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20 Perfect Gifts To Give This Season From Women-Founded Businesses

The holidays are a great time to give gifts to loved ones and spread joy. While choosing the perfect gifts can be stressful, putting in the time and effort to do so is worth it to show you care. While there's no doubt that there are tons of options, such as skincare, makeup, and perfume gift sets, here we're focusing on women-founded businesses. The choices on our list offer everything from wellness products to keep you healthy and stress-free to sparkly jewelry that will make you shine.

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When you support women-run businesses, you're supporting a push for equality. According to Fortune, in 2021, women only made up 8.2% of Fortune 500 CEOs, and only 1.2% were women of color. In spite of these disappointing percentages, research published in the Academy of Management Journal showed that women hold senior positions, make more profit, are more socially responsible, and provide better customer service.

So, when you're thinking of buying the perfect gift for that special someone, choosing to support a women-owned business is helping the economy, promoting equal pay, providing more job opportunities, and giving more women a chance to succeed.

How we chose the women-founded businesses

Men have run the majority of the world's businesses for decades, but now we're seeing incredible female entrepreneurs starting their businesses or taking over big companies because they're equally, if not more, capable. 

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We chose these women-founded businesses not only because their dedication to putting women on the map deserves accolades, but also because of their inspirational stories and popularity among consumers, and for offering products that are impressive and unique. These include quality beauty products such as makeup and perfume, investment-worthy accessories, and comfy clothes that make consumers look and feel more beautiful in their skin. Although this is a gift-giving guide, we're pretty sure you'll be tempted to buy yourself a thing or two from the list as well because they are all incredible.

Here are 20 gifts from women-founded businesses that any friend or family member would be thrilled to receive this holiday season.

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Allison DeVane

Imagine customizing your teas as you do with your favorite coffee drinks. Well, Phoenix-based brand Allison DeVane did. Founder DeVane started her journey as a barista and personalized her teas, which then became so popular that she started her own tea store. To take it a step further, she started creating kits that people could use at home to upgrade cocktails and tea beverages.

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Fan of pumpkin spice lattes? All you need is her pumpkin spice latte cube and hot water. Fancy a Manhattan, Old-Fashioned, or Moscow Mule at home just as your favorite bartender makes it? There's a kit for that, too. Just add a cube and a shot of your favorite liquor that you like or enjoy the flavor on its own.

Purchase the Minute Cocktail Sugar Cube Trio on the Uncommon Goods website for $30.

Asutra

Asutra's founder and CEO Stephanie Morimoto is a firm believer in "active self-care" because, as she says, "by taking care of yourself on purpose, you'll feel better both physically and mentally, allowing you to take on anything" (via Asutra). The natural and affordable brand is free of toxins and is PETA-certified cruelty-free. Tennis legend Venus Williams is part owner and Chief Brand Officer.

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Asutra's Silk Eye Pillow was named one of Oprah's favorite things of 2022. It is made of 100% silk and smells like soothing lavender to promote a good night's sleep. You can also use it while meditating or relaxing.

Purchase Asutra Silk Eye Pillow on Asutra.com for $21.99.

Azcona

Azcona was cofounded in 2021 by Yohayra and Yoherry Azconaby, two sisters from the Dominican Republic. Prior to building their own business to empower and represent LatinX women, the sisters were in law school and in the banking industry. Now Azcona provides luxury-quality jewelry at affordable prices so everyone can look and feel their best. 

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Azcona's Turqs bracelet is an exquisite piece made with natural turquoise and water pearls that are surrounded by gold-plated metal from India. Turquoise is a popular stone in Buddhism that is believed to protect from evil, and the pearl is a symbol of wisdom; they are a great combination to wear together. The gorgeous bold statement bracelet will compliment any outfit and looks more expensive than it actually is.

Purchase the Azcona Turqs Bracelet on Azcona for $85.

