Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US has been faced with a disturbing increase in racism against the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Children are being bullied in schools. Elderly members of the community are being assaulted in the streets. Asian-owned businesses are being boycotted.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and there are many things you can do to help your neighbors, from checking in on impacted friends, to donating resources, to explaining to your children how to #StopAsianHate.
In addition, you can support businesses owned by Asian and Pacific Islanders who may have been financially impacted at this time. Here are 15 incredible businesses for parents to support, all owned by Asian and Pacific Islanders.
Modi Toys
This small, family-owned business was co-founded by the brother-sister team Viral and Avani Modi. After they both became parents, they realized they couldn’t find any toys for their babies that honored their Indian heritage. Together, they created Modi Toys and launched a plush collection featuring three deities (Ganesh, Krishna, and Hanuman) that can be purchased individually or as a bundle.
Metta Play
$30.15
from
Metta Play
Created by Asian American Via Tendon, Metta Play is an Australian company that creates a line of illustrated cards to teach both language and yoga through exercise. Available for all, you can shop cards for babies as well as anyone above the age of 10 years old. Not only are the cards an innovative approach to learning a language, but they also promote incredibly important concepts like self-love and kindness.
Shoott
From
$15
to $240
from
If you're looking for a photographer for a family portrait or baby's first photo shoot, Shoott is the new way to book. Simply reserve your 30-minute session online, allow the service to match you with the perfect photographer, and enjoy a customized photo shoot. The best part? The session is free and you only pay for the photos you love! This female-led start-up was co-founded by CEO Jennifer Tsay, a Taiwanese American who has spoken out about the realities of growing up "existing while Asian" in America.
Loulou Lollipop
$14
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Loulou Lollipop
This eco-friendly lifestyle baby brand was established by twin sisters Eleanor Lee and Angel Kho who began with a line of silicone teethers. Since its launch in 2015, the company has branched out from teething jewelry to blankets, pacifier clips, bath products, apparel, and much more. Its goal is to create "better, cuter, safer products" for families and design everything to be timeless and beautiful.
EmBeba
EmBeba is a sustainable, chemical-free diaper rash balm for babies with sensitive skin, inspired by traditional remedies passed down through generations. While on a family vacation to Bosnia, co-founder Thai-Anh Hoang's baby was struggling with severe diaper rash and eczema. That's when a local family member gave her a homemade balm and planted the seeds of this incredible business that she launched with co-founder My Le.
100% Pure
Committed to producing only "the purest, healthiest products" that are sourced from nature and never tested on animals, 100% Pure is a favorite among moms. This eco-friendly beauty company was co-founded by Susie Wang after years working for large cosmetics companies and specializes in indulgent products you can feel good about. Plus, its Everywhere Body Stick with SPF 30 is easy to apply and safe for families of all skin types.
Pretty Pokets
$148
from
Pretty Pokets
For parents in search of a chic yet functional diaper bag, Pretty Pokets has an incredible array of options. The company was founded by mom Madhu Challa, a hardware engineer who designed a unique bag that features both a diaper and trash bag dispenser, making on-the-go diaper changes a breeze.
The company has now expanded to include laptop totes, backpacks, wristlets, and more in a variety of sizes and colors.
Jasmine + Marigold
$12.99
from
Jasmine + Marigold
When Sidra Trajcevska couldn't find clothes for her firstborn daughter that reflected her Pakistani roots, she made her own! And thus began Jasmine + Marigold, a South Asian-inspired lifestyle line for families. From swaddles to bibs to pajamas, hats, and more, all the products aim to reflect the modern Muslim and bring joy to families everywhere.
Bubbsi
When founder Sweta Doshi couldn't find an effective solution to her daughter's eczema, she turned to a natural remedy used for generations by her Indian ancestors: organic coconut oil. By launching Bubbsi, Sweta has created a line of clean and effective solutions for eczema, cradle cap, and diaper rash. The cute packaging not only helps make bathtime fun for kids but it's sustainable and reusable!
Paper Culture
Starting at
$1.11
from
Paper Culture
From baby showers to pregnancy and birth announcements, thank-yous and more, it seems we’re always in need of pretty stationery once we become parents. While many turn to digital options for the sake of the environment, a lot of us like the old-school feel of a tangible invite we can hold onto (especially for older family members).
Enter Paper Culture, a stationery company that uses 100% post-consumer recycled paper and plants a tree for every order (over 1 million trees planted to date!). You have CEO and co-founder Christopher Wu to thank for this increasingly popular service more and more parents are turning to.
Lark Adventurewear
$32
from
Lark Adventurewear
Lark Adventurewear is a line of children’s clothes founded by Pallavi Golla, a mom of two who wanted to create a solution to outdoor clothes that were leaving her active son overheated. Made from a bamboo blend fabric that’s both breathable and sun safe, Lark Adventurewear has everything from pajamas to leggings to tops and even crib sheets. Ranging in size from newborn to toddler size 5-6, the company is committed to using technology to create functional, comfortable play clothes for children to live their best lives.
Island Pepe
$16
from
Island Pepe
This baby apparel line was established by the Masoe and Valikoula families whose rich Polynesian heritage inspired them to create items to honor their cultures. Their designs, created in collaboration with other native speakers from other countries within the South Pacific, range from onesies to T-shirts to hairbows and more.
Adore By Nora
$55
from
Adore By Nora
This mom-founded, mom-run children's boutique based in New York City was inspired by Pamela Yang's daughter Nora. Each item is carefully handmade with care and made to order, making each piece unique and of extremely high-quality. We especially love the new Ruthie dress in Daisy which is perfect for summer or a special event.
Indigrow
From alphabet books to memory games and more, Indigrow is a multicultural brand that allows parents to introduce their children to different cultures in fun new ways. Created by best friends and moms Kshama and Akhila, it was important to them to honor their Asian heritage while engaging with children’s active imaginations.
Piccoliny
Piccoliny began as a small shop in Little Italy in New York City, owned by Alex Zagami Ng. Offering a selection of toys, books, and clothing, the store was a success among locals and tourists alike. But with thousands fleeing the city due to the health crisis in 2020 (which also led to a huge drop in tourism), she’s had to close the shop and open an online store. Her designs — available in newborn through adult sizes — pay homage to the greatest city in the world, New York!
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
