Finding the perfect gift can be difficult – especially around the holidays.
Between your algorithm’s penchant for everything that’s overpriced and the picked-over produce still in stores, this time of year can feel like you’re riding the battle bus straight to Boring Slippersville. Or even worse: CrappyHolidaySweater City.
But before you proceed to check out that little shopping cart, check out our list of unique, exciting finds from women-owned businesses. From puzzles for art lovers to statement jewelry to candles for your brain, there’s something cool for everyone on your list.
And don’t stop with the holidays. There are more than 14 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., which means you can find great gifts and support women 24/7.
Have fun giving gifts!
Apostrophe puzzles
Rosie No. 1 Puzzle (Photo/Courtesy of Apostrophe Puzzles)
Apostrophe Puzzles founder Mandi Masden grew up an avid puzzler—like puzzle-table-in-her-bedroom puzzler—but her interest waned as she got older and couldn’t find topics that appealed to her as a black woman.
Fast forward to 2019, when Masden’s friends made her a custom puzzle with original artwork that she had always wanted to buy but couldn’t afford. Like two corner pieces fitting together, Masden knew she wanted to bring visual art, culture, and the art of puzzles to the table for everyone to enjoy.
Apostrophe’s puzzle collection features a wide selection of vibrant, modern original artwork from artists of color. And added bonus for the earth: All puzzles are made from 100% recycled chipboard and printed with eco-friendly, non-toxic ink.
Great gift: Rosie #1 ($36)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Jiggy Puzzles, eeBoo
Big night
Big Night Shop (Photo/McGuire McManus)
Big Night is a one-stop shop for the hostess with most things. A serving set that looks like a giant olive? Check. Vintage owl salt and pepper shakers? Hoooo doesn’t this lovable duo want it?
Founder Katherine Lewin opened her first Big Night location in 2021 as a one-stop shop for everything you need for a fantastic dinner party or gathering. From statement cutlery to barware to edible treats, Big Night has you covered for partygoers and party-goers.
Great gift: Jars of Edible Toppings, Crunchy, Roasty Glitter ($28): Original, A Little Sweet or A Little Spicy – to add a little extra flavor to any dish
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Caskata, Salt & Sundry
Susan Alexandra
Oy Vey-Ring, Susan Alexandra (Photo/Emma Cheshire)
If colorful, edgy, handmade accessories are your thing, Susan Alexandra is your new best friend.
The brand is known for its hand-embroidered accessories, jewelry, and whimsical Judaica pieces. Jewelry pieces include custom-made, hand-painted dreidels, intricately beaded menorahs, and bronze rings inscribed with “Chuzpah.”
Designer Susan Korn founded the company in her bedroom in 2014, making “Made in NYC” beaded handbags. The bags were a hit and allowed the brand to grow to include more unique pieces like custom lockets and “Oy vey” bracelets.
Today, most of the items on the Susan Alexandra website are handmade in New York City. When shopping online, look for Susan symbols to learn the stories behind the items.
Note: If you want holiday delivery, the ship has sailed. However, if you are “hoping for a Christmas miracle,” you can inquire on the website.
Great gift: Oy Vey Ring ($138)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: The Pink Locket, Little Words Project
The Big Dill Pickleball Co.
Original Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle Set (Photo/Courtesy of Big Dill Pickleball Co.)
Katy Luxem grew up playing pickleball long before celebrities like the Kardashians started posting their opinions on social media. The only problem: Luxem couldn’t find any cool gear. Everything was stupid – and expensive, blah to boot. So she created her own line of paddles and accessories with – what else? – Cucumbers.
Big Dill Pickleball Co.’s rackets meet USA pickleball requirements for tournament play, and the cheerful design helps distract your opponents so you can crush your grandma and her “friend” Dorothy at your next game. Keep playing!