Booty By Brabants

Leggings have become the ultimate workout and loungewear. In 2014, Kelly Brabants founded Booty by Brabants to make leggings so comfortable and accessible to everyone that no one had to think of their size before buying one. If it sounds too good to be true, it's not. The perfect leggings do exist, and they fit everyone.

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With these leggings, you don't have to focus on numbers or your size. The universally flattering leggings come in various lengths and prints, and you can choose from a standard or a curvy fit. The Croco Skin leggings are comfortable, stretchy, and thick. You can wear them while working out hard or to grab brunch with your besties.

Purchase Booty by Brabants Croco Skin Leggings on the Booty by Brabants website for $85.

Glossier

No doubt fans of popular beauty brands have heard of Glossier. What is less likely known is the fact that the brand is founded by a woman. Emily Weiss founded Glossier in 2014 because she wanted beauty to feel more personal and the brand has grown into the mecca that it is now for beauty products. Its line includes award-winning skincare and viral makeup items. It also offers enviable perfumes, one of which is Glossier You Eau De Parfum. While the main notes are a warm fusion of spicy pink pepper and floral iris, the fragrance is a personalized fragrance, meaning it doesn't smell exactly the same on anyone who wears it.

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Purchase Glossier You Eau De Parfum on Glossier for $64.

Glow Recipe

Korean Beauty has literally taken over the world in the last few years with its focus on glowy dewy skin. Glow Recipe is one well-known K-beauty brand that was co-founded by Christine Chang and Sarah Lee in 2014. In 2021, it made an estimated $100 million in sales, according to worklife.

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While it has many drool-worthy products, we love the brand's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. It's a hydrating serum that helps even out your skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and can also be used as a highlighter. It has 307.9K likes on Sephora, and a reviewer said, "100% one of the best serums ever. I have tried so many different companies, and Glow Recipe has won my heart."

Purchase Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops on Sephora.com for $34.

Jennifer Behr

Fans of the CW's "Gossip Girl" know how Blair Waldorf wore headbands as her signature accessory. In the world of headbands, there isn't a more prominent name than Jennifer Behr, who studied sculpture and art history and later founded fashion's first luxury hair accessory brand. Each piece is sculpted by hand and the exquisite designs are timeless pieces for weddings and special occasions.

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The Ines Headpiece is a gorgeous minimalist piece made with Swarovski crystals and pearls. It is available in gold and silver and is bound to stand out and be the topic of conversation. In fact, it is so beautiful, you may be asking Santa for it this Christmas yourself.

Purchase the Jennifer Behr Ines Headband on Jennifer Behr for $295.

Jennifer Fisher

Jennifer Fisher launched her timeless and elegant eponymous line in 2006 by updating traditional women's jewelry trends with a modern but minimalist twist. Her accessory line includes both fine jewelry and brass pieces, so you don't have to spend a fortune to own timeless pieces. 

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Everyone needs a pair of hoop earrings in their life and the brand's classic hoops are luxurious high-fashion must-haves. The Baby Michelle Hoops are a perfect size. Made of brass, they are available in either 10K yellow gold, 14K rose gold, or silver rhodium plated. Wear them on a casual day out or to a wedding because they work with every outfit.

Purchase Jennifer Fisher Baby Michelle Hoops on the Jennifer Fisher website for $350.

Jiggy

Jigsaw puzzles are fun for all ages and can be an excellent exercise for the mind. Marcel Danesi, professor of semiotics and anthropology at Victoria College, University of Toronto, told Reader's Digest, "In a sense, the vast array of puzzles spans all the cognitive skills, from spatial thinking to language and reasoning."

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In 2019, CEO Kaylin Marcotte started Jiggy. What better way to support a women-founded business than getting yourself or a loved one the Women's History Month x Maliha Abidi Puzzle, which portrays 100 iconic women in 500 puzzle pieces? The original art was created by Pakistan-born Maliha Abidi, whose art focuses on important issues like gender equality, anti-racism, and mental health wellness. The artist gets a percentage of every sale.

