2019 Holiday Gift Guide
We celebrated the 2019 holiday season by asking women from our team, our community of female founders and our network of executives what their favorite women-owned gifts were. Check out their picks below for gifting inspiration!
RECOMMENDATION FROM MITA MALLICK
Little Words Project (Founder: Adriana Carrig)
“Little Words Project® is a community of Nice Girls that believes in some simple truths: 1. Supporting women is always the way to go. 2. Collaboration always wins over competition. 3. Kindness builds confidence and fosters self-love. I love the bracelets. They provide me a boost of confidence and inspiration every morning as I take on the day.”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CHRISTINA VULETA
Dalla Nonna Jewelry (Founders: Rebecca Richards and Jessica Bohrer)
“[Dalla Nonna’s] founder, Jessica Bohrer is also the editorial counsel at Forbes and advocate for free speech... [The company is founded on] a great story inspired by her grandmother and partnership with her best friend.”
Megshop (Founder: Meg Kinney)
"Founder Meg Kinney - started her own boutique as a designer as a 20-something in the east village 20 years ago. She now has 6 locations and has always innovated with sustainability, body positivity and a feminist POV and product (with a bit of attitude). Love that there are great edgy takes on classic black pants or blazers and more playful jumpsuits or minimalist shirts with an interesting detail that allow you to play a little bit with different facets of yourself. If you visit in person the service is fantastic -- you always come away trying something that you never thought was right for you and it looks great.”
RECOMMENDATION BY AMANDA RAPOSO
It’s By U (Founder: Caroline Strzalka)
“It’s By U is like a craft kit with purpose, for grown ups. It makes for a super thoughtful gift for loved ones and is such a fun box to open up and arrange in your own home. Creative, fun and sustainable!”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY KATIE FOGARTY
Hill House Home (Founder: Nell Diamond)
I heart this adorable eye mask from Hill House home – and since better sleep is on everyone’s wish list – I am gifting this far and wide. Science shows how key sleep is for health, mental well-being and productivity – this eye mask keeps it fun and fashun. PS - Santa, please slip this in my own stocking.
Soleil Toujours (Founder: Valerie McMurray)
“I’m gifting all the sun lovers in my life mineral-based sunscreens and suncare including this wonderful lip SPF 15 lip masque trio by Soleil Toujours. Perfect for my ocean and scuba-loving daughter, Soleil’s products are coral reef-safe since they are paraben and nanoparticle-free. Plus, the sexy, stylish packaging adds eye-candy to beach bags. And bonus – made by my fabulous high school friend Val McMurray. Choosing Val’s products lets me support a female founder and a friend.”
RECOMMENDATION BY CINDY KYNARD
NiLu curated Sugar Hill Candle (Founder: Katrina Parris Pinn)
“Most things in [this] store are made for and by people of color and women. I love the candles she sells like this [one] by owner Teri Johnson’s Harlem Candle Company, ‘Sugar Hill.’ It’s a great fragrance that can fill your room with romance and nostalgia.”
NiLu curated Just Keebs Box Set
“And check out this notecard collection by artist Makeba Rainey, featuring notable icons of black culture. Perfect for a personal thought or thank you. All from Harlem.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM JENNIFER WILLEY
Terez (Founder: Zara Terez Tisch)
“I love Terez—their workout leggings are not only the most comfortable... but also fun, sassy and empowering! If I wear any of my favorites—like one with a Tetris design or a beach scene, I constantly get stopped by strangers complimenting them and asking where they can find a pair!”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY JUDY ZHU
Havenly (Co-Founder: Lee Mayer)
“For friends who are newly moved into a home, I like to gift them a Havenly package, to kickstart their design with the easiest service ever. I've used them to redo an office, or to switch up something a decorator did that I'm no longer into after a year. The founder is Lee Mayer, a total badass who just closed a $30M+ Series C for the company. A giant supporter of women in tech.”
ThirdLove (Co-Founder: Heidi Zak)
“ThirdLove is no joke, with categorically the most comfortable bra being taken care of AND don't look like pre-teen bralettes! Heidi Zak is the founder and so tenacious about her mission.”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM DEMETRA SIMOS
The Clean Eating Chick (Founder: Eleni Simos)
“I love to have a juice cleanse once a month to help maintain and give me a reset during my days of traveling and eating out with clients and friends.”
