Who Runs the World? These Female-Founded Brands Are Perfect For Your Holiday Gifts

If you’ve ever craved a smaller, higher-quality sip at the end of your night than opening a full bottle of wine, you need to know about Just Enough wines. Created by Kaitlyn Lo and Jessica Hershfield, the brand seeks to provide a complex taste in a single-serving package – hence, “just enough. I love the fun flavors the brand offers, as well as their conscious efforts in the realm of sustainability. 

We’re still loving the N/A beverage trend – and De Soi is simply one of our favorites. Founded by Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan, the brand was born to give a fun drink to sip on – without the hangover the next morning. With unique flavors and better-for-you ingredients (including adaptogens to chill you out!), these cans are sure to be a hit with anyone on your list this year. 

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. Whatever accessory you decide to give, the recipient of an Alexa Leigh piece is sure to stand out at the holiday party!

You can never go wrong with loungewear. And since I spent two years post-pandemic in sweatpants and sweatshirts, a little loungewear upgrade is exactly what I want for the holidays. With Lunya’s Silksweats Reversible Jogger (198) and Pocket Sweatshirt, you don’t have to sacrifice style for softness. 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. 

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.

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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.