect Holiday breakfast from Passamaquoddy Maple
$6.95 and up
For the food lovers on your list, treat them to buttermilk pancakes and amber maple syrup sustainably harvest by the Passamaquoddy Tribe in the rural woods of Maine. A tribal enterprise, Passamaquoddy Maple produces syrup, maple candies, maple sugar, and a variety of pancake and muffin mixes. Build your own gift basket of tasty treats!
Custom knife work from Navajo bladesmith, Kodee Artis
Pricing upon request
Artist, lawyer, and sketch artist, Kodee Artis is the founder of Artis Forge, a custom bladesmith for these seeking artisanal knives. Artis was a competitor on the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” television show, a competition show that tests the skills of bladesmiths from across the country. He continues to make blades to order from his home in Iyanbito, New Mexico. You can place an order through his Instagram.
Cozy camping blanket made from recycled materials
$97.00
Thundervoice Hat Co. is mostly known across social media for its stunning hat ware, but did you know they also have a line of blankets? Founded by a group of Indigenous creatives, Thundervoice Hat Co. has a cool vintage aesthetic and 95% of their products are made from reclaimed materials in order to reduce their impact on Mother Earth.
DIY your own ribbon skirt with Tuve'hongnöm Creations
$50.00 and up
Tuve'hongnöm is the Hopi name of AJ Nequatewa, Indigenous contemporary artist and founder of Tuve'hongnöm Creations. We love her ribbon skirts, available on her site for $85 and up, but we really love is her idea to teach you how to make your own ribbon skirt! She’ll have new classes available for January 2023. Purchase a spot in her virtual class and while you’re at it, you can pick up a kit of materials you’ll need to follow along. A perfect gift for the crafty creatives in your life!
Create your own piece of art with this round quilt craft kit
$20.00
A fun gift for all ages and skill levels, we picked up this craft kit from Camille Waconda's Dreaming Crafts, sold online through Indigiexchange in Albuquerque, NM. It’s a 10.5- inch round quilt designed to be a fun and stress free way to express your creativity while creating something beautiful and intricate. Each kit includes the labeled laser cut wood pieces, paint, wood glue, and brushes, you will need to complete the piece.
Stationary and desk calendars for the office aficionado
$10.00 and up
K'aalogii Kisses, founded by Navajo artist, Deonoveigh Mitchell, offers up small bags, home decor, prints, cards, and stationary sets for the loved ones in your life that appreciate artwork.
Slather on some calming salves from Sḵwálwen Botanicals
$15.00 + shipping
Who doesn’t love a little self-care gift for the holidays? Help your loved ones invest in themselves with masques, salts, oils, balms, and salves from ethnobotanist Leigh Joseph of Squamish First Nations. We picked up the sore muscle salve and the healing salve from Sḵwálwen Botanicals, both formulated with sustainable sourced plants to nourish your skin. These 2oz. tins make a great small gift!
A YA novel to explore the Navajo Creation Story
$7.99 and up
The debut-novel of Navajo author Brian Young, Healer of the Water Monster tells the story of a seemingly ordinary Navajo boy who must save the life of a Water Monster, a Holy Being from the Navajo Creation Story. A perfect group for the young readers in your family or for anyone who enjoys stories of adventure and healing.
“Stoodis” sharpies to motivate your New Year resolutions
$5.00 + shipping
The cool kids at The NTVS clothing line always have great apparel that we stan. But we only recently discovered these fantastic sharpies with the ubiquitous Native slang, “Stoodis” and “Skoden.” You don’t need to be a Native person to appreciate the motivational intent and we can’t imagine a better gift for that person on your list who consistently makes New Years resolutions!
Treat your loved ones to self-care at Goldie Lux Studio
Offering online gift certificates of all amounts
Navajo beauty artist, Goldie Tom, has spent the last eight years building her line of beauty services. From makeup application at NYFW to on-set haircuts and styling for photoshoots, Goldie recently had the opportunity to open her first brick-and-mortar business in downtown Gallup. An official grand opening is in the works for the new Goldie Lux Studio, but in the meantime you can treat your loved ones to beauty transformation with Goldie at her new storefront with an online gift certificate.
Honor a loved one with a donation in their name
Celebrate the work of numerous Indigenous-led organizations working on critical issues ranging from affordable housing to caregiving to entrepreneurship support. These are some of our favorite Native-led and Native-controlled 501(c)(3) organizations serving Native people:
Nááts'íilid Initiative
So’Tsoh Foundation
Native Renewables
Change Labs (yes, that’s us!)
