A newsletter subscriber recently emailed me asking for sources for Afrocentric gift items for her holiday gift baskets. Only a few sources came to mind at first. Then I got an idea.

Why not research and create an online directory that gift basket designers, retailers and consumers could consult to find African American gifts and supplies? Thus was born a new website, AfricanAmericanGiftsandSupplies.com

Once I began gathering information and sources I decided to include wholesale and retail sources since so many of these overlap. Although I began a search for gift items, I soon realized that clothing, home decor, books, calendars and games also would make great contents in gift baskets as well as stand-alone gifts.

When you visit the www.AfricanAmericanGiftsandSupplies.com you will also discover companies that offer ethnic ribbon, supplies and timely items.  You will find, for example, links to products featuring Obama, the first family and even the latest video of Michael Jackson’s This is It concert rehearsal footage. One of my favorite discoveries was a company that makes light switchplates featuring African American art. Did you know that there is a Kwanzaa Gift Show, and this year will be their 24th show?

• a Sunday morning bible tote
• a 2010 Obama calendar
• a South African red tea (I’m ordering this for myself)
• soulful crossword puzzles
• African waistcoats for the man in your life

While many of the companies carry products created in African and other countries, most will be shipped from USA destinations. That is beneficial for you since you will be able to order and receive your purchases in a timely manner.

The best thing about AfricanAmerican gifts and supplies is they are not limited to the holidays. Because these patterns and themes continue to be popular year-round, they are perfect choices for unique and elegant gifts and gift baskets.

Visit the new website, www.AfricanAmericanGiftsandSupplies now. You will enjoy discovering hundreds of African American items perfect for your business, but I guarantee that you’ll want to order a few items for your own home and gift-giving.

Before you create ethnic gift baskets, learn about Kwanzaa and other fall celebrations,  with our presentation, Gift Basket Etiquette for the Savvy Gift Basket Retailer. Find out the origin of Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas as well as what types of items and colors are appropriate for each.