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The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year. The pumpkin and cinnamon-scented everything, the crisp air, and the festive feel are enough to give everyone a little extra pep in their step.
And now more than ever, it’s important to cheer on female entrepreneurs as they make serious headway in the e-commerce space. Half of all entrepreneurs are female, yet only 2.3% of venture capitalist funding goes to female-founded brands. So what better way to support women than to make sure our holiday gifts are made up of items created and designed by these industry-disrupting women.
Keep reading for The Quality Edit’s top ten Female Founded brands you should gift this holiday season.
Alexa Leigh: Threesome Stackable Ball Bracelets ($135) and the Mon Amour Necklace ($150)
Alexa Leigh is one of my absolute favorite DTC jewelry brands -- one I’ve eyed for years. But, somehow, I’ve never pulled the trigger to purchase. And that’s what makes the best gift; those items you want that you don’t buy for yourself. Founded by Alexa Leigh, the customizable pieces bring sentimental value to each gift. My favorites are Alexa Leigh’s signature stackable ball bracelets that are the perfect accessory for any outfit. Or if you want a more festive piece, spring for the Mon Amour red heart necklace. Whatever accessory you decide to give, the recipient of an Alexa Leigh piece is sure to stand out at the holiday party!
Chalonne: Orleans In Black ($410)
Designed in Bel Air, California by Carlye Morgan and crafted in France, Chalonne's Apple Watch straps are perfect for the tech-forward fashionista. Carlye’s passion for art inspired her to start Chalonne to give a fresh, female perspective to a tech product with beautiful, luxurious designs that elevate women. While I’m a huge fan of the band's styles, I’m an even bigger fan of the mission: proceeds from every watch band go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. After all, ‘tis the season of giving.
Lunya: Cozy Cotton Silk Jogger ($218) and Cozy Cotton Silk Zip Pullover ($198)
You can never go wrong with loungewear. And since I’ve spent the last two years in sweatpants and sweatshirts, a little loungewear upgrade is exactly what I want for the holidays. With Lunya’s Cozy Cotton Silk Jogger and Zip Pullover you don’t have to sacrifice style for softness. And because half-zips are a major fashion trend of 2021, this gift is for the one on your list who appreciates chic comfort. These cozy clothes are the brainchild of Ashley Merrill, who is creating comfortable, quality pajamas, flattering enough to wear to any holiday party. But if you don’t want to go casual for the holidays, you’ll be sure to change right into these after the holiday dinner.
Our Place: Home Cook Duo ($250)
There is a reason Our Place’s pot and pan are on everyone’s wish list. The gadgets are the best bet for the chef in the family. Our Place founder Shiza Shahid disrupted the cookware industry a few years ago when she designed the two perfect, minimalist pieces of cookware. The Home Cook Duo comes with both the Perfect Pot and the Always pan, but you can also purchase each one individually. These pots and pans are high on my list this year if anyone asks.
Nori: The Nori Press ($120)
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This may not seem like the most exciting gift to give, but let me tell you, it’s very cool. And as someone who doesn’t know how to turn on my traditional iron, that’s saying a lot. The Nori Press is the modern-day iron, designed to easily press and steam your clothes. This innovative brand, created by Courtney Toll and Annabel Love, is a practical present that covers so many on your list. It’s great for the busy parent, the traveler, or the new graduate. Nothing says welcome to the real world than a new, neat iron!
Lele Sadoughi: Statement Headbands (from $35 to $365)
Your gift will make a splash if you go with one of these statement headbands from Lele Sadoughi. The cult-favorite accessory, designed by the company’s namesake, Lisa Lele Sadoughi, is loved by kids and adults alike. Starting at $35 for kids’ headbands and going up to $365 for an adult headband with Swarovski crystals, this is an awesome option for the fashion-forward female on your list. My personal favorites are the Ivory Cable Knit Knotted Headband ($65) and the Black Faux Leather Headband ($65). I’m obsessed with the subtle statement of these pieces.
Art 2 The Extreme: Personalized Crayons for Kids ($19.95)
Look no further, these crayons are exactly what every kid should have on their gift list this year. Art 2 Extreme’s personalized crayons are brightly colored, unique masterpieces. Founded by Nicole Lewis, a former elementary school art teacher, these crayons are a fun and functional gift kids of all ages will fall in love with. And with the option of gift wrapping, all you need to do is push a button and the fully wrapped present will get sent to your door.
Halfdays Georgia Jacket ($495) and Alessandra Pant ($225)
We are all looking for ways to extend our time outdoors, regardless of the weather. Halfdays stylish coats and snow pants are great for those snow days with the kids or for hitting the slopes. Halfdays was founded in 2020, during the heart of the COVID pandemic, by three women including Olympic Skier, Kiley McKinnon. The outdoor gear is designed specifically for women so we can all stay warm and stylish in the cold winter months. And because it’s designed by an Olympic skier, you know this cool-weather item is going to become a hot commodity.
Simone I. Smith: Nail Polish ($20)
My daughters love playing ‘salon’ at home; my six-year-old does my manicures and pedicures. It’s why I’d love to get these vibrant, vivacious nail polish colors as a holiday gift this season. Simone I. Smith, who is married to entertainment legend LL Cool J, recently launched her Around The Way Girl Collection with head-turning colors like bright pink with gold reflecting pigments (awesome for a winter vacation to a warm-weather destination), red with copper shimmer effects (perfect for the holidays) and blue to purple color shift (a wonderful winter color).
MantraBand ($28)
I’m all about positive affirmations; I use them with my kids, I use them with myself. And with the stress that can come along with the holidays, there’s nothing like a gorgeous reminder that you’ve got this. Founded by Aysel Gunar, MantraBands embody messages of hope, healing, and strength. My daughters and I have bracelets with the sayings, “Beautiful girl, you can do hard things” and “she believed she could, so she did,” both $28. This is the most uplifting, optimistic, mindful gift you’ll give this season.
These 10 female-founded brands make thoughtful, unique gifts for anyone on your list. Trust me, if you gift one of these items you’ll get moved to the top of the best gift-giver list (which is what we all want during the holidays)! So get shopping and spend on gifts that your loved ones will love.
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