There’s something so fulfilling about finding that perfect gift! As COVID-related shopping limitations are still in effect across the country, it’s that time of the holiday season to think outside of the box.
We’ve curated a list of 15 unique businesses and retailers owned by women (plus five extra subscription boxes!) to shop from during this season of giving. Scroll down to find a wide variety of businesses for gifts that’ll suit everyone on your list!
- Mulberry & Grand — https://www.mulberry-grand.com
Founded and owned by Emily Guggino, Mulberry & Grand is the perfect destination for anyone wishing to capture the “cool girl” style of New York. Some standouts from this affordably chic store (available to shop online with international shipping) include a fuzzy pastel rainbow sweater, a mini top handle purse (perfectly on-trend for 2021), and personalized nameplate pendants.
- The Honey Pot Company — https://thehoneypot.co
Bea Dixon is here to help women feel beautiful inside and out. Every Honey Pot product is made with all-natural ingredients, which means no toxins, chemicals, or anything artificial. Be sure to check out the Honey Pot’s line of products made specifically for your mommy-to-be friends and family members! You can shop online or at in-store retailers like Target and Urban Outfitters.
- The Lip Bar — https://thelipbar.com
A desire for more representation and inclusivity within the beauty industry were the two factors that led Melissa Butler to founding the Lip Bar. The products, ranging from lip wear to face and eye makeup, are 100% vegan and cruelty free – what more can you ask for? (The answer: a full face makeup kit designed specifically for women on the go. Yes, please!)
- Womanswork — https://womanswork.com
A one-stop-accessories-shop for the gardener in your life, Womanswork has been providing gardening and outdoor supplies to consumers for over 35 years. Sun hats, skincare, and gloves (for women, men, and kids) are just a few of the American-made products available; the glove spa gift set is a particular favorite!
- Mented Cosmetics — https://www.mentedcosmetics.com
Mented Cosmetics, founded in late 2015 by friends KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, understands the struggles of finding a really good nude lipstick. Originally known for their lipstick shades, Mented Cosmetics now has your whole face covered. I’m particularly excited about their boxed sets, which make perfect gifts for the makeup lovers in your life.
- Tatcha — https://www.tatcha.com
Pamper anyone on your list with Tatcha’s gentle skincare products. What makes Tatcha different from other skincare companies is its holistic approach to beauty. Treat your friends, family, and yourself (we won’t tell!) to any of these luxurious and affordable products.
- Polished Prints — https://polished-prints.com
Polished Prints will be your new go-to for thoughtful gifts for adults, kids, toddlers, and babies. Be sure to take a look at their gift bundles, too: curated themed presents for the eternal optimist, the day dreamer, and more.
- Lady Falcon Coffee Club — https://www.ladyfalconcoffeeclub.com
I’m personally very excited about Lady Falcon Coffee Club. Not only are their coffee blends available to order pre-ground, they have the cutest apparel, too. Anyone who’s coffee-obsessed will appreciate any kind of gift from this San Francisco-based brewer.
- Briogeo Hair Care — https://briogeohair.com
Give the gift of great hair care this season with Briogeo! Formulated with natural ingredients like almond oil and aloe vera, Briogeo’s huge line of products (designed by founder Nancy Twine) means there’s something for everyone on your gift list.
- UOMA Beauty — https://uomabeauty.com
Founded by Sharon Chuter, UOMA Beauty is known for being the most inclusive Black-owned American beauty brand. Here you can shop for edgy and bold holiday gift sets like lip kits, eyebrow bundles, mascara collections, and more. Check out their statement-making face masks, too!
- Maude — https://shopmaude.com
Founded by Becca Brisiel all the way back in 2007, Maude started out as a small boutique in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Now they’re known for their easy online shopping, their curated fashion apparel, and their clean and classic necklaces perfect for layering. Plus, Maude has a neat collection of some of the prettiest jigsaw puzzles I’ve ever seen.
- Otherland — https://www.otherland.com
These candles come in the most whimsical jars you’ll ever see! Otherland’s mission, as their name suggests, is to transform “your home into an immersive world that never stands still.” Treat anyone on your nice list with beautiful candles meticulously crafted and poured with a custom coconut and soy wax blend.
- Harlem Candle Company — https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com
Yes, I am a little obsessed with candles. If you’re looking for smelly-good gifts with serious speakeasy-jazz club vibes, consider shopping with Harlem Candle Company. The nightclub map candles alone (available in two scents) would make for beautiful, inspired presents.
- Not on the High Street — https://www.notonthehighstreet.com
Not on the High Street – founded by Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish – works with over 5,000 small creative businesses to give shoppers the most unique and thoughtful gifts from the United Kingdom. But don’t worry: Not on the High Street ships almost everywhere internationally. From the youngest recipient to the oldest, you’ll find something for everyone on your list at Not on the High Street.
- Beautyblender — https://beautyblender.com
The company behind the iconic beauty staple was founded by Rea Ann Silva, a makeup artist with over 20 years of experience working in the industry. Holiday gift bundles are now available online, and so are these two hidden gems: a clear makeup palette designed to mix and match your favorite shades, and a triple-edge eyeliner tool to help users nail their cat eye look.
Plus: If monthly subscription boxes ever went out of style, I’d like to bring them back. Here are five monthly boxes that would make great holiday gifts for your favorite feminist, beauty guru, bookworm, cozy tea aficionado, or stationery-lover:
- Feminist Book Club (monthly box subscription) — https://www.feministbookclub.com
Give the gift of feminism! Each box comes with one book of the month, 3-5 unique products (like stickers, mugs, or bookmarks) from small woman-owned businesses, and a handwritten note from FBC’s founder, Renee M. Powers.
- Tribe Beauty Box (monthly subscription) — https://tribebeautybox.com
Here’s what I love about Tribe Beauty Box: led by founder Bili Balogun, it’s a 100% female and woman of color-owned company. The best part? All products within each box come from female-owned shops and businesses.
- Call Number Box (monthly subscription) — https://call-number.cratejoy.com
With four literary categories to choose from (young adult, indie, fiction, and nonfiction), Call Number’s monthly boxes will appeal to any book lover. Jamilla Gabriel, the founder and owner, is a former librarian whose extensive knowledge of Black and POC literature and authors means recipients are guaranteed the best selection of books in each category.
- HealthTea Book Crate (monthly box subscription) — https://www.healthteabookcrate.com
Monthly boxes from HealthTea Book Crate mean recipients are guaranteed to receive a perfect blend of books, tea, and self-care products with each new box. Shopping at HealthTea Book Crate means you’ll also be supporting small woman-owned businesses, artisanal shops, and female authors.
- Cloth & Paper (monthly box subscription) — https://clothandpaper.com
I love the simplicity of Cloth & Paper, a monthly box subscription born out of founder Ashley Reynolds’ desire for minimalist planners, pens, and other stationery needs. With subscription prices ranging from $18 to $240, you’re sure to find something at Cloth & Paper for every writer, journalist, planner, or stationery-lover on your list.
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