34 women-owned brands worth gifting

some of my most-loved treasures (and wishlist dreams) from women founders who inspire me

Nov 19, 2024

I know, I know... not another gift guide. You’ve probably scrolled past a dozen at this point. Trust me, I get it. But before you opt out, I promise this one’s worth your time. Instead of the usual roundup of trending items, I’ve assembled something more meaningful: a curated collection of treasures from remarkable women-owned and women-led brands. These are pieces I either own and absolutely adore, or am secretly hoping will appear under my tree.

Behind each item is a story of creativity and dedication — from sun-drenched California studios to Brooklyn creative spaces, these female founders, artists, and entrepreneurs are creating something truly special. What better moment than the holiday season to align our purchases with our values?

I recently experienced this in action at MARCHÉ, an elevated holiday marketplace dreamed up by the brilliant Betsy Sadler and Sarah Ewick. Over 80 standout women-owned businesses gathered under one roof, each with a story to tell and treasures to share. While you’ll find some MARCHÉ discoveries in this guide, I’ve also included plenty of other incredible women-led brands I’ve grown to know and love over the years.

Consider this your invitation to elevate your gift-giving this season. Each selection represents more than just a beautiful object — it’s an opportunity to nurture dreams, foster creativity, and champion the incredible women who are redefining small business through their artistic vision.

So, who is this gift guide for?

Yourself — because you deserve nice things
That friend who “has everything” (trust me, not these gems)
Your impossibly chic confidante
Your coolest friend with impeccable taste
The person who needs reminding they deserve nice things
Anyone wanting to bring that gift to White Elephant — the one everyone fights over

I’d love to hear if you find something perfect for someone special on your list.

Enjoy!

xx Angela

Note: This post includes some affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. As always, I only include links for products I genuinely use and love, or would happily buy for myself.

For the friend who loves handmade ceramics, Stephanie Dawn Matthias’s pieces are the kind of gifts they’ll treasure forever. I couldn’t pick a favorite at MARCHÉ (though that floral ring dish and scalloped checkered tray were seriously testing my willpower.)

After crushing on March Hare watches since I spotted them in one of

Erika Veurink

’s roundups, trying on their signature Kimsey watch IRL was a total treat. Safe to say, it’s officially claimed the #1 spot on my birthday/holiday wishlist!

California Candle Co’s clean-burning candles flew off the shelves at MARCHÉ. Each small-batch piece is hand-poured with an all-natural coconut wax blend and eco-friendly wicks. Their California wildflower-inspired embedded floral candle is available now, though I’m eagerly awaiting for the restock of their Santal scent (those floral-embedded glass tumblers get me every time.)

Underwater Weaving is a labor of love from mother-daughter duo Erin and Peggy Pollard. They craft the kind of baskets that become everyday essentials — think beach companion, farmers market buddy, and the chicest way to organize from room to room. And if you’ve got a crafty friend on your list, their Basket Weaving kits (complete with easy to follow photo and written instructions) are absolutely the way to go.

Let me gush about Starling for a minute. Earlier this year, they helped bring my bespoke signet ring to life and honestly, I haven’t stopped dreaming about their pieces since. Playing with Starling’s stunning gems feels like being a kid in a candy store, especially when you’re chatting with the loveliest people in fine jewelry (oh hey Chelsey Bartrum &

Gabriella Gofis

!) At MARCHÉ, I was totally smitten with their muzo emerald ripple ring, a dreamy oval balloon bracelet, and don’t even get me started on their old mine lab diamond bezel ring (the definition of a cool girl engagement ring.)

BĀEO just launched Bare Glow, and it’s the kind of face oil that actually delivers (the glowing complexions at their MARCHÉ booth were proof enough). Co-founders Anna Schafer and Sarah Wright Olsen packed their newest creation with all the good stuff that gives you that lit-from-within glow while treating your skin right. Ideal for your beauty-loving friend who wants clean skincare at a sharp price point.

Dorsey founder

Megan Alida Strachan

turned lab-created sapphires and diamonds into must-have pieces that look like heirloom treasures. I’m in love with my Hendry sapphire studs* for that ideal everyday sparkle. Perfect for anyone who prioritizes fine jewelry craftsmanship, but appreciates modern innovation (and more accessible price points) — these are the kind of pieces that spark conversations and make you rethink everything you knew about lab-grown gems.

