Finding the perfect gift can be difficult — especially during the holidays.
Between your algorithm’s penchant for anything too expensive and select products still in stores, this time of year can feel like you’re driving the race bus straight to Boring Slippersville. Or worse — CrappyHolidaySweater City.
But before you proceed to checkout with that meh cart, check out our list of unique, exciting finds from women-owned companies. From puzzles for art lovers to decorative jewelry to candles for your brain — there’s something great for everyone on your list.
And don’t stop with the holidays. There are more than 14 million women-owned businesses in the US, which means you can find great gifts and support women 365.
Good gift!
Apostrophe puzzle
Rosie No. 1 puzzle (Photo/Courtesy of Apostrophe Puzzles)
Apostrophe puzzle Founder Mandi Masden grew up an avid puzzler—like a puzzle on her bedroom table—but her interest waned as she got older and couldn’t find subjects that spoke to her as a black woman.
Fast forward to 2019, when Masden’s friends made her a custom puzzle with original artwork that she wanted to buy but couldn’t afford. Like two corner pieces snapping together, Masden knew she wanted to bring fine art, culture and puzzle art to the table for anyone to enjoy.
Apostrophe’s puzzle collection features a wide range of vibrant, modern, original artwork by artists of color. And added Earth bonus: All puzzles are made with 100% recycled particleboard and printed with eco-friendly, non-toxic ink.
Great gift: Rosie No. 1 ($36)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Jiggy Puzzles, eeBoo
Big Night
Great night shop (Photo/McGuire McManus)
Big Night is a one-stop shop for the hostess with the dominant. A serving set that looks like a giant olive? Control. Vintage salt and pepper owls? Oooooh doesn’t he want this adorable duo?
Founder Katherine Lewin opened her first Big Night location in 2021 as an option for everything you need for a fantastic dinner or gathering. From fancy cutlery to barware to edible goodies, Big Night has guests and partygoers covered.
Great gift: Jars with edible coatings, Crunchy, Roasty Glitter ($28): Original, a little sweet or a little spicy — to add a little extra flavor to any dish
Other women-owned companies to consider: Cascade, Salt & Misc
Susan Alexandra
Ring Oy Vey, Susan Alexandra (Photo/Emma Cheshire)
If colorful, quirky, handmade accessories are your jam, Susan Alexandra is your new BFF.
The brand is known for its beaded accessories, jewelry and whimsical Judaica. Custom, hand-painted dreidels, elaborate beaded menorahs and copper rings that spell out “Chutzpah” are among the gems.
Designer Susan Korn started the company in her bedroom in 2014, making “Made in NYC” beaded bags. The bags were a hit and allowed the brand to grow to include more unique pieces like custom pendants and “Oy vey” bracelets.
Today, most of the items on Susan Alexandra’s website are handcrafted in New York. If you shop online, look for the Susan icons to hear stories behind the items.
Note: If you are looking for holiday delivery, this ship has sailed. However, there is an inquiry point on the website if you’re “hoping for a Christmas miracle”.
Great gift: Oy Vey Ring ($138)
Other women-owned companies to consider: The Pink Locket, Little Words project
The Big Dill Pickleball Co.
Genuine Pickleball Carbon Fiber Paddle Set (Photo/Courtesy of Big Dill Pickleball Co.)
Katy Luxem grew up playing pickleball before celebrities like the Kardashians started posting their drinks on social media. The one problem: Luxem couldn’t find good equipment. Everything was blah — and expensive blah to boot. So, she created her own line of paddles and accessories featuring — what else? — pickles.
THE Big Dill Pickleball Co. The paddles meet USA Pickleball requirements for tournament play, and the cheerful design will help distract your opponents so you can crush your grandma and Dorothy’s “friend” during your next match. The game has begun!
Great gift: Original Pickleball Carbon Fiber Paddle Set ($139)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Pep Pickball, Recess
The Qi
(Photo/Courtesy of The Qi)
The QiThe company’s mission is to “empower you to experience more joy, beauty and life everywhere.” You had us in power.
Qi’s unique whole flower tea range is an experience: After steeping the flower in hot water, you watch it bloom. Like a beautiful Little Shop of Horrors you drink
Founder Lisa Li started the company after being burned out from work. She took a trip to Shangri-la, discovered the soothing benefits of rose tea, and went to work sampling and testing more than 100 flowering herbs for The Qi range of flower teas.
All flowers are handpicked, organically grown and sustainably grown from small family farms across Asia.
Great gift: Floral Collection Variety Box ($36)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Flowerhead tea, Bigelow
Kaftari
Caftari Signature Gift Set (Photo/Courtesy of Caftari)
Happiness and better sleep are a lot to ask of a candle, but who are we to argue with science?
Kaftari Candles are infused with different essential oils that may help influence mood and well-being. For example, the Scent of Nirvana candle is made with 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 create fragrances 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 wax is gone, you can recycle the container. Your move, French vanilla.
Great gift: Caftari Signature Gift Set ($150)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Bonita Fierce Candles, Prosperity candle
Kitchen
Large Paloma bag (Photo/Courtesy of Cuyana)
Hello, purse! Kitchen The bags are stylish on the outside and customizable with snap-on accessories for organization on the inside. The oversized Paloma bag, for example, is deceptively roomy for all your essentials and is made from double-faced Italian leather that gets better with age.
All fabrics and leathers are responsibly sourced, handcrafted and designed to stay strong and carry on as part of co-founder Karla Gallardo’s mission to help people buy “fewer, better things.”
From clothing to hats and bags, everything in the Cuyana collection is made from sustainable materials and crafted by expert craftsmen and artisans. Check it out Cuyana Revive pieces for pre-loved bags and accessories at a discount.
Great gift: Paloma Large Bag ($528)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Sabrina Zheng, Dagne Dover
Moon cats
Avatar: The Last Airbender collection (Photo/Courtesy of Mooncat)
Moon cats Founder and CEO Michelle Lin wasn’t allowed to wear nail polish growing up. So, naturally, she became obsessed with painting her nails and nail polish as a wearable art form. When she couldn’t find the quality polish she wanted, she made her own.
Mooncat’s unique nail polishes are next-level: Some are packed with holographic glitter, and others change color based on your body temperature. It’s definitely a vibe. All polishes are vegan, cruelty-free and made in the USA by women.
Also really cool: A portion of every purchase goes to organizations that help cats find forever homes.
Great gift: Lacquers from the Avatar Collection (from $17)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Release nails, Olive & June
Milène Jardine Chocolatier
International Chocolate Bar Library (Photo/Courtesy of Milène Jardine Chocolatier)
Milène Jardine’s passion for chocolate goodness began when she was a child. But it wasn’t until she left her corporate job in 2016 that she began pursuing her dream of creating her own chocolate brand.
Milène Jardine Chocolatier The treats are all handcrafted in small batches in New York. The handcrafted truffles and chocolate bars are infused with herbs, fruits, nuts and spices – zero artificial flavors or extracts – inspired by Jardine’s travels. Think ginger, turmeric and black pepper for a taste of Japan and India, and whiskey and sea salt for Ireland.
Also in good taste: The company works with B-Corp certified cocoa partners who implement sustainable practices, add economic value to local farmers and promote gender equality.
Great gift: International Chocolate Bar Library ($40)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Maeve, Conexión chocolate
From your website articles
Related articles around the web
