My brother used to work for a large consumer electronic retail store. He once told me that the amount of money the store made within the last three months of the year, could nearly justify nearly the staff goofing off for the rest of the year. Seriously, your holiday gift-buying could practically serve to carry that store’s entire annual budget. Interesting, huh?

But, it’s true. The United States' retail industry generated over three trillion U.S. dollars during the holidays last year. And before we negatively label the ones who spend as materialistic gadget-fiends, let’s remember the thousands of employees that are hired to accommodate this holiday rush, the hundreds in holiday bonuses that our family members receive because of it and the fact that holiday spending constitutes 19.2 percent of all the U.S. retail industries total sales that year.

So, what if we channeled our money in a way that would ensure our friends and family completely reaped the benefits instead of lining the pockets of a martini-imbibing, pinstripe suit-donning, cigar-smoking Fortune 500 exec?

I was uber-inspired by the civic-mindedness of my friend and colleague this holiday season.

Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes, PR professional and founder of Brydge Media Collective, dropped me a line last week saying: “In light of our current socio-economic climate, I want to do my small part by supporting black businesses exclusively for my gift giving this Christmas. If you know of any reputable black-owned companies that have products appropriate for the below demographics, please share!”

She then proceeded to list out the people for whom she planned on buying gifts.

So, to assist her in her search for socially-responsible Black businesses who just happen to also be faith-based, here is my short list of small businesses I plan to support this holiday season:

1. For Apparel – So, I’ve definitely bought my fair share of ties, shirts, and knit tops for loved ones during the Christmas season.  As long as you know their taste, it’s a gift that speaks volumes about how much you care. So, instead of flocking huge department stores for that T-shirt produced in bulk for a million of Macy’s customers, why not funnel dollars into a small business where a unique item is far more likely?

I recommend the custom scarves, cowls and shawls of Yarnin’. This New York-based company is headed by knit expert/head designer Sybil Codrington.

For residents of slightly warmer climates, I recommend the trendy T-shirts of Tampa-based One Throne Apparel. The husband and wife duo of Maurice and Sarah Davis partnered with our sister website BlackNaturalHairstyles.org to yield a super edgy T-shirt this season, boasting a message that challenges women of color to “Keep it Kinky” this Christmas. On a regular, One Throne produces shirts with bold messages like their “Black Lives Matter” line in solidarity with the Brown and Garner tragedies and their “Training for Greatness” fitness line.

2. For Eats and Treats – So in my family, as in most, good eating during the season is integral to every celebration. As West Indians, we are always in search of people who can bake the moistest yet most scrumptious special black rum cake and other Christmas sweets. Friends love receiving these treats around the holidays. Here are three options for you.

First, both in Brooklyn, New York, there are Kizzy’s Cakes (founded by Jaimie Kirby) and Leah’s Sweets Treats (founded by Leah-Marie Austin).These ladies do custom cakes, cupcakes and other baked goods, including the most fabulous artistic designs you’ve ever seen on two-tiers. The fundamental difference in their work is that Jaime hails from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Leah hails from Trinidad and Tobago. So, which island’s black cake do you prefer? Hmmmm. You decide.

Next, for all your gourmet holiday party needs as well as your Jamaican baking and culinary delights, try Miami-based Tropical Catering and Café. Headed by Judith Clarke, she’s known for her famous jerk chicken.

3. For Health and Wellness – So, maybe you’d like to give a gift that’ll keep on giving. You can definitely ditch the holiday sweets and give the more sensible gift of life in a 30-day supply of vitamins and supplements invented by Christian medical professional Dr. Joel Wallach of Youngevity. Apparently, these tasty liquid supplements have cured people of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.

I recommend purchasing these vitamins from Miami-based rep Beverly Harding who is a nurse by day but who sells these supplements to her family and colleagues in the profession because (newsflash!!!) medical professionals may indeed prescribe meds (but those who know a thing or two) don’t actually take the meds themselves or give them to their loved ones. They do things the natural way!

Call 1-800-982-3189 and use the order number 1013073333

4. For Gift Baskets – I love buying gift baskets for my office secretaries. The blend of holiday nuts, chocolates, and teas always seem to warm their hearts. For loved ones who live so far from me that their holiday cheer is better off being shipped, I also love to order something fancy schmancy online and send it on over.

Today, I’d like to recommend a New Jersey-based gift basket company headed by Marsha Mangaroo. Chaconia Gifts boasts not only holiday baskets, but also year-round “thank you,” “baby welcome,” and “get well soon” gift baskets.

5. For The Love of Art - You may have some people on your list who are incredibly difficult to buy for because they already have loads of material possessions. They are on trend, in fashion and up to date. These cases require an extra dose of creativity. So, why not choose an item to beautify their living room, bathroom or studio space? I suggest a framed black and white vista by fine arts photographer Marchello Eans. A true artist, Marchello captures cityscapes and urban abstracts, serving as perfect accents to a city loft or a modern great room.

So, this is your challenge, if you choose to accept it. Pay it forward. Line the pockets of those who you know and build your community by using your dollars the right way. Shopping small is the best way to stimulate the economy while ensuring you see some of that green yourself!