If you don’t already celebrate this holiday, you might be confused as to what it’s about. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of African American slaves. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army announced General Order No. 3. This order proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas. While this day has been celebrated for years, it only became a federal holiday in June 2021. This holiday not only celebrates freedom of slaves but has expanded to celebrate African American culture as a whole.
Since being declared a Federal holiday, a lot of themed merchandise has cropped up. I’ve researched and selected some of the best Juneteenth gifts for you to choose from right here.
1. Vintage Photos
Juneteenth gifts celebrating black history
Give classic photos or posters to celebrate those African Americans who stand out in a crowd.
Black History flashcards can be used in the classroom or at home to learn about those who took risks to pave a path for others. Who knows? Maybe the cards will inspire them to create their own trivia game.
For the reader, there are tons of black history books to choose from, so you will be sure to find some they don’t already have.
2. Juneteenth History Book
Juneteenth gifts for kids
It is important to teach children cultural history from a young age. Choose from a wide selection of early readers that explain about the Juneteenth celebration. If they are too young to read, you can read the story to them. It may become one of their favorites and encourage a love of reading in them later.
Black history Barbie dolls, such as Rosa Parks or Maya Angelou, are a great way for young African American girls to reach for the stars. Or try the Inspiring Women Barbies collection. Who knows? She may become the next Katherine Johnson.
Add to family game night with black history games for families. There are many editions to choose from. Mom and dad will probably learn as much as the kids. Plus, with parents working and kids busy with school, family game nights are a great way to reconnect.
3. Themed Phone Case
Juneteenth gifts to use all year
Who isn’t attached to their phones nowadays? Give them a phone case they can be proud of.
You can also give them a Juneteenth popsocket to celebrate their heritage. While Juneteenth is only one day, they can show off their heritage all year.
If they have an Apple watch you can get themed wristband straps displaying Juneteenth colors.
4. Freedom T-shirt
Juneteenth gifts to wear
They can always use more t-shirts, right? There are so many cool shirts to choose from, you will want to get them more than one.
You can also get a Juneteenth cap. This holiday is in the beginning of the harsh summer months, so a cap will help keep the harmful sun’s rays off their face.
Are they a fitness junkie or into sports? You can even get them a pair of running shoes and socks with the holiday theme.
With one illness cropping up after another, masks are here to stay. While not mandatory, many people choose to continue wearing them in public as extra protection against germs. Why not give them a few Juneteenth masks to wear?
5. Juneteenth Earrings
Jewelry gifts for Juneteenth
Bold and beautiful Juneteenth colors dangling from their ears will make a big fashion statement.
Or get an Africa pendant. These unisex necklaces can be worn by any gender.
Slightly before Juneteenth became a National holiday, the Black Lives Matter movement took hold. A Black Lives Matter beaded bracelet not only celebrates the advances made by the June 19th proclamation, but also acknowledges all of the struggles African Americans have gone through since then.
6. Juneteenth Flag
Juneteenth gift ideas for the home
With so many people spending more time at home during the past few years, some are taking the time to decorate their yards for more than just the December holidays. Give them a Juneteenth flag as a reminder to every socially conscious person to celebrate this holiday.
They can even decorate the inside of their home with Juneteenth throw pillows.
For the kitchen, give them some Juneteenth dish towels. Plus, if they enjoy cooking, or want to learn, a Juneteenth cookbook will give them some recipes for celebrations as well as some traditional African American foods.
Don’t forget some black history coasters. You don’t want guests’ drinks messing up their furniture during their Juneteenth celebrations.
7. Insulated Tumbler
Juneteenth gift ideas
They can fill an insulated tumbler with water to stay hydrated while playing sports, or fill it with coffee to keep alert at work. Either way, it will make an inspirational reminder of how far they’ve come.
Or give them a Juneteenth coffee mug to start their day with pride. You can add their favorite coffee to make the gift even better.
Then give them a commemorative wine glass to end their day on a relaxing note. Make sure to add a bottle of wine to celebrate.
8. Juneteenth Tote
Juneteenth gifts to take with them
This tote, celebrating their heritage, can be used as a purse, a shopping bag, or to keep stuff in to take back and forth to work.
Add a Black Lives Matter wallet to keep their cards and cash in.
Or choose a Black Lives Matter backpack for everyone on your list. There are small drawstring bags for sports, shoulder bags for purses, and even USB charging backpacks.
9. Juneteenth Decorations
Juneteenth party supplies
Time to celebrate! Get some door banners or a backdrop for photo ops. Don’t forget paper goods such as plates, napkins, cups, and utensils. You can also add some centerpieces to the tables.
No celebration is complete without balloons. Get a balloon arch for a grand entrance or just grab a pack of individual balloons to place at strategic points.
Then give out some Juneteenth rubber bracelets as swag for guests.
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