- Details
- By Tamara Ikenberg
- Arts and Culture
Welcome to day three of Tribal Business News’ 12 days of Indigenous holiday gifts guide. In the spirit of supporting Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs and drawing attention to some truly gorgeous and inspired items, we are presenting 12 consecutive days of Native-made products perfect for holiday gift-giving, including giving to yourself.
Day 3:
M Reed Designs Boutique, Baby Yoda Mask and Sticker Set, $25; available on etsy
Fight the coronavirus with the formidable force of cuteness that is Baby Yoda.
As far as 2020 gift-giving goes, you can’t go wrong with a mask. All the better when it’s made with love by an awesome Ojibwe designer obsessed with the most popular child on several planets.
“The Baby Yoda on the mask is wearing my daughter’s beadwork from when she was a baby,” said artist Michelle Reed. “I love the connection of our traditional ways to modern day things. It’s a way to bridge the gap, especially with our youth, combining our culture with pop culture.” The masks, which come in small, medium and large, also reflect Reed’s passion for promoting healthy lifestyles. (See a TikTok video of the merch here.) The prolific artist also teaches free online N8V Dance Fitness classes and in normal years she brings her health and art expertise to universities and Native health organizations all over the country.
There’s even more Mandalorian merriness to be had: Each mask set comes with a matching Baby Yoda sticker. Reed suggests decorating your regalia hard case, computer, or water bottle with the adhesive alien.
From ribbon skirts, to beaded medallions, to doll regalia, Reed has more than enough Baby Yoda-themed merchandise to keep “Star Wars” fans shopping Indigenous for many moons and months to come.
“Shopping Indigenous is a great way to support the revival of our artforms,” Reed said. “To support our artists is to give them the opportunity to create items that represent who we are and what we love.”
Previous gift ideas:
Day 1: Quirky, comical calendar by Ricardo Caté
Day 2: Stationery and scarf set by B. Yellowtail and Debbie Desjarlais Design