Joylin (Co-founder: Lindsey Zizzo)
“I love it because it’s a product and brand that I can trust. This product can be can be used under tongue or mixed into anything! From your smoothie to your body lotion. CBD helps me with my injuries after long days onsite or working out with my trainer.”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY LUCIE GREENE
Maude (Co-Founder: Eva Goicochea)
“New York-based direct to consumer brand Maude has been revolutionizing the area of sexual wellness with thoughtful, beautifully designed gender neutral products and packaging. Delivered with a pithy, sophisticated tone of voice, Maude products are all about sexual wellness as self-care - whether you're in a couple, or solo. I love this bath soak set which includes salts and coconut bath soak. The holidays are the only time of year that I am not on a plane, and I look forward to unwinding with these (imagining glass or red wine will also fit well in to this scenario). Personally, it's exciting to support one of the most brilliant female founders take off - Maude continues to thrive and its down to Eva's vision, taste, and relentless hard work. All the Maude products are beautiful and make fantastic gifts. Enjoy!”
For Days (Founders: Kristy Caylor and Mary Saunders)
“Any product from this extremely cool, disruptive, circular commerce cotton basics label. Kristy, formerly of Gap and ethical luxury label Maiyet, has created a new way to shop for your core wardrobe - one where no clothing gets tossed away. Rather, the clothing becomes a service effectively, and one where you can swap and exchange pieces when you're done, as many times as you like. (They get up-cycled or donated.) With the climate crisis upon us, more models like this are not only going to become desirable, but essential. Plus, all the For Days pieces are super soft, fantastic quality and beautifully cut. And they make it beyond convenient. This is shopping for the future.”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY ANNA BLUE
Prinkshop (Founder: Pamela Bell)
“This amazing and inspiring shirt has been seen on the likes of Cara Delevingne, and proceeds go to support Girl Up!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LINDSAY STEIN
Love Wellness (Founder: Lauren Bosworth)
“I like this product much more than melatonin because it relaxes me and helps me sleep without leaving me groggy in the am.”
Lola (Founders: Jordana Kier and Alexandra Friedman)
“I love that these are 100% organic - it feels great knowing I'm putting something natural in my body.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM TANIA KEENAN
Personalized Christmas Plates
“…homemade, personalized Christmas plates for kiddos and fur babies when they leave treats for Santa & his reindeer!”
Universal Standard
“Amazingly soft tank tops and shirts, extra long which most women would appreciate. I gave them as a gift to all my girlfriends last Christmas!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM JAMIE SILVERMAN
Fabletics (Founder: Kate Hudson)
“Super cute, affordable workout clothes. Huge variety that lets me seamlessly move from sport to sport and season to season. I spend so much time training for running races and triathlons, you bet I want to make sure I look good doing it!”
RECOMMENDATION BY AMY BUTTE
Resistance by Design (Founders: Dahna Goldstein and Alex Posen)
“Looking for a gift for that strong woman you know, you’re raising, or you are? Here is one that you don’t want to miss. The Supreme Women mug celebrates the four women who have served on the United States Supreme Court: Justices Elana Kagan, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Sonya Sotomayor. This is another venture from my amazing friends from Resistance by Design.”
“There will be enough women on the Supreme Court when there are nine.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
RECOMMENDATIONS BY KAREN CAHN
Fempower Beauty (Founders: Alexis Androulakis and Christina Basias)
Shefly (Founder: Georgia Grace Edwards)
Roxanne Assoulin (Founder: Roxanne Assoulin)
“Nothing says celebrate like a great statement earring. These beauties will be a day-to-night staple for holiday parties straight into the new year - no piercing required!”
Kali Active (Founder: Anjni Singh)
“Neon. Python. Need I say more? These are my reason for sweating it out this season!
Bonus: I use ClassPass, another great female-founded company, to keep workouts feeling fresh.”
Holly and Tanager (Founder: Lindsay Lingle)
“The only downside to this incredibly chic work bag - I continuously have to take my earbuds out when I ride the subway to tell people where it's from - totally worth it!”
Eugenia Kim (Founder: Eugenia Kim)
“Hats are my go to accessory to make a casual outfit pop or to take an already fierce look to another level. Eugenia Kim is the queen of toppers!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM JENNIFER DASILVA
Brightland (Founder: Aishwarya Iyer)
“I love this olive oil. It works in everything and looks good on my counter. It’s a great gift for a foodie. “
Jiggy Puzzles (Founder: Kaylin Marcotte)
“These are the cutest puzzles and the best gift. I have already gifted this one to my mom!”
