Women Owned Small Business Holiday Gift Guide (plus some brotherly love!)
I always want to support other women owned small businesses, especially at the holidays, instead of heading to Amazon again. But where to begin…
You’ve probably seen that quote: When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance.
It’s so true. That person knows your name, is grateful for you and your support, and is probably thinking about you while watching their kids soccer game. (Or maybe that’s just me?)
So let’s cause some happy dances this holiday season. Let’s support these women owned, ethical, small and emerging brands.
I have been stopped countless times asking where I got my Acadia necklace and bracelet (and this bracelet!) All are hand crafted by my good friend Sarah Essex of Hamilton Grace. Her pieces are timeless, modern and gorgeous quality. Visit her and other women owned brands at Pop! Wellesley through the holidays (50 Central Street, Wellesley MA).
Shop here and use promo code for 15% off: HGHOLIDAY15
Hamilton Grace
I had the pleasure of meeting Anchored Heart founder, Dianne, when we were both vendors at a Holiday Market in Rhode Island. She bought our Fillmore 3-in-1 clutch and basically turned it into a 4-in-1 with her long Buoy Stripe Bag Strap. Love it! Also pictured is a matching Buoy Stripe Pom Hat – perfect for New England winters. Be sure to check out her custom masks as well. We have at least one for every member of our family!
Shop here and use promo code for 20% off: anchored20
Anchored Heart
I am a huge fan of Massachusetts fashion entrepreneur Meghan Doyle and her brand Tallulah & Poppy. Loving this ethically made silk top, stretch crepe joggers (keyword is stretch) and most of all the Snuggle Bomber (pictured). I feel like everyone could use a jacket that feels like a hug right about now. And because no one can have enough masks right now, be sure to grab one of her 100% cotton ethically made masks (in kids sizes too!)
Shop here and use promo code for 20% off T&P masks, joggers, silk top and bomber: t&pholiday20
Tallulah & Poppy
One of the most awe-inspiring things that happened at the start of the pandemic was watching two of my close friends, Kristen Collins and Cara Soulia, launch a global movement that raised nearly $4 million (and counting) for communities. When the rest of the world was hunkering down, they were offering to take photos of families on their front steps (safely and masked) for free. All they asked was that the families make a donation to a local charity. But the best part was they shared their great idea, and other photographers started doing the same for their communities. Life is good when kindness catches on like wildfire.
The Front Steps Project book can be purchased at the great woman owned boutique, Proud Mary. Visit in person (1110 Great Plain Ave, Needham MA) or online for all your holiday shopping.
Shop here and use promo code for 10% off at Proud Mary (online) for purchases over $25: TFSP10
The Front Steps Project by Kristen Collins & Cara Soulia
I met Kerrin at a Holiday Market, where we were both vendors. And I have not stopped thinking about her Perfect Bow since! It is created from a shoelace cast in brass and then gold plated. It’s one of those ideas that is so brilliant that you’re almost mad you didn’t think of it first. But so glad she did!
Use promo code for 10% off: FALK10
Falk Jewelry Design
I’ve long been an Instagram stalker, I mean fan, of Boston-based potter and designer Jill Rosenwald. So I love that she produced a Workshop Kit to make us feel, even for a moment, that we would fit in nicely with her team of skilled artisans. It’s basically paint by numbers for adults and you end up with a beautiful piece. Simple & beautiful. Win win!
Jill Rosenwald
I have actually had dreams about this Thom Kelly Charlotte Sweatshirt. Seriously. Ethically made in the US by fellow Factory45er Megan Harrell, Thom Kelly is filled with insanely comfortable and classic pieces you want to wear every day. Staples, but far from basic.
Shop here and use promo code for 15% off: TKHOLIDAY15
Thom Kelly
My husband came across Maine artist Betsy Mclellan‘s Cow Paintings in Downeast magazine and just loved them. So, shhh, nobody tell him I bought this canvas for him for Christmas. I absolutely love Betsy’s style, perspectives and colors.
Betsy Mclellan
Luxury cotton? Yes, please. The travel coat from Rhode Island designer Cathy Burgess should win the award for most functional and beautiful New England wardrobe staple.
Burgess Sweaters
The Little Market is a nonprofit fair trade shop started by Lauren Conrad (yes MTV fans, that Lauren Conrad) and Hannah Skvarla, that ethically sources from artisan groups and social enterprises in underserved communities. Such a beautiful mission with gorgeous products. It is hard to pick my favorites, but check out their Morrocan Stackable Glasses (ceramic), Morrocan Stackable Glasses (glass), Tassel Blanket, and Birthday Cake candle (perfect for Covid birthdays when you can’t be together!)
The Little Market
As a mom of 3 boys, I can’t begin to explain how much I love this fragrance company that is made with brotherly love. Started by three brothers looking to earn money to buy video games, a candle company was born. In addition to hand pouring the soy and coconut wax small batch candles, they donate 10% of their profits to homeless shelters nationwide. I’m dying to smell Love Jones, 1790, and Caribbean Christmas! Face masks and diffuser oils also available. Give these boys some love!
Freres Branchiaux