By: Amanda Frese

As Black Friday sales emerge and holiday season approaches, shoppers begin to fill their carts -  physical and virtual - with products for their loved ones. According to Investopedia, the average American spends nearly $1,000 during the holiday season, between gifts, holiday items, and other expenses.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted financial stability for many; this holiday season may not include gifts under the tree or food on the table to the same extent of pre-pandemic times, something that business owners are becoming cognizant of. Here are some female-owned businesses that are giving back to their communities this holiday season:

1. inkWELL Press creates planners and notebooks that help their customers stay organized through their personalized products. Founder and former teacher Tanya Dalton has implemented an initiative called “Quills for a Cause,” which has donated $100,000 in planners to teachers and homeschool parents. Additionally, inkWELL press donates its surplus items to battered women shelters and regional treatment centers.

   Gift Idea: 360° Disc Planner With the New Year approaching, this is the perfect planner to begin organizing the 2022 year. The 360° Disc Planner includes personalized covers, planning inserts and accessories; integrating functionality and personality.

   
   

2. Known as a go-to brand for chic comfort, Barefoot Dreams carries flannel, satin and knit blankets, and loungewear. Annette Cook, who founded the company in 1994, passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer. Her family now operates the business to continue her legacy. Named one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” Barefoot Dreams donates its products to hospital and health organizations including: The Wunder Project, Baby2Baby, Northwell Health, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Olive View at UCLA Medical Center and LAC+USC Medical Center.

   Gift idea: CozyChic Travel SetThis luxurious-yet-comfortable travel set includes a satin-lined eye mask and versatile wrap a blanket… perfect for holiday flights or extended layovers. The wrap can even be folded like a pillow, serving as a comfortable headrest on the plane and a stylish scarf after landing.

   
   

3. Amour Vert is a sustainable fashion brand Co-Founded by Linda Balti. Amour Vert partners directly with textile mills to create their own sustainable and ethically-sourced fabrics. Additionally, the company plants a tree for every tee purchased. Since the company’s founding in 2010, Amour Vert has planted 353,900 trees.

   Gift Idea: Berkeley Long Sleeve Dream Net TeeThis relaxed-fit tee serves as a year-round wardrobe staple, making it the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family regardless of their style.

   
   

4. Melanie White founded Melanie Marie in 2013, which pairs creating custom jewelry with empowering young girls through their MM Jewlery & Gems program. This program mentors girls through cultural education and social advocacy opportunities, which are funded through the sale of their jewelry products.

   Gift Idea: NYC Transit NecklaceMelanie Marie’s NYC Subway Vintage Token necklace incorporates vintage and modern touches, pairing trendy gold tones with an original NYC vintage-period piece.

   
   

5. 19-year-old Zandra Cunningham founded Zandra Beauty - a skincare line with minimal ingredients - for “the educated and empowered girl on the move,” according to the Zandra website. Ten percent of profits go towards global education for girls through the Zandra, LLC and Zandra TLC Foundations.

   Gift Idea: Lavender Vanilla Chai Hand and Body LotionThis lotion is light and grease-free, leaving the skin feeling balanced. Even better: each package sent by Zandra comes with hand-drawn messages, giving this gift a personalized touch to anyone who receives it. □

Article Credits

Amanda Frese’s Instagram: @amanda.frese

Amanda Frese’s website: https://amanda-frese.com

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/top-view-of-silver-macbook-beside-a-shopping-cart-and-black-friday-sale-signage-5632386/