Thanksgiving weekend has always felt something like a study in contradictions. We follow up a bountiful meal, where we sometimes eat to excess as a sign of gratitude for all the blessings we already have – with more excess, in the form of storming big box stores in an attempt to score a deal on the latest flash sale or doorbuster.
But as odd as it may feel to have Black Friday come immediately after Thanksgiving, there is a beacon of positivity on that weekend: Small Business Saturday. This is an opportunity to support those start-ups and local small companies that really need our support in a way the big corporations simply don’t.
Small Business Saturday is especially meaningful when we can help sustain women-owned firms. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some beautiful and unique holiday gift ideas all from female-backed enterprises. We promise these unique presents are sure to wow all of the loved ones on your list!
Albisa Candles Winter Candle Bundle
This Latina-owned candle company was founded by a Cuban-American husband and wife. Best known for their social media-famous Cuban-bread scented candle, this company is loved for their hand-poured candles, holiday winter candle set includes an Arbolito candle, Coquito candle, Crema de Vie candle, and Noche Buena candle, perfect for bringing a bit of flavor into the festivities. Price: $100
This brand from a female founder has the cutest hair extensions and hair accessories. These braided headbands are a great choice for an instant day-to-night look that will make them look poised and polished in no time, and it comes with a bunch of fun shade options, too. Price: $30
Clean & Pure Queen Bee Lip Balms, 8 Pack
There’s nothing like prepping your lips so they are kissable for the mistletoe and New Year’s Eve. This 8-pack of super hydrating lip balms are made with Manuka honey beeswax and other natural ingredients such as locally sourced extra virgin olive oil, Vitamin E and more – and it’s owned by a female-run small business! Price: $37
This beautiful nail lacquer brand from Cuban-American entrepreneur and beauty influencer Kathleen Fuentes (AKA KathleenLights) is vegan, cruelty, and Twelve-Free. Their 12-piece celestial collection is perfect for the astrology-loving beauty product junkie, with a dozen shades created with the Zodiac and its personality traits in mind. Price: $116
boiess Allstars Eau de Cologne in Lemon Zest
This clean, vegan fragrance from a female founder comes in a gentle lemon scent. It’s safe on kids, too, but you’ll love it to wear all day. If your home needs a fragrant boost, the natural lemony aroma is perfect to freshen up any room (or even your sheets and pillowcases!). Price: $22.90
FreshStart DogiPack Hands-Free Dog Walking Belt Fanny Pack
If someone on your gift list has a dog, they should love a gift that improves their time with their furry friend. This DogiPack is from a female-founded and female-run small business, and it’s an adorable way to stay organized and keep valuables safe while walking pets. Price: The pink option is on sale for $28
The holiday season is often about fun and inventive cocktails, and this build-your-own pack of three Make & Muddle cocktail and mocktail mixers (4 oz. each), which is owned and co-founded by Jennifer Brian, can be mixed, matched, muddled, and sampled. Or, just give it as a gift and let a loved one be creative! Price: $35
The Progress Over Perfection Planner
A new planner is a perfect holiday gift because it can successfully set you up for being productive and putting your best foot forward in the new year. This planner from female founder Jamie Stone is more than your average calendar. It’s a 6-month daily guide that is undated, with the idea of making progress on your goals and to be productive (on your own schedule) while working to better organize your life. Price: $45
The Baba’s Acid trip Strange Trip Variety Pack
This is a great gift idea for anyone who loves craft cocktails or is a chef that loves to experiment with inventive new ingredients. From a female-owned small business, Baba’s Acid Trip is a line of kombucha vinegars. Use it in cooking or to add a touch of acid to a craft cocktail, which can be used as a unique cocktail acidifier, and shines in many culinary recipes, such as salad dressings and marinades. Price: $48
This eco-friendly family-owned brand is known for podiatrist-approved shoes that are both super comfortable and super cute. The shoes are made by hand in Israel, and these slippers are a perfect gift to wear on a relaxing holiday. They are lined in soft fleece with mattress foam padding insoles. Price: $75
We all need something sweet this holiday season, and from this female-fueled pie bakery based in Dallas, there’s this bourbon pecan pie that can be shipped nationwide. It’s made with a shortbread crust and a sauce of butter, bourbon, brown sugar, and Texas pecans. It’s sure to be a winner at any holiday gathering. Price: $89.95
MORE ON HERMONEY:
- 6 Black Owned Businesses That Are Saving the Planet and Making Awesome Gifts
- 4 Green Beauty Hacks that Won’t Break the Bank
- Create an effective holiday budget — start early, be cutthroat.
JOIN US: How are you handling the pressures of holiday spending? Join us in the private HerMoney Facebook group and share your money saving tips — and pick up a few new ones!
