My Favorite Women-Owned Small Business Gifts to Buy in the Next Two Weeks
Wearing my Lace & Pearls earrings and Michelle Starbuck necklaces.
Friends, how many Cyber Monday emails have you gotten by now - is your head spinning yet?! We all know that the holiday season is a huge time of year or big box retailers, but the same goes for women-owned small businesses - for some, they do the majority of their business in the last few months of the year.
You know all those cute restaurants, boutiques, hair salons, bakeries, book stores, etc. in your hometown that make it so unique? They need your business more than ever - and same goes for small businesses with online stores. I guarantee the cutest and most thoughtful gifts you will find come from creators and makers that are passionate about their products and services - and would be thrilled for you to gift them to someone who you care about this year.
With your help, I’ve created a list of over 40 women-owned small businesses that you can order from online this holiday season. While many are products, some are service-based businesses that do consults or gift cards that are giftable. My recommendation would be to order no later than December 10th to try to secure delivery for Christmas (BUT remember that the current supply issues and shipping delays are seriously tricky for small businesses to deal with, so be patient and kind!)
Without further adieu, here are three categories of small business gifts: Kids, Food and Adults, in no particular order!
My girls wearing their Smaller Th!ngs NYC PJs.
Kids:
The Colorful Co. Custom Illustrations - Laura’s custom illustrated portraits of families are so precious, and I got the mantra prints for my girls!
Bows Arts - the most darling hair bows, headbands and accessories, made in the USA (near where I live in Chicago, in fact!)
Year Cheer - a holiday craft and activity subscription box that we look forward to multiple times a year (and saves me from having to remember to buy holiday-themed entertainment.)
The Book Bin - the local book store in my area (annual reminder to support your local book store vs. Amazon!)
Smaller Th!ngs - these adorable kids’ PJs are ethically + sustainably-made of 100% organic cotton, and come in custom illustrated prints of NYC, LA, Chicago and TX (Boston and San Fransisco coming next year!) PS, they are my PR client :)
FOOD:
Tubby’s Taste - Danielles vegan cookies use the most unique flavors and just happen to be vegan. She offers corporate gifts and monthly subscriptions, too! Not kidding, I eat these for breakfast.
SnackRiot - this monthly snack subscription box is the best way to discover new and emerging snack brands, that are healthier, cleaner and more unique than plenty of snacks on the market.
This Girl’s Grub - if you’re local to Chicago, This Girl’s Grub specializes in vegan food and provides fun and approachable meal plans and catering.
Rebel Daughter Cookies - Gourmet cookies that rival the countries best bakeries, and they even offer lactation cookies (send to your new mama friend or family member!)
My House of Shan charcoal heather sweatshirt and Michelle Starbuck necklace. Photo by Marie Herian.
ADULTS:
House of Shan - Shannon Buth’s cozy clothing and accessories line features an imperfect heart and inspires you to “Live What You Love.”
Everyday Parisian - Rebecca Plotnick’s love of Paris and all things French inspires her photography prints and her blog. I purchased her calendar for the second year in a row, along with wrapping paper this year!
Game Set - a curated collection of luxury activewear that you can wear day to night - brands and styles you won’t see elsewhere.
One/Third - A jacket company created by two fashion industry veterans, who know that jackets are that “third piece” that really pull a look together! I own three of these and wear them on repeat.
Le Reméde - a French-inspired skincare boutique in West Town, Chicago - I see Erin, and a gift certificate would be a great gift for a facial-loving Chicago gal in your life.
Uviña Skin - Jelitsa Legarreta’s Latina-founded skin care brand inspired by women, culture, confidence, and self-love, that’s clean (non-toxic), vegan, and cruelty-free. The Gaby Serum is a fan-favorite!
Chicago French Press - Fresh-roasted coffee with unique seasonal flavors - even offers a subscription offering for coffee-lovers.
Bright Endeavors - Beautiful soy candles in mesmerizing scents, and 100% of their proceeds support their mission to empower young moms, their kids, and communities.
Minimal Fandom - Simple, modern original artwork that celebrates travel, sports, entertainment and more. Founded by my HS classmate Carly Owen :) I love my NYC subway print!
Aged & Infused - The prettiest all-natural infusion kits that make the most delicious and uniquely-flavored spirits and cocktails. Just pour in your favorite spirit and let the kit work it’s magic!
DESEDA - luxurious, timeless square silk scarves that complete any look. Each scarf features a unique design and all of them are printed in Italy, and finished in the U.S.
Harlem Candle Company - luxury candles in scented candles inspired by the richness of Harlem. Each candle is named after the people who inspired greatness and influenced the neighborhood’s history.
BottlesUp! - my new favorite wine shop in Chicago! Melissa features women-owned wineries and distributors, and unique wines you won’t find elsewhere.
Lost Girls Vintage - The best vintage clothing, accessories and home shop in Chicago! A gift certificate would be a perfect gift for a vintage-lover.
Nourish Natural Products - Clean, organic, cruelty-free, 100% natural wellness products. I like the Hair Thickening spray - I’ve been using it for a year and it has really helped re-grow my hair!
Bird Tail Designs - Hand-crafted jewelry that’s modern and meaningful and meant to empower women. Seriously, I don’t know how to pick just one thing!
Sweet Nouveau - I recently bought these artisan confections at a holiday market and ate the entire bag on the drive home :) Caramels are their signature sweet, and the maple pecan ones are UNREAL.
Girl with Knife - Stylish paper goods including greeting cards, journal, and gift wrap featuring custom illustrations, founded by an NYC-based artist Elicia Castaldi.
The Locket Sisters - The most beautiful custom lockets and charms. Honestly I want everything from this shop, I am so glad one of Second Sisters Vintage introduced it to me (thank you!)
The Real Good Life - If you are in the Milwaukee area, Maggie Joos’s meal delivery service is seriously delicious and convenient. I got this for my parents two years ago and they still get it weekly!
Cocoa Chili - Niquenya Collins is the founder of this Afro-Caribbean-Soul-inspired restaurant in Chicago, and she ships her new Holiday Gift Box which features her best-selling Spicy Jerk Sauce & Marinade.
Lace & Pearls - Asa’s handmade jewelry is modern and fun to wear! I get so many compliments on my earrings (see first pic of this blog post!)
Michelle Starbuck - Michelle’s handmade jewelry was introduced to me years ago by friend Laurie, and I wear her vintage-inspired bracelets and necklaces daily - they go with everything.
Dotted Design - Laura is the best website designer (she did my website this year!) and recently launched her own line of small business products!
Wine Dine Caroline - If you follow me on IG, you know that Caroline Conner is a snobbery-free wine expert with online wine courses that are a hit for a wine lover in your life. (Also my #prclient)
Silk Screen Specialists - If you are in the Southeastern WI area, my Aunt Sara’s custom screen printing and embroidery business is the go-to shop for teams, girls’ trips, organizations, etc.
Wicks by Liv - Started by Liv, a UW-Madison grad during the pandemic, these 100% pure soy artisan candles come in captivating scents. She makes wax melts and gift sets, too!
Packed with Purpose - Founded by a former Peace Corps volunteer, these curated and corporate gifts give-back to communities in need.
Lake Life Candle Co. - The best smelling handmade soy candles. Last year a friend gifted my their pumpkin spice candle, and it was hands-down the best smelling fall candle I’ve ever owned.
The Brittish Way - Britt is a top-notch home organizer in Milwaukee (follow her incredible Before & Afters on IG.) If someone you love needs a hand with organization, Britt is the best!