Okay, I had to include a Bluejay Bikes in this guide because seriously — how do you resist a vintage-inspired electric bike this cute?!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my love for FRĒDA SALVADOR runs deep. My first ever pair — these incredible croc-embossed leather mule from 2014 — still look impossibly cool. Their newest collab is genius:

Natalie Borton

designed these sleek loafer charms for their best-selling penny loafers. They were a big hit at MARCHÉ, but do yourself a favor and get on the waitlist for the next drop. (LWSF15 for 15% off your first purchase)

Parker Thatch, another beloved Bay Area brand, caught my eye this year with their suede pieces like the versatile Lee* and effortlessly cool Charlie*. Their leopard and zebra mini calf hair totes are perfect for the animal print lovers in your life, while their customizable bag charms make the kind of stocking stuffers people actually want.

Currently coveting two OZMA pieces — this alpaca cable-knit sweater that looks like a warm hug and a denim shirt so good it sold out before I could grab one. No wonder they’ve become a California staple — all their pieces are beautifully designed and crafted between Los Angeles and Peru.

The gift everyone actually needs (but might not think to ask for): Sortjoy’s elevated organization pieces made from recycled materials, turn cluttered closets (or corners) into calm spaces. I picked up this multi-purpose tray set at MARCHÉ to organize my sunglasses and daily jewelry rotation.

molly j.’s plant-powered gumdrops are like a deep breath in candy form — each small-batch treat contains their propriety blend to calm both mind and body. Ideal for your your wellness-obsessed friend (or that person on your list who could use a little more zen.) Trust me on this one — I tried this sampler* myself and it’s the real deal.

If you appreciate jewelry that doubles as art, AGMES deserves your attention. Founded by Morgan Lang in NYC, each piece feels like a tiny sculpture (case in point: their baroque pearl statement earrings that I can’t stop wearing). Every design strikes that perfect balance of bold and timeless, and they’re the kind of pieces that make people stop and ask, ‘where did you get that?’

For the clean beauty-obsessed person on your list (or really, anyone who loves good skin), Le Prunier’s Plum Beauty Oil should be on their radar. The Taylor sisters took their family’s century-old Northern California plum orchards and created something special — this do-it-all oil gives you that glow while deeply nourishing your skin. It’s a forever repurchase for me, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Year & Day’s serving set feels like a little piece of Portugal meets California style. Their ceramics are crafted from local earth (in a region that’s been perfecting this art for centuries) with the prettiest Pacific-inspired glazes, while the serving pieces are made from really nice European stainless steel. For that person on your list who appreciates both good design and good stories — each piece is made with so much intention.

The Millennial Decorator

single-handedly brought back the art of the flat lay on Instagram (you know the ones), while pioneering two game-changers: hotel bathroom sink shot and the TSA bin flat lay. When she’s not curating the best vintage finds, Julia Rabinowitsch is creating the most gift-worthy monogrammable makeup bags — ideal for that friend who loves adding a personal touch to everything.

Dorsey just dropped the most clever addition to their collection — a pavé pendant that transforms your favorite rivière necklace into something entirely new. Choose between two or three rows, silver or gold, and an array of lab-grown stones (I’m eyeing the sapphire, but the emerald and tourmaline versions are equally stunning). It’s a fresh way to mix up your collection and proof that they keep finding ways to make lab-grown stones feel totally luxe.

An upgrade from your average notepad, Jaymes Paper’s luxe leather-bound notepad is handcrafted in Italian leather with solid brass hardware (it’s refillable!) For that person on your list who still believes in the power of pen and paper — it’s the kind of everyday luxury that makes even the mundane feel special.

Starling has created the ideal everyday hoop with their Dome Hoops Solitaire Diamond, which are exactly the kind of earrings that make getting dressed easier. They shine solo or paired with their bigger sibling, the Diamond Line Dome Hoops — grab them as a pair or just one for a cool mix-and-match moment.

An heirloom-worthy silk scarf that’s like wearable art is the perfect gift for that person who has everything. Vintner’s Daughter teamed up with a world-renowned Italian textile house to create a special design blending hand-drawn roses with bold geometry on the softest Como silk. It’s one of those rare pieces that feels both timeless and totally fresh — but with just a handful made, they won’t last long. Suited for someone who notices all the little details (and yes, that someone can totally be you).

Le Marké’s organic olive oil isn’t just another olive oil. It comes from century-old trees on Lake Garda’s shores, where Italy’s unique northern microclimate works its magic. Hand-harvested and cold-pressed within hours, it’s the kind of full-bodied oil that makes everything from cooking to finishing taste more special. This is for the home chef who loves ingredients with a story (and knows exactly what to do with them.)

