Adolophine Holiday Gift Guide 2020

What a year!!?! I know I should be used to this Covid life but it’s still shocking and surprising. I can’t believe we’ve made it to the holidays. This holiday will definitely look and feel different. Most of us will have a small celebration. Some of us will even do Thanksgiving dinner outside and find ways to remix holiday traditions.

Having to pause more we are able to appreciate our space more, smaller things in life, and our connections to our tribe. We hope you enjoy our holiday gift guide and stay safe!

Home:

We’ve been spending so much time home the past few months. I had this idea that I would de-clutter everything, make everything from scratch, and just be Martha Stewart. THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN!! Online school and trying to keep sane took up a lot of my time. What did bring me pleasure was doing small decorating projects, decorating the table, and finding small beautiful moments.

Placemats and Chargers are a great start to table dressing. I use our blue chargers for breakfast, lunch, and casual dinners. They are sturdy, easy to wipe down, and dress up a kitchen island, small indoor table, or outdoor table.

For fancier or more delicate settings I use our raffia placemats that were made in Congo. They are lighter, elegant, and don’t take up a lot of visual spaces. We have coasters with cowries and raffia to go with the placemats as well. It’s a nice touch to table dressing.

I’m a big fan of Sheila Bridges. I think she is an amazing interior decorator and I love her Harlem Toile de Jouy. I love the wallpaper and will definitely include it in my home soon. I wanted something with the Harlem Toile so I bought her beautiful plates at Nilu Shop in Harlem (www.shopnilu.com). You can also get your own Harlem Toile on her website (www.sheilabridges.com).

Coffee Machine: 

It’s hard to function without coffee or tea in the morning. It’s even harder to get coffee when things are shut down. It looks like we will be going through more restrictions. I love Nespresso coffee. We have a Vertuo coffee machine in the Hamptons and the Lattissima Pro in our apartment in the city. It has been a lifesaver. 

Malachite for All:

We have been getting such great feedback on our malachite collection. Malachite is a beautiful stone that is mostly found in the DRC. It’s been used medicinally by different cultures for thousands of years. Malachite is a healing stone, brings balance, and has natural bacteriostatic qualities. I think we can all agree that we all need all the healing energy we can get our hands-on.

Our Malachite collection has something for everyone. Our Matadi bracelet is great for men and women. We also have necklaces. Kids can also get in on the healing power with our adjustable malachite necklace. 

Clothing: 

Buy African By Africans T-shirt. These are our new graphic t-shirts. We came up with the text during a conversation this summer. We were talking about our business and how it’s rare to have African artists working for African own businesses. People always ask us how they can be supportive and help get our message out. This t-shirt is a great way to show your support. 

Custom made clothing is such a treat and a wonderful luxury. We have some great options on our website and there are so many great designers and tailors. I love getting clothes made. Below are some of my favorites.

Je Suis by Senami: Senami is my Creative Director and she has her own fashion company. She makes beautiful items. She has made me many pieces. On our last trip to Congo, I wore a jumpsuit and a skirt suit by her. I got rave reviews in person and online. You can contact her through her website www.jesuisnyc.com

Smart Tailors(IG @smart_tailors): they make beautiful items. I especially love their custom joggers. My personal favorite is the matching couples’ outfits.

Eric Couture in Kinshasa: Eric makes a lot of my clothes in Kinshasa. He made the dress that I wore to the Congolese women's forum and to my visit to Lau. He does a great job picking fabrics and respecting your body shape. He does a fantastic job with suits. I’ve gotten so much made by him that I still haven’t worn half of my outfits. You can reach him via WhatsApp at +243 848 446 006. Send him a message.

Place your custom clothing order soon. Once this pandemic is over we will all get dressed up and celebrate!!

Gifts for Kids:

Books: Your Name is A Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. 

We’ve been seeing in the media how some folks make fun of people’s names. This is a great book to read to your kids and build tolerance and appreciation for their own name and other people they will meet in their lifetime.

Another great book for children The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Also, Sean Qualls (Illustrator), Selina Also (Illustrator)

My daughter keeps asking me for a phone and I have to keep telling her NO. She can wait until she’s 14. Instead, we have been playing a lot of board games and trying to limit tech time. We love Jenga, Uno, Trouble, and Mancala. I’m very competitive and I don’t let Georgette win. She has to earn her win and it builds character :-). I have a quick confession, Georgette is undefeated in Mancala. I have no idea how that happens but she always wins. It’s very frustrating.

Stocking Stuffers:

Restaurants have really suffered during this pandemic. It’s a great idea to get a gift card from your local restaurant and put it in your family stockings. For our last-minute shoppers, you can always get an Adolophine gift card. 

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and safe Holiday Season!

Meilleur Sentiments,

Adolophine