Purchase the Women's History Month x Maliha Abidi Puzzle on the Jiggy website for $40.

Juna

Life can be stressful; many people experience anxiety and have sleep issues but don't want to take pharmaceutical drugs. If you prefer a more natural approach to self-care and healing, Juna might be what you're looking for. Founded by Jewel Zimmer and Taylor Lamb, Juna's mission is to support women's overall wellness.

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Juna offers gummies, essential oils, and rollerballs to bring balance back to your life. If you struggle with insomnia and all you crave is a good night's sleep, the Nightcap Sleep Gummies can help you relax, fall asleep faster, and wake up refreshed so you can take on the world.

Purchase the Juna Sleep, Restore, Refresh Nightcap Sleep Gummies on Juna's website for $42.

KB Shimmer

Who doesn't love a little sparkle in their life? In 2008, Christy Rose founded KB Shimmer to spread love and joy by creating the brightest and sparkliest line of nail polish colors. The brand expanded to include hand and cuticle care products because they also need love.

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The brand's Northern Exposure Collection will add some twinkle to your nails when we're all bundled up in warm coats, and the colors are so mesmerizing that you won't be able to stop looking at them. Slush Fund is a gorgeous gold glitter, Chill Out is an icy blue sparkle, and there are nine additional colors to choose from.

Purchase KB Shimmer Northern Exposure Nail Polish on KBShimmer.com for $12.

Kitsch

Cassandra Morales Thurswell started Kitsch in 2010 in her L.A. apartment. Originally from Wisconsin, Thurswell wanted to give beauty consumers something special and useful that didn't cost a fortune. Kitsch is a beauty brand that makes all kinds of hair and body products, from solid shampoos and body washes to satin pillowcases. Now, it's available in 27 countries and Thurswell credits everything to hard work and dedication. 

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The brand's satin scrunchies can be your hair's best friend as they Won't constrain or pull on your hair and are comfortable enough to sleep in. Plus, they're super cute to tie your hair up while running errands or on a night out.

Purchase a five-pack of Kitsch Metallic Scrunchies on Amazon for approximately $8.

Lemonhead.LA

Are you a fan of glitter makeup but think it's only acceptable at music festivals or for children? Well, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the high-quality and mess-free line of glitter makeup by Lemonhead.LA (LHLA). Created by professional makeup artist Megan Dugan, Lemonhead products are gentle on your skin and won't smudge all over.

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If you've been wanting to recreate the viral floating crystal eyeliner look, look no further than LHLA glitter makeup. The Spacepaste intense glitter concentrate can be used all over the face or to create sharp cat eyeliner lines, and you don't even need to deal with the mess of glue or feel the little pieces on your skin because it's so smooth. It's already a winner of the PETA Beauty Awards and is available in 24 sparkling colors.

Purchase the Lemonhead.LA Spacepaste Intense Glitter Concentrate on the Lemonhead.LA website for $22.

Live Tinted

Most of us didn't grow up seeing representation in media and the beauty world, and we're so glad it's changing so young people growing up can see there isn't just one definition of beauty. In 2018, South Asian beauty entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala founded Live Tinted to show that beauty exists in all skin tones. Her 2015 YouTube video using red lipstick to conceal dark circles went viral, quickly gathering 10 million views. And yes, this hack works as you've probably seen many a beauty influencer share on TikTok.

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Live Tinted has an impressive line of skincare and makeup products and works on all skin tones. You will love the multitasking Huestick Color Corrector that can help conceal uneven skin tone in problem areas, and you can use it on your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Plus, it's available in three universally flattering shades.

Purchase the Live Tinted Huestick Color Corrector on the Live Tinted website for $24.

MLE

MLE has everything you could possibly want, from handbags and clothing to hair accessories and even some goodies for your puppy. Emily Antonian Li Mandri founded MLE in 2018 to make custom pieces using high-quality materials with some help from other expert craftswomen. 

