In a world where black kids don’t always see their beauty reflected in mainstream culture, their parents (especially white parents like me) often have to work double-time to safeguard their sense of self-esteem and cultural pride. It’s my job to make sure my son gets the message from as many places as possible and as frequently as possible that his hair and skin are nothing less than perfect.
The T-shirts, books, dolls and other products on this list teach kids to embrace and celebrate their natural, beautiful hair texture. You can’t wrap up self-love this holiday season, but a gift that says “you’re beautiful just the way you are” couldn’t hurt.
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Baby Hair And Afros I Slay T-Shirt
Etsy
For the Beyonce lover. This T-shirt comes in toddler and youth sizes. Buy here for $16.
2
The Very Fun And Fly Happy Hair Coloring And Activity Book
An activity and coloring book from the Happy Hair Shop. Buy herefor $9.95.
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Handmade Happy Hair Dolls
Pick from one of three handmade dolls or score all three for $125. Buy herefor $44.95 each.
5
Big Hair Don't Care Print
Check out illustrator CuteandCoily's Society 6 shopfor dozens of natural-hair-themed products like this mini art print.Buy here for $18.
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2016 PuffCuff Kurly Kid Toolbox
The Kurly Kid Toolbox includes a silk sleep bonnet, a pack of GaBBy bowsdesigned not to slide out of hair, a smoothing boar brush, a detangling comb, a book entitled "I Love Me" by and an "I Love My Hair" T-shirt. Buy herefor $79.99.
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A self-love book for boys. "Cool Cuts" is a sequel to "Happy Hair," a call-and-response book aimed at girls. Buy here for $14.95.
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Formation Art Print
Illustrator Coilyandcute draws a bevvy of adorable black kids and families on her natural hair illustration blog, like this Beyonce-inspired print. Buy here for $18, or get it framed for $31.50.
11
Black Ballerina Tutu Shirt
Because kids should be able to see people who look like them doing amazing things. Buy here for $15.
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My Life As A Schoolboy Doll
"My Life As" dolls come in not just a range of professions but a range of diverse ethnicities. The 18-inch doll has brushable hair that kids can play with and style. Buy here for $27.97.
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Crochet Curly Hair Doll
The LeenGreenBean Etsy shop has an array of adorable crocheted natural hair dolls, including this rainbow version. They're made to order, so you can get this doll in any colors you choose. Buy here for $60.
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I Love My Hair Romper
Global Couture
It's never too early for a positive message. Buy here for $29.99.
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"Don't Quit Your Day Dream!" Book
Naturally Perfect's beautiful natural hair dolls are all currently on backorder, but in the meantime you can get this "book of affirmations for every naturally perfect girl." Buy here for $6.99.
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Ruffle T-Shirt
By Global Couture, this ruffle-hem T will make your curly girl feel like a queen. Buy herefor $28.99.
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You Are Beautiful T-Shirt
This positive message T-shirt comes in toddler, youth sizes, and an infant romper. Buy here for $12.
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Epic Hair Child T
Kinky Chicks has a wide selection of natural-hair-inspired apparel for men, women and kids. Buy here for $20.95.