The ideal gift for someone special (including yourself): the Agmes signature sculpted heart pendant goes with everything. Made in NYC in sterling silver or gold vermeil, it’s the kind of everyday piece that feels meaningful in more ways than one — each purchase helps support Daughters Against Alzheimer’s.

Yes, this is the Santal 33 dupe everyone whispers about. Maison Louis Marie’s No.04 blends warm sandalwood and cedar with spicy cinnamon and earthy vetiver. It’s that perfect everyday luxury scent — at a price that lets you be generous. Ideal for someone who appreciates an insider find (and loves having a few tricks up their sleeve).

This is the knife set for that person whose kitchen should be as stylish as their cooking. Material Kitchen’s knife trio combines Japanese stainless steel with high carbon for serious sharpness, while the magnetic wooden stand shows them off beautifully. After years of use, I can vouch — these beauties live up to the hype.

Natalie Borton’s shell french pin is handcrafted by artisans in Kenya from recycled brass. It makes every updo feel special and works like magic on all hair types (yes, even thick and curly.) It’s a thoughtful choice for the most effortlessly chic friend on your list.

These aren’t your typical 15-minute eye patches — True Botanicals’ Chebula-powered treatment firms, brightens, and de-puffs with results that actually last. Plus, they’re 100% biodegradable and MADE SAFE certified.

If you haven’t heard of Lan Jaenicke, you’re in for a treat. Lan is doing something truly unique, blending ancient Eastern craftsmanship with modern luxury. She sculpts her pieces using ribbons and ties (no cutting!), following the golden ratio for that perfect drape. I’m obsessed with this double-faced cashmere piece that transforms from scarf to vest with just one button. Her stunning pieces are handmade in a historic San Francisco atelier. Perfect for someone who knows that real luxury isn’t just about fancy materials — it’s about keeping beautiful traditions alive.

Let me tell you about my most-complimented piece of jewelry: the large Astrid cuff from Agmes is that piece that makes everything in your closet feel more special. Available in sterling silver or gold vermeil, its sculptural wave design turns a simple wrist stack into art. This beauty deserves to shine — I love wearing mine over slim-fitting sweaters and shirts.

Another clean beauty brand that actually delivers: I discovered TenOverTen earlier this year and haven’t looked back. Their products would make for great stocking stuffers — their rose cuticle oil is a daily essential, and those genius rose wipes make removing polish a better experience. Everything isn’t just better for you — it actually outperforms traditional products (my nails have never been healthier.)

You also need to know about Monastery’s Attar — created by master esthetician Athena Hewett after 25 years of expertise, this is the balm that changed my moisture game forever. I layer it over everything to lock in moisture, and my skin has never been more quenched.

GLŌAM’s creations aren’t your average taper candles. These twisted beeswax beauties are hand-dipped and infused with plant-based pigments in gorgeous hues. I love how their spiral shape turns a simple dinner table into something special — perfect for the host who believes in making dinner parties feel a bit more beautiful.

For anyone who’s ever said “I’m not creative” (or those who already know they are): Art Life Practice’s Guided Sketchbook is like having a gentle mentor in your pocket. Packed with 38 artist-inspired prompts, it’s a great way to spark a daily creative practice — whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your artistic journey.

These Ossa phone wristlets are about to change your life (they changed mine.) Think of it as a modern solution to hands-free living — sleek enough for evenings out but practical enough for coffee runs and errands. Ideal for anyone who loves clever little luxuries that make everyday life both easier and more stylish.

If you’ve been following along, you know I can’t stop talking about RŌZ’s luxurious hair products. Their Perfect Air Dry Kit is exactly what it says—everything you need for that effortless, frizz-free air dry we’re all after. The limited-edition set comes beautifully packaged in their watercolor print box (plus their gorgeous sandalwood comb that I use daily.) Ideal for anyone who wants to embrace their natural texture but make it luxe (LWSF15 gets you 15% off)

One of my favorite recent discoveries, BY ORLY is where 15 years of jewelry-making expertise meets fresh, eclectic style. Each piece is handcrafted in LA by Orly herself, from the sculptural Tabitha dome studs to the vintage-inspired the Emile necklace (mix and match your favorite gemstones to create something uniquely yours.)

I’ve raved about Chava Studio before, and for good reason. Each shirt is handcrafted in Mexico City by a 30-year-old family atelier that’s been importing the finest European fabrics for decades. Their signature oversized shirt, made in luxurious cotton twill, and mother-of-pearl buttons is what shirt dreams are made of. Perfect for someone who knows the difference between a good shirt and an heirloom-worthy one (and yes, it’s absolutely worth the wait.)

Follow me @linkswesendfriends