ATEM (Founder: Susan Yoomin Im)
“Face Mask –this makes my face feel soft and is a great way to treat myself. “
Accessory Junkie (Founders: Michelle Reeves and Ursula Lyon)
“The accessory junkie has literally made me into an accessory junkie. I love their curated pieces that can make any outfit look better and can’t wait to gift to my girlfriends.”
A.Lynn (Founder: Andrea Seemayer)
“Her sustainable basics are so soft I literally cannot stop wearing it.”
Bodewell Home (Founder: Effie Tanji)
“These luxurious candles make even my kids toots smell better and are great gift.”
Jennifer Behr (Founder: Jennifer Behr)
“Jennifer Behr has been in business for almost 20 years. I love her jewelry and especially this headband. Maybe Santa will put this one in my stocking?”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY PIERA GELARDI
Dusen Dusen (Founder: Ellen Van Dusen)
“Oh these towels are the one, they make hand washing so much fun. Super fun gift for the colorful people in your life.”
Zahava Heirlooms (Founder: Jessica Hendricks Yee)
“A symbol of peace, this olive branch necklace is the perfect modern heirloom... the type of necklace that you never want to take off. Plus it's ethically made.”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY CATE LUZIO
Ally (Founder: Samantha Dong)
“Stylish, comfortable, power heels that don’t kill your feet!”
Lively (Founder: Michelle Cordeiro Grant)
“Amazing intimates that are sexy, fun and comfortable. Plus fit all types of women!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TINA YIP
Cold Picnic (Co-Founder: Phoebe Sung)
“Cold Picnic has the most gorgeous knitted throws and rugs that will brighten up any apartment. Co-founders Phoebe Sung and Peter Buer worked in fine arts and corporate fashion design then started this little studio together to design modern home goods that are inspired by films, art etc.”
Mediterraneo Studio (Founder: Jennifer Paccione Angulo)
"Mediterraneo Studio creates cute handmade jewelry inspired by her heritage in Italy. Peperoncino is regarded as something that is believed to bring “good fortune and protect against negativity” so the founder made these pair of earings to reflect the meaning of peperoncino in Italian culture.”
Chop Suey Club (Founder: Ruoyi Jiang)
“I absolutely love Chop Suey Club! It is a store in the Lower East Side in New York City where founder, Ruoyi Jiang, curates design products from young Chinese creatives around the world.”
Haus (Co-Founder: Helena Price Hambrecht)
“I discovered Haus apertif this year and was drawn by its beautifully designed bottles and it’s super delicious! I don’t really have a high tolerance for booze so this is a perfect option for a nice little treat after a long week.”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LELA ROSE
Great Jones Cookware (Founders: Sierra Tishgart and Maddy Moelis)
“A sheet pan is the superhero of any kitchen. The custom nonstick ceramic coating means you don’t have to worry about bad chemicals or a tough cleanup.”
The Laundress (Founders: Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd)
“The Wool and Cashmere Spray are great to protect my sweaters and outerwear.”
RECOMMENDATION BY HITHA PALEPU
How To Pack (Author: Hitha Palepu)
“[This book is] very giftable and great for any woman who travels - or wants to!”
RECOMMENDATION BY LINDSEY TAYLOR WOOD
The Helm (Founder: Lindsey Taylor Wood)
“Our entire site thehelm.co is female-founded products and we've also curated these amazing gift boxes for the Holidays. Those -- and our gift cards (powered by our female-founded portfolio company SmartGift) -- make for great gifts!”
RECOMMENDATION FROM XINA EILAND
Package Your Genius (Author: Amanda Miller Littlejohn)
“This book is a must-read! We all know the purpose of the season is to give instead of receive, but if you’re feeling stuck, burnt out and ready to pursue that career step you’ve been dreaming of, it may be time to give the gift of investment to yourself. Amanda Miller Littlejohn wants to help you invest in yourself by inspiring you to move forward with that project or goal that’s been simmering on the back burner. Listen to one of her podcasts, watch her Instagram feed or read her debut book Package Your Genius: 5 Steps to Build Your Most Powerful Brand and you will find yourself motivated to start building the future you’ve been visualizing. Amanda is more than a branding coach- she is a thought leader who will revolutionize your personal brand.”
wiseHER (Founder: Kathryn Rose)
“wiseHer offers 1:1 access to thousands of world-class experts who are available to talk through business and career challenges. $149 gets the recipient three, 30-minute calls with the expert(s) of her choice; $199 buys five 30-minute calls. An enterprise plan is also available for use by multiple employees.”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM RANDI ZUCKERBERG
Suzanna Dai (Founder: Suzanna Dai)
"Amazing statement jewelry."