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Before launching MLE, Mandri's background was in high fashion, and she knew she wanted to start a brand that prioritized women's empowerment. MLE Cece Handbag is a must-have for parties as it comes in three festive colors and is made of deluxe brocade. This cute bag is convenient for a night out but big enough to carry everything you need. Each bag is handmade with love.

Purchase the MLE Cece Handbag on the MLE website for $128.

Owl's Brew

Alcoholic seltzers are pretty popular nowadays, but do you even know what's in them? Owl's Brew Boozy Tea is made of only real ingredients like fresh-brewed tea and fruit juice. Co-founded by Jennie Ripps and Maria Littlefield, Owl's Brew is a line of tasty alcoholic drinks (4.8% Alc/Vol) that's vegan and gluten-free. The co-founders also created Wise Women Collective, which supports local and national women's businesses and charities.

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Enjoy a fun happy hour with your family and friends with this delicious boozy beverage available in nine yummy flavors like White Tea & Cacao, Espresso Mar-Tea-Ni, or Spiced Chai & Cranberry. Enjoy the flavors, relax and drink responsibly.

Purchase Owl's Brew Boozy Tea at your local Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Publix, and Total Wine & More for $15 for a 6-pack.

Ring Concierge

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but most of the jewelry industry is run and dominated by men. In 2013, New York City-based Nicole Wegman started the luxury jewelry company Ring Concierge, which features products designed by women for women. The brand creates worthy investment pieces that last a lifetime, from bespoke pieces for engagements and weddings to everyday fine jewelry.

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Stacking rings has never been trendier. Ring Concierge's range of elegant rings is available in platinum, 14K yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, so there's something for everyone. The Inlay Diamond Ring has five-round cut diamonds that can elevate any look when worn solo or with your other favorite rings. It's an investment that will last forever from a women-founded and -operated business.

Purchase the Inlay Diamond Ring on RingConcierge.com for $398.

Selfmade

Selfmade is a ritual-based psychodermatology brand founded by Stephanie Lee that fuses skincare and mental health. All the products use therapeutic ingredients, and Lee launched the brand with support from beauty expert Robyn Watkins and three mental health professionals. 

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One of the star products in its line is the secure attachment comfort serum+, which is infused with helichrysum italicum flower (a Mediterranean plant) that helps reduce stress. Hyaluronic acid and squalane help hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

Purchase the secure attachment comfort serum+ on the selfmade website for $36.

Thrive Causemetics

Thrive Causemetics is the definition of beauty with a purpose. Founder and CEO Karissa Bodner started her career as a makeup artist and in product development before launching the brand that is safe for use by people with compromised immune systems. Bodner's friend passed away from a rare form of cancer, which inspired her to create a clean beauty brand that is safe for everyone. The brand continues to support many non-profit organizations and has donated over $100 million to date.

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Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara literally makes you look like you have false lashes on and stays put all day without smudging. It's available in three colors, is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested so that it won't ever irritate sensitive eyes, and it has over 30,000 reviews, averaging 4.5 stars on the brand's website.

Purchase Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara on ThriveCausemetics.com for $25.

twenty/twenty beauty

Who knows eyes better than an ophthalmologist? If you're struggling with finding eye makeup that won't irritate your sensitive eyes, you need to try twenty/twenty beauty. Founded by New Jersey-based ophthalmologist Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, twenty/twenty beauty doesn't compromise on beauty and comfort when it comes to eye makeup. The brand doesn't use any ingredients that can annoy your eyes and lead to itching or tears.

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We love its Full Brows Tinted Gel, which is available in three shades, as it gives you fuller, more beautiful brows without flaking. And regular use can even make your brows thicker as it's infused with castor oil, argan oil, and vitamin B5.

Purchase the twenty/twenty beauty Full Brows Tinted Gel on the twenty/twenty beauty website for $26.

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