Great gift: Original Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle Set ($139)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Pep Pickleball, Recess
The Qi
(Photo/Courtesy of The Qi)
Qi’s corporate mission is “to empower you to feel more joy, beauty and life everywhere.” They had us at empower.
The unique whole-flower teas from the Qi line are an experience: after dipping the flower in hot water, you can watch it bloom. Like a beautiful little shop of horrors you drink.
Founder Lisa Li started the company after experiencing burnout at work. She took a trip to Shangri-la, discovered the calming effects of rose tea, and got to work tasting and testing more than 100 flowering herbs for The Qi’s line of flower teas.
All flowers are hand-picked, organically grown and sustainably grown on small family farms throughout Asia.
Great gift: “Floral Collection” Variety Box ($36)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Flowerhead Tea, Bigelow
Caftari
Caftari Signature Gift Set (Photo/Courtesy of Caftari)
Happiness and better sleep are a lot to expect from a candle, but who are we to argue with science?
Caftari candles are infused with various essential oils that can influence mood and well-being. For example, the Scent of Nirvana candle is made from agarwood essential oil, which studies show can help calm the mind and treat insomnia when used during aromatherapy.
The team works with neuroscientists to study how essential oils affect brain waves and then creates scents to channel a state of mind.
Founder Shreya Aggarwal came up with the idea for Caftari after incorporating essential oils into her own treatment plan for insomnia and anxiety.
Each candle is vegan, hand-poured and when the candle is empty you can recycle the container. It’s your turn, French vanilla.
Great gift: Caftari Signature Gift Set ($150)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Bonita Fierce Candles, Prosperity Candle
Cuyana
Oversized Paloma Bag (Photo/Courtesy of Cuyana)
Hellooo, handbag! Cuyana handbags are chic on the outside and customizable on the inside with clip-on accessories for more organization. The oversized Paloma bag, for example, offers a deceptively large amount of space for all your essentials and is made from Italian double-sided leather that only gets better with time.
All fabrics and leathers are responsibly sourced, handcrafted and designed to remain durable and fulfill co-founder Karla Gallardo’s mission to help people buy “fewer, but better things.”
From clothing to hats to handbags, everything in the Cuyana collection is made from sustainable materials and crafted by skilled craftsmen and women. Check out Cuyana Revive pieces for discounted used bags and accessories.
Great gift: Oversized Paloma Bag ($528)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Sabrina Zeng, Dagne Dover
Mooncat
Avatar: The Last Airbender Collection (Photo/Courtesy of Mooncat)
Michelle Lin, founder and CEO of Mooncat, wasn’t allowed to wear nail polish as a child. Therefore, she became obsessed with painting her nails and nail polish as a form of wearable art. When she couldn’t find nail polish of the quality she wanted, she made her own polish.
Mooncat’s unique nail polishes are next level: some are filled with holographic glitter and others change color depending on body temperature. They are definitely a vibe. All polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and made by women in the USA.
Also very cool: a portion of every purchase goes to organizations that help cats find permanent homes.
Great gift: Varnishes from the Avatar collection (from $17)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Liberation Nails, Olive & June
Milène Jardine Chocolatier
International Chocolate Bar Library (Photo/Courtesy of Milène Jardine Chocolatier)
Milène Jardine’s passion for chocolate delicacies began as a child. But it wasn’t until she quit her corporate job in 2016 that she began to realize her dream and start her own chocolate brand.
Milène Jardine Chocolatier’s treats are all handmade in small batches in New York City. The handcrafted truffles and chocolate bars are infused with herbs, fruits, nuts and spices – without artificial flavors or extracts – inspired by Jardine’s travels. Think ginger, turmeric and black pepper for flavors from Japan and India, and whiskey and sea salt for Ireland.
Also tasteful: The company works with B Corp certified cocoa partners who implement sustainable practices, provide economic value to local farmers and promote gender equality.
Great gift: International Candy Bar Library ($40)
Other women-owned businesses to consider: Maeve, Conexión Chocolate
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