Loyal Hana (Founder: Shelley Suh)
"Great for nursing and maternity gear."
Hipchik (Founder: Andrea Rosenberg)
“I get so much love for my "Supermom" one!”
Mercedes Salazar (Founder: Mercedes Salazar)
“[These are] amazing statement jewelry!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM JUDY KIM
Bon Bon Bandeaux (Founders: Michelle Hernandez & Judy Kim)
“Bon Bon Bandeaux was made specifically for creators and artists who are looking for a fashionable and functional way to pull their hair back while they create. We functionally designed this bandeaux to include sweat wicking interior material and added slip resistant band to help keep your hair in place. It comes in its own sustainable pouch for on the go and easy to carry.”
Free x Rein (Founders: Andrea Vogel and Dana Schwartz)
“Lifelong equestrians, Andrea and Dana didn’t want to give up their passion when they graduated college and moved to the city, but they struggled to find chic, equestrian options that could carry them from work straight to the barn. After hearing women lament about having to wear spanx under their riding pants, they knew there must be an alternative, so they created Free x Rein as the solution. Combining the best in high-tech and sustainable fabrics with classic equestrian silhouettes and design, Free x Rein is a line of clothes that is as wearable as it is sophisticated for all aspects of the day.
This elegant equestrian inspired bag is a versatile and modern choice for women on the go. The slim envelope-style clutch features embossed logo, fits most cell phone sizes, 3 credit card slots, and has a hidden magnetic closure. Made with 100% Italian Cross Grain leather, the clutch and belt are extremely durable, scratch resistant, and will retain shine no matter where you take it. This polished bag can be worn crossbody, around the hips, or used on its own as a wallet. While riding, the hip bag can be worn in front or in back and never interferes with your seat. The belt can be worn separately for the most versatility possible. Belt sizes run small, medium, large, see product details and size chart to find the perfect fit.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM MICHELE EGAN
Pomp and Whimsy (Founder: Dr. Nicola Nice)
“Pomp and Whimsy has the perfect balance of flavors. A hint of lychee is a pleasant surprise. Each flavor compliments each other resulting in a delicious cocktail! I like to drink mine with a splash of champagne. The design is so pretty, I don’t even need to wrap it. It’s the perfect gift.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM RACHEL SKLAR
Loop & Tie (Founder: Sara Rodell)
“Loop & Tie is basically an online choose-your-own-adventure gifting platform - it allows the giver to offer a curated slate of possible gifts within a price range and the giftee can choose what they want, or allocate the value of the gift to charity. It reduces waste, increases satisfaction, and is really quick and fun to use both as a gifter and a giftee! (I have been both.) They also have an enterprise solution so companies can batch out their corporate gifting in literally minutes. It's so smart and fun, highly recommend.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM SANDRA LOPEZ
Zero + Maria Cornejo (Founder: Maria Cornejo)
“There is so much to pick from Zero + Maria Cornejo and what I appreciate most is given the amount of travel that I do, she has an entire collection of travel that is easy to wear on a plane, dress up upon landing and off to a meeting I go. And her focus on sustainability makes her a must go to designer for all of us.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM LAURA MIGNOTT
Nubian Skin (Founder: Ade Hassan)
“Most comfy and skin tone appropriate ever!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TABITHA HOLBERT
Project Tsehigh (Founder: Grace Mahary)
“I’d recommend donating to Project Tsehigh, founded by my dream friend Grace Mahary"!”
Glossier (Founder: Emily Weiss)
“Magical!”
Fenty (Founder: Rihanna)
“I just got this and I love it!”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY ANNE FULENWIDER
Blue Land (Founder: Sarah Paiji Yoo)
“Sustainable cleaning products & hand soap—because I want to do my part for the planet but also stay clean!”
Maggie Louise Confections (Founder: Maggie Louise Callahan)
“Hanukkah chocolates—best Hanukkah dinner present!”
Mented Cosmetics (Founders: KJ Miller & Amanda Johnson)
“Cosmetics designed for women of color—insanely great lipgloss!”
