2024 Holiday Gift Guide by Women Entrepreneurs, Small Biz

2024-Gift-Guide-FINAL-1 women entrepreneurs — *A bird’s eye view of several of the wonderful, women-made items featured in our 2024 “Lifesavers” holiday gift guide. (Credit: Candice Helfand-Rogers, Noël Flego.)*

Editor’s Note: These items were independently chosen by the staff of The Story Exchange, which does not earn any commission or otherwise profit on purchases.

Life is hard – holiday shopping doesn’t have to be.

Making things easier is the entire goal of our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. In our call for applications, we asked to hear from women entrepreneurs “whose primary focus is easing burdens through innovative products and reliable services.” About 100 business owners reached out in response, each one offering information on their unique, gift-able “lifesavers.”

After a rigorous (and rather fun) judging process, we have selected 15 gifts that address a range of everyday questions – from broader concerns such as, “How can I take better care of myself?” and “How can I best care for my kids?” … to everyday, in-the-moment problems like, “When am I supposed to get my nails done for tomorrow’s holiday party?” and, the one that plagues me most often: “What on Earth am I going to make for dinner tonight?”

These women entrepreneurs have created thoughtful, well-made items that will serve as great, affordable gifting options for an overloaded recipient. Scroll on to learn more about each present, and for information on how to snatch them up for your holiday gifting needs – or as a treat for yourself.

After all, we’re sure you’d love for things to be a little easier right now, too. 😉

Happy Holidays!

Necessary Hydration

Water Bottle by Bec Bligh of Ever Vessel – Some insight: The Story Exchange’s offices get rather hot in the winters. (New York City radiators are no joke!) So having a sleek, durable water bottle on hand feels especially helpful. It also comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and can be customized to bear the drinker’s name. Solves the Problem of: “How can I stay more hydrated?”

$69 - Available here

Vital Restoration

Self-Care Kit by Jasmin Peters of Jasi Essentials – Taking care of oneself can be really tough, especially given how busy everyone is around this time of year. This kit and its body butters, bars of soap and more felt both important and indulgent to have around. Our judges enjoyed each scent more than the last. Solves the Problem of: “How can I re-center my well-being?”

$52 - Available here

Sweet, Simple Lip Protection

Lip Balms by Krysta Morgan of Poppy & Pout – Dry lips are a year-round problem, but especially when the weather turns cold. We loved the feel, the packaging and, most of all, the variety of these sweet lip balms. Customers can buy them individually, or create kits of various sizes. Solves the Problem of: “How can I stave off dry winter lips?”

$26.95 (for 3) - Available here

Care Crafted for Teeth

Teeth-Whitening Set by Belinda Lau of Elims – We’ve tried at-home tooth-whitening kits – meaning, we’ve tried goopy serums and clunky mouth guards. Lau’s fix: Tooth masks that melt. And per our judges, they really do melt, simplifying a once very-annoying practice. Plus, the lavender-vanilla-mint toothpaste tastes great. Solves the Problem of: “How can I easily brighten my smile?”

$55 - Available here

Newborn Essentials

Zip-Free, Snap-Free Baby Clothes by Megan Skeath of Mama Coco – Those who care for babies know the “joy” of squeezing larval humans into clothes – or trying to keep them in said clothes. These gorgeous, soft onesies, swaddles and more come free of zips and snaps, making both putting-on and staying-on easy. Solves the Problem of: “How can I keep my baby from ripping their outfit off?”

$106 - Available here

A Gorgeous Warm-Up Accessory

Hand-Crafted Stole by Tarang Indrayan Vaish of Vivarang – So much care, love and culture goes into these stoles. Women artisans and weavers from different parts of India call upon time-honored crafting techniques to make wear-able masterpieces – all made from up-cycled materials. Solves the Problem of: “How can I keep warm without looking like an expeditioner?”

$23 USD - Available here

The Bag You’ll Always Need

Convenient Tote by Lisa Sands of 2 to 5 Designs – Sands’ business is all about good vibes. Her store has lots to offer in the vein of clothing and well-made accessories. But our judges loved this roomy, sturdy, eye-grabbing tote most – it’s equal parts “everyday essential” and “statement piece.” Solves the Problem of: “How can I best get these groceries home?”

$85 - Available here

An Emergency Shower Solution

On-the-Go Bathing Bag by Kressa Peterson of Shower Toga – Beach-goers and campers, rejoice: Peterson’s toga is a lightweight, easy-to-pack way to keep clean or change outdoors while still maintaining privacy. It’s also great in disaster situations – and with weather trends as they are, that feels increasingly vital. Solves the Problem of: “How can I wash off while outside?”

$39 - Available here

Drinks in a Pinch

Mocktail Mixers by Anna Cobb of Rejuvenation – These plant-based beverages come with all-natural energy boosters – helpful in and of itself. But this holiday mocktail kit, which comes impressively laid out in a big, fun package, also provides an alcohol-free beverage alternative for holiday gatherings. Solves the Problem of: “How can I serve up some last-minute drinks?”

$40 - Available here

A Compact Dinner Solution

Ready-to-Eat Sauces by Maya Kirl of Le Sauce & Co. – Our judges adored these tasty creations – both on their own, and as bases for various easy pasta and protein dishes we prepared for our families. We also loved the easy-to-store, well-portioned packets – no more orphaned, partially filled jars of sauce to worry about! Solves the Problem of: “How can I pull dinner out of thin air?”

$4.99 - Available here

An Easy Dash of Health and Flavor

Healthy Seasoning by Mareya Ibrahim of Superfood Sprinkle – There are numerous health benefits involved in adding Ibrahim’s protein-packed seasoning blends to one’s meals. But perhaps the most important part is: They also taste very good – even on one judge’s favorite chicken dish. Solves the Problem of: “How can I take this meal up a notch?”

$29.99 - Available here

Running-Lover Must-Haves

Runners’ Subscription Box by Laura Jorgensen of Fuel Goods – It’s a nutritionist-vetted box of goodies worth running toward – but that arrives on one’s doorstep every 2 months. In addition to the granolas, bars and more it provides, the box also includes a card detailing when and how best to enjoy each item. Solves the Problem of: “How can I ‘up’ my running game?”

$42 - Available here

A Last-Minute Manicure

Press-On Nails by Donisha Richardson of Nail Queen – The most casual of our judges wound up taking these for a spin – and found them easy to use, easy to keep on, and easy to keep staring at them. They’re wonderfully “girly” and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, catering to all nail needs. Solves the Problem of: “How can I get my nails done quickly?”

$40 - Available here

Self-Sustaining Plant Care

Plant Kit by Jeanna Liu of Cowbell Plant Co. – “Is there a worse feeling than coming home to sad (or *gasp* dead) plants after traveling?” Liu’s question was the impetus for building her company, which makes eye-grabbing, high-quality self-watering systems that keep plants thriving. Solves the Problem of: “How can I keep my plants alive while I’m on vacation?”

$84.97 - Available here

A Timeless Reminder

Memorial Ornament by Jen Street of Forged Flare – Remembering people we’ve loved can sometimes be bittersweet. But these carefully crafted ornaments, which can be hung anywhere, make those moments that much lovelier. Our judges especially enjoyed how they looked when catching sunlight. Solves the Problem of: “How can I fondly remember someone?”

$44.99 - Available here