We asked CPAF staff to share their favorite small businesses supporting the AANHPI, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities and put together this Holiday Shopping Guide for you!
To Get Started
La Mascota bakery
My family are loyal, repeat customers and enjoy coming to this bakery. Swing by and pick up some tamales and pan dulce on your way to the next holiday gathering!! -Jo
san gabriel nursery & florist
For folks that have a green thumb, this is the place for you! This is a Japanese American owned nursery that I have been going to since I was a little kid ( thats a very loooong time ago). They have a good selection of standard fruits/vegetables/trees/ornamental plants and trees as well as good stock of Asian fruit/herbs/vegetables for anyone eager to build on their kitchen garden. -Jo
three weavers brewing company
Three Weavers is a former Gala vendor and is an all-women owned brewery in Inglewood. One of the founding owners is API and, in addition to making great beer, they have actively supported our mission through their support of CPAF. -Rachel
Tuk Tuk Box
We learned about Tuk Tuk Box during COVID, when we would purchase snack boxes or gift cards for our youth in our youth programs. They partner with small business owners for the products of their snack boxes. They also have a charity partner for the funds that they raise. More on their "About Us" page. -Anna
A Little Shopping
Craft Contemporary
I've loved exploring their art exhibits by BIPOC, LGBTQA+ artists. Every time I visit, I let myself get lost in awe checking out the local artisan and designer-made trinkets in their gift shop. This is the place to get one-of-a-kind gifts, knowing that your money goes back to the person who created the items. They also have workshops if you would prefer to make your own pieces! -Joy
Giant robot
Fun place to shop for collectible vinyl figures, blind boxes, quirky housewares and apparel! -Jo
japanese american national museum store
The JANM store is a great place get your friends and family, with quirky and more traditional Asian/Asian American inspired gifts. -Jo
kim’s home center
Good quality products for home, kitchen, bath, beddings and small appliances.
-Lorena
MADHU CHOCOLATE
LGBT-owned, South Asian-owned small business, committed to practices which uphold fair labor, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. I had the opportunity to visit their store in Austin (don't worry, they ship!) The owners were so warm and welcoming, and invited us to sample basically their entire store. It was glorious, highly recommend. -Jong-Ling
LA libreria bookstore
This is a wonderful bookstore that carries bilingual Spanish/English children's books. -Jo
A Little Eating
aKI RESTAURANT JAPANESE CUISINE
Thank you, Monique, for the recommendation!
aLL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI & bbq
The food is fire and the add on of sushi with KBBQ makes it even better. It is also very cheap. $23.99 for all you can eat is crazy. -Josiah
Back home in lahaina
If you are looking for a place to gather for the holidays, we recommend Back Home in Lahaina that specializes in Hawaiian cuisine, They have catered our program's holiday dinners in the past and are a fan favorite. -Jo
bhanu indian cuisine & market
This store is a gem! They have an array of South Asian grocery items as well as a small restaurant. The goat curry is my favorite as well as their amazing selection of sweets! Would definitely recommend the gulab jamun! And if you have a green thumb they may just have an item for your kitchen garden! I purchased a curry plant and holi basil plant for TSS. -Jo
hoy’s wok
During a shelter renovation of a client’s kitchen, we always ordered through Hoy’s Wok. The Transitional Shelter orders from the restaurant every year for our end of the year dinner. -Sayaka
jollibee
They have the best Filipino fried chicken and gravy. -Lorena
poasa imports samoan market
I have been going here for years. It's one of the few Samoan restaurants/markets in LA. -Josiah
The corner of 10th
Great BBQ Restaurant owned by a Vietnamese immigrant. -Sam
Don’t Forget Self-Care
passion planner
This is my 7th year using Passion Planner. This planner is more than just a way to schedule your time. The Passion Planner includes weekly motivational quotes, monthly reflection prompts, and yearly goal-setting tools. It has helped me to not only complete weekly tasks, but also accomplish life-long goals like write a book, build a career, and create financial stability. Founded and owned by an AAPI woman, 1% of every Passion Planner purchase is donated to a nonprofit organization of your choice. -Rucha
raices
This is a lovely store that carries handmade soaps and hair care products made in Aguacalientes, Mexico. It is a tiny shop that is filled with eco-friendly body care items. They also sell refillable bottles for their liquid shampoos and conditioners, but also invite you to bring your own. If you want to try solid shampoos and conditioners, they have those too (our family has been trying them, they work!). Thursday nights are a great time to visit as they are just adjacent to a small but sweet farmer's market! -Jo
thann
Thann is a well-known spa/wellness brand from Thailand providing a range of natural body care, hair care, skin care, and home aromatherapy products, all are formulated from botanicals derived. All products are available on their US website and they have wide ranges of products. Thann also does gift sets with beautiful packaging that make great holiday gifts. My favorite place to get gifts. :) -Bel