23andMe (Co-Founder: Anne Wojcicki)
“Health & Ancestry kit—because I believe in access to your own health data.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM KATHRYN MINSHEW
The Muse (Founder: Kathryn Minshew)
“Gift career success! The Muse allows you to gift or book time with expert career coaches who can help you update your resume, refine your job search strategy, negotiate a higher salary, prepare for promotion to management, and more.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM KARA GOLDIN
Hint (Founder: Kara Goldin)
Hint is delicious fruit-infused water with no sugar, diet sweeteners, calories or preservatives. Subscribe to the Hint of the Month bundle and get three mouthwatering cases of Hint water (36 bottles total) delivered to your door every month. No commitment, cancel anytime. Includes free shipping!
Enter code LLSHE at checkout to get your first Hint of the Month subscription shipment for just $39.99 (a $7 savings)! Offer ends 12/31/19. One time use per customer.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY KELLY GALLOZZI
ShopDoen (Founders: Margaret Kleveland and Katherine Kleveland)
“Penny Bandana, Easy and Fun Accessory that you can wear in your hair, like a bracelet on your wrist, or even a belt. Plus it's under $30.”
Monrow Sweatpants (Founder: Veena Ashiya)
“Super Soft Vintage, Coziest, and Softest sweatpants, every person should own a pair of sweatpants that look good and feel good.”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CLAIRE TELLING
Mejuri (Co-Founder: Noura Sakkijha)
“I love the double layering and it’s great for every day wear.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM TINA CHOW
“I just launched my own skincare line called Strange Bird, all natural, Positive Impact skincare brand rooted in ancient Chinese beauty traditions and infused with energy medicine. I love to gift the Inner Ritual which is our complete set...and for the holidays we will be including a custom Tibetan Singing bowl!”
RECOMMENDATION FROM SARAH FEINGOLD
Stylish Spoon Vegan Cookies (Founder: Ilana Eck)
“So delicious we order them for every event, and they are a healthier option.”
RECOMMENDATION FROM KAT DE HAËN
Mazi And Zo (Founder: Lizzy Klein)
“Cute and fun jewelry :)”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUSAN MCPHERSON
20x200 (Founder: Jen Bekmam)
“I adore the company because it takes the uncertainty and fear out of buying art and makes it simple, easy and joyful and all price points.”
Mara Hoffman (Founder: Mara Hoffman)
I love the brand and its ethos. Truly making the journey to be more sustainable which in the fashion world is extraordinarily challenging. Also, Mara was one of the first to showcase models representing true humans. Lastly, even as a small company, it is extremely philanthropic and charitable.
RECOMMENDATION FROM ELIZABETH HARRINGTON
Reprise Activewear (Founder: Mary Bemis)
“The new Aspen legging! I live in leggings and value the fact they are made from plant materials (no toxic plastics!). They are not only well made but they might just be the most comfortable leggings I’ve ever owned. They are perfect for traveling because they hold their shape, feel great, and look nice whether I’m hiking, lounging or dining.”
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM KRISTY WALLACE
Society Nine (Founder: Lynn Le)
"I’m investing in my health this year and these gloves make kickboxing so much more fun.”
This Works (Founder: Kathy Phillips)
“Sometimes I have trouble getting to sleep and I know my friends do to. This spray is the best for a simple solution to help get some shut eye.”
Elizabeth Sutton Collection (Founder: Elizabeth Sutton)
“This is an expensive gift, but I love these bags. They are fun, beautiful and inspired by Elizabeth Sutton’s art. Maybe my husband will read this and put one in my stocking this year?”
RECOMMENDATION BY SAMANTHA BRODY
Food52 (Founders: Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs)
“Anything from Food52- their kitchen goodies are thoughtfully designed to be both practical and beautiful. It's easy to find something for anyone on your list.”
RECOMMENDATIONS BY ERIKA MURDOCK BALBUENA
Abeego (Founder: Toni Desrosiers)
“It’s a beeswax food wrap that I swear by for keeping food fresh longer. It eliminates the use for saran wrap and works better. I now make it my hostess gift. Bonus, its part of sheeo.world which is a global women funding network.”
Shine Text (Founders: Naomi Hirabayashi and Marah Liddey)
“An app to help you take care of yourself and start your day off on the right foot. Buy a subscription for yourself or a friend.”
RECOMMENDATION BY BRYNN ELLIOTT
Maple & Thyme ”My pick would be Amanda Smallwood founder of Maple and Thyme. The crunchy monkey granola is the BEST granola I’ve ever had.”