My favorite female-led businesses to support
I’m a big believer in experiences over things, and that I’d rather have fewer, better things. Perhaps my favorite tradition is one that my now-fiance and I started last year: instead of getting each other a big gift, we treated each other to a trip to Costa Rica. We purchased the tickets during the summer (one less thing to be stressed about during the expensive holiday season), and promised each other we’d splurge on all the tacos, cheap beers and sunshine we could handle. This year, we’re going to Austin for New Year’s Eve: more tacos, cheap beers and (hopefully!) sunshine for us.
That said: there are still gifts to be given and received. And it’s my goal this year to support more real-life entrepreneurs, more small businesses, more people who are smart and driven and whom I’m lucky enough to call friends. With that in mind: here are a few of my go-to companies when I need something fun for a friend or a family member (or myself). I can vouch they’re all run by awesome, talented women and that the products are all incredible. So while I still think travel might be the most fun gift of all (of course!), here are a few places to keep in mind as you embark on holiday shopping:
Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising is my go-to for basically all photo things, especially after I got to hang out with the super sweet founders in San Francisco a couple of years ago. They’re really good people who make a really good product–and who continue to expand the business to give me more and more things that I want! I’ve made David a little Instagram book of all of our adventures throughout the year the past few Christmases, I gave out square prints of Gertie to my work girlfriends to hang on their desk, and I always use Artifact Uprising for custom thank-you cards, New Year’s Cards, etc. If you’re looking for thoughtful ideas, this is a good place to start.
Prints.ly
And if you don’t have a bunch of photos of your own for cards and prints: you can buy some of mine over at Prints.ly! The company was founded by a woman and supports photographers of all shapes and sizes all over the world.
Cuyana
I completely agree with Cuyana’s mission of “fewer, better things” and I can certainly vouch for the quality of their pieces: for the past two years, I’ve carried the classic leather tote almost every day and I get the most compliments ever anytime I wear this alpaca sweater. For gifts, I like the looks of the travel case set (especially since they could double as a clutch)–it’d be especially good for any newly engaged friends, since you can monogram them with (new!) initials. Also, I believe strongly in anything cashmere as gifts (like a beanie): it’s something that I hate splurging on for myself, but I always LOVE receiving.
The Citizenry
The Citizenry is all about sourcing artisan global goods sustainably, and they do it SO well. I’m obsessed with both our lumbar pillow and our basket that’s currently filled with pug toys. All of the products are absolutely gorgeous, and I love knowing that not only does it support our friend-owners in Dallas, but it also profits makers all over the world. For gifts, I think these little wooden planters, cheeseboards and marble trays are all so lovely and would last a lifetime.
ban.do
For all sorts of quirky fun stuff (for your girlfriends and potentially your teenage cousin and maybe yourself): I love ban.do! I’m a really big fan of their agendas, but I also love the giant beach towels and funny gym bags.
Salthouse Market
My friend Sarah is easily the best hostess I know: whenever I pop over to her apartment to catch up, she inevitably whips up something incredible with “whatever’s in the fridge” (aka peaches and burrata, or the perfect simple salad). So it’s no coincidence that Sarah owns Salthouse Market, a company dedicated to helping you create more joyful moments at home. I absolutely adore this apron and wear it whenever I’m in the kitchen: I think the super chic aprons are such a fun gift for any aspiring chefs, even if they’re only in the Blue Apron phase!
Chewable Charm
For all pregnant friends and new moms: these super cute necklaces (made by a college sorority sister!) are completely toddler-proofed and actually meant to be teethed on. The styles are named after the kids of the founder’s friends (and we have some mutual ones still), so it’s funny for me to recognize the names. I especially like the Emerson, the Nina and the Landon.
What are your favorite online shops to support?
