The holidays are right around the corner and that nagging question has started to set in for a lot of us: What do I get as gifts for the people in my life? With the delays in shipping, hectic nature of the season, and many small businesses having production delays related to product shortages, getting everything checked off your gift list early is essential this year.
If the pandemic has made you worry about consumerism and ethical buying practices, or if you’re just looking to support a small, female-owned business this holiday season, we’ve got you covered! This list offers a variety of small businesses, with products ranging from skincare to home decor, and everything in between.
Give the Gift of Ms.
Ms. is for everyone—like the moms who survived a tough year of triple-tasking and deserve a magazine that understands them and reflects their lives. Or the young feminists in your life who keep running off with your copy of Ms. Or the aunts and uncles who proudly joined the millions who marched and protested—or cheered for those who did. Or the cousins and colleagues who can’t stand the rantings of Fox News commentators.
For every feminist, news junkie and supporter of independent journalism, a Ms. subscription is the perfect gift. With a beautifully formatted and designed physical copy, covers like these could light up your loved one’s mailbox all year long.
Head here to give the gift of Ms. (Then head here to gift a membership to yourself!)
Fat and the Moon
This natural, small-batch skin and hair care company offers a wide range of body care products, natural perfumes and gentle baby products. The company uses ethically harvested and organically cultivated ingredients, as well as recyclable materials for packaging and shipping. Head here to try some of their products. (My favorites are the All Cream and the Pimple Mud!)
MoonThyme
MoonThyme is an an Austin-based, women-owned and -operated home and body shop. Co-owners Alex and Chelsea met while running their own entrepreneurial endeavors and combined their visions to create a beautiful, modern shop. With a range of products from stained glass garden decorations to ceramic garden markers, this shop will surely satisfy the green thumb on your list. Their online store is here.
Hungry Bunny Donuts
For the vegan treat lover in your life, check out Hungry Bunny donuts, a Black-owned online donut shop. In the chaos of the pandemic, owner and operator Khloe Hines delivers baked goods “so safe you can pronounce all the ingredients.” Order here to satisfy the sweet tooth on your holiday list.
WeBuyBlack
If you’re not exactly sure what someone would like, but know you want to get it from somewhere with a sense of social responsibility that directly benefits Black artisans, WeBuyBlack is a great option. Touted as the answer to Amazon for Black-owned and -operated businesses, this website serves as the largest online marketplace for Black owned businesses. With every category from books to art to household goods, you can find a huge variety of products here.
GRLPWR Art
This shop is owned and operated by New York City native and Parsons School of Design student Nicole, and specializes in quirky, sex-positive and kitschy earrings. She describes her work as “the perfect Mrs. Frizzle accent to your wardrobe!” Click here to check it out.
Estelle Colored Glass
On the hunt for the perfect set of glassware for your friend with the perfect Pinterest brunch board? Estelle Colored Glass is a Black-owned glassware company offering gifts like wine glasses, decanters, plates and cake stands. They also have a holiday gift guide curated and presented by founder Stephanie Summerson Hall here.
Feliz Modern
This San-Antonio based homegoods store is a color fanatic’s dream. With stunning patterns and vibrant hues being this company’s main draw, co-owners Ginger and Mario Diaz bring a fun, Southern flair to every item they sell. They also have witty and trendy stickers, enamel pins and buttons. They employ an all-female team—as well as two very hard-working pups, Frieda and Dolly. Shop here.
Treehouse Kid and Craft
For the budding feminists in your life, check out Treehouse Kid and Craft. This company, run by Atlanta-based sister duo Kim and Kristen, features a variety of kids’ clothes, books and inclusive dolls and toys. Click here to shop their holiday edit and find the next stuffed best friend for the youngster you’ve been wondering what to get this season.
Olive & Loom
If you can’t land on just one thing to give to a loved one, these curated gift boxes from Olive & Loom are a good option. They have a variety of themes, from feminist icons to tea drinkers. The founder, Ferzan Jaeger, was raised in Istanbul and promotes bringing multicultural old world goods from modern, all-natural sources. Click here to see all their boxes.
TabKnits
TabKnits is a little online shop run by sewing artist Theresa, offering gifts like a quilted advent calendar, chic stockings, beautifully made backpacks, waxed canvas totes and stunning floral aprons. Click here to see their featured collection.
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