ARTE NOIR STAFF PICKS: OUR 2025 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

As we close out another impactful year at ARTE NOIR, our guest services team has pulled together a collection of our favorite items available for purchase at our Central District Location or online—from books and wellness essentials to home fragrance, granola, and cocktail inspiration. Each pick reflects what we love most about the shop: creativity, intention, Black artistry, and everyday rituals that make life a little more beautiful.

Whether you're gifting to loved ones or treating yourself, we hope these staff favorites help you discover something meaningful, joyful, and rooted in community. Happy holidays from the AN team!

Marcus’ Picks: ARTE NOIR Mug, Suki’s Candle Co. Seattle Fir Candle, Haiti Coffee Co. ARTE NOIR Anniversary Blend, Doti Naturals Lilu Lotion

“Start your day with intention. After a hot shower, lock in moisture with Doti Naturals’ Lilu body cream—rich, soothing, and one of our top-selling self-care essentials. Then pour a cup of Haiti Coffee Co.’s limited-edition ARTE NOIR Anniversary Blend into our signature black mug and let the aroma set the tone for the morning. And when evening rolls around, wind down with Suki’s Seattle Fir candle, filling your home with the calming scent of the PNW. A perfect daily ritual, from sunup to sundown.”

Loren’s Picks: Black AF History by Michael Harriot, LVNDR Triple Body Butter, Soul Grain Banana Pudding Granola, Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs & Juice by Toni Tipton-Martin

“This year, my gift guide is inspired by the timeless reminder: ‘If you knew better, you’d do better.’Start with knowing your real history—Michael Harriot’s Black AF History is an unflinching, hilarious, and deeply insightful look at America worth gifting (and reading yourself). Then treat your skin right with LVNDR’s Triple Body Butter, a luxurious blend of shea, mango, and kokum butters that keeps winter dryness at bay. Upgrade your snacks with Soul Grain’s Banana Pudding Granola—delicious on yogurt, or honestly, straight out of the bag. And to round it all out, Toni Tipton-Martin’s Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs & Juice is the ultimate gift for cocktail lovers, celebrating two centuries of Black mixology with recipes perfect for your holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.”

Nahshon’s Picks: Kaleidadope Incense, Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs & Juice, ARTE NOIR Shot Glasses, Hella Awkward Card Game

“As you get ready for holiday hosting, here are my festive must-haves. Set the vibe with Kaleidadope incense—Cool Breeze and Book Club are my go-tos for creating an inviting atmosphere. Keep the energy flowing with Toni Tipton-Martin’s Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs & Juice paired with a set of ARTE NOIR shot glasses—perfect for mixing, toasting, and making memories. And when it’s time to keep the fun going, pull out the Hella Awkward card deck for laughs, storytelling, and the kind of connections that make the holidays special. Cheers and happy holidays!”