Finding the perfect gift can be tough — especially during the holidays.
Between your algorithm’s penchant for everything that’s too expensive and the picked-over products still in stores, this time of year can feel like you’re driving the struggle bus straight into Boring Slippersville. Or worse — CrappyHolidaySweater City.
But before you proceed to payment with that meh cart, check out our list of unique, exciting finds from women-owned companies. 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 awesome gifts and support women 365.
Happy gifting!
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 themes that spoke to her as a Black woman.
Fast forward to 2019 when Masden’s friends made her a custom puzzle of original artwork she’d been wanting to purchase but couldn’t afford. Like two corner pieces clicking together, Masden knew she wanted to bring fine art, culture and the art of puzzling to the table for anyone to enjoy.
Apostrophe’s collection of jigsaw puzzles features a wide range of vibrant, modern, original artwork by artists of color. And extra Earth bonus: All puzzles are made with 100% recycled chipboard 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
Big Night shop (Photo/McGuire McManus)
Big Night is a one-stop shop for the hostess with the mostess. A serving set that looks like a giant olive? Check. Vintage owl salt and pepper shakers? Hoooo doesn’t want that loveable duo?
Founder Katherine Lewin opened her first Big Night location in 2021 as a go-to for everything you need for a fantastic dinner party or gathering. From flashy flatware to barware to edible goodies, Big Night has party goers and party throwers covered.
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 companies to consider: Caskata, Salt & Sundry
Susan Alexandra
Oy Vey ring, 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 hand-beaded accessories, jewelry and whimsical Judaica. Custom, hand-painted dreidels, elaborately beaded menorahs and bronze rings that say “Chutzpah” are among the gems.
Designer Susan Korn started 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 items on the Susan Alexandra website are made by hand in New York City. If you’re shopping online, look for Susan icons to hear stories behind the items.
Note: If you’re looking for holiday delivery, that ship has sailed. However, there is a spot for inquiries on the site 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.
Original Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles Set (Photo/Courtesy of Big Dill Pickleball Co.)
Katy Luxem grew up playing pickleball way before celebrities like the Kardashians started posting their dinks on social media. The one problem: Luxem couldn’t find any cool gear. 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. paddles meet the USA Pickleball requirements for tournament play and the cheerful design will help distract your opponents so you can crush your grandma and her “friend” Dorothy during your next match. Game on!
Great gift: Original Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles Set ($139)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Pep Pickleball, Recess
The Qi
(Photo/Courtesy of The Qi)
The Qi’s company mission is “to empower you to feel more joy, beauty and life everywhere.” You had us at empower.
The Qi’s unique line of whole flower teas are an experience: After you submerge 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 experiencing burnout from work. She took a trip to Shangri-la, discovered the soothing benefits of rose tea and went to work tasting and testing more 100 blooming herbs for The Qi’s line of floral teas.
All flowers are hand-picked, organically grown and sustainably cultivated from small family-owned farms across Asia.
Great gift: Floral Collection variety box ($36)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Flowerhead Tea, Bigelow
Caftari
Caftari Signature Gift Set (Photo/Courtesy of Caftari)
Happiness and better sleep are a lot to ask from a candle, but who are we to argue with science?
Caftari 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 influence brain waves and then creates fragrances to channel a state of mind.
Founder Shreya Aggarwal came up with the idea for Caftari after incorporating essential oils in her own treatment plan for insomnia and anxiety.
Each candle is vegan, hand-poured, and when the candle 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
Cuyana
Oversized Paloma Bag (Photo/Courtesy of Cuyana)
Hellooo, purse! Cuyana handbags are chic 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 with Italian double-faced leather that gets better with age.
All fabrics and leathers are responsibly sourced, made by hand 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 to handbags, everything in the Cuyana collection is crafted from sustainable materials and made by expert craftsmen and craftswomen. Check out the Cuyana Revive pieces for pre-loved bags and accessories at a discount.
Great gift: Oversized Paloma Bag ($528)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Sabrina Zeng, Dagne Dover
Mooncat
Avatar: The Last Airbender collection (Photo/Courtesy of Mooncat)
Mooncat 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 form of wearable art. When she couldn’t find the quality of polish she wanted, she made her own.
Mooncat’s unique nail lacquers are next level: Some are filled with holographic glitter and others change color depending on your body temperature. They’re definitely a vibe. All lacquers are vegan, cruelty-free and made in the U.S. by women.
Also very cool: A portion of every purchase goes to organizations that help cats find forever homes.
Great gift: Lacquers from the Avatar collection (starting at $17)
Other women-owned companies to consider: Liberation nails, Olive & June
Milène Jardine Chocolatier
International Chocolate Bar Library (Photo/Courtesy of Milène Jardine Chocolatier)
Milène Jardine’s passion for chocolatey goodness started when she was a kid. But it wasn’t until she left her corporate job in 2016 that she began to go all in on her dream of creating her own chocolate brand.
Milène Jardine Chocolatier treats are all handcrafted in small batches in New York City. The artisanal 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 cacao partners that 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
