Holiday Gift Guide: Artisanal, Handmade & Inclusive

by Ruby Sampson LLC
 
2023 has sped by at what feels like an unprecedented pace. Or maybe the year has come and gone in the blink of an eye because most of the year we’ve been heads down and laser focused on goals and to-do lists. You might be surprised to learn that the National Retail Federation is projecting a 3 - 4% increase in holiday sales from 2022, reaching an average of $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion. Amidst all the holiday chaos, travel plans and social calendars you may ask yourself if your loved ones really need any more material clutter in their lives. At the same time, you may dread the long TSA lines and airport mayhem that accompany a travel experience. While the holiday season can be a stressful and lonely time, it’s also an opportunity to connect holiday purchases with purpose and impact. We’re not referring to the corporate social responsibility commitments made by global brands. Small businesses account for 44% of the local economy, investing in our retirement plans, end of year bonuses, health care and child care benefits. That’s why it’s so critical to shop small not just during the holiday season, but all year round. An investment in a small business is an investment in the socioeconomic livelihood of yourself, your neighbors, family and friends. You may ask where you can find a comprehensive directory of small businesses - we’ve got just the thing! The Small Business Majority publishes an annual gift guide in addition to its research, resources, advocacy and policy work. Their holiday gift guide features over 250 small businesses across the United States and its territories that allow you to filter by over 14 categories. 
We’re honored to be featured in the gift guide for a consecutive year along with a nationwide cohort of social impact brands. Not sure where to start? Take a look at these holiday gift ideas by category:


Best Natural Hair Gift Sets for Her, Him and They

Not sure about her hair texture? Can’t land on ingredients she likes and uses? No problem! Natural hair product gift sets aren’t the only options on the market. Try holiday hair accessories like decorative bobby pins, scarfs, head wraps, silk head bands and more. They are versatile and can be a festive hair option for the next holiday gathering. 

Ruby Sampson National Head Wrap Day Bundle Gift Set
November 20th marks National Head Wrap Day! This year we paid tribute to the holiday with an exclusive Ruby Sampson print. Look deeper and you’ll draw a connection between the 4 steps of what we coin the Eryka Badu head wrap style. Not sure your intended knows how to tie a head wrap? That’s exactly why this bundle is important. Not only does the print teach you how to tie a head wrap, but the packaging holds the same step by step illustration. With the National Head Wrap Day Bundle Gift Set, they’ll receive:
  • The National Head Wrap Hair Pin
  • The National Head Wrap Day Satin Lined Head Wrap
  • The National Head Wrap Day Satin Knotted Head Band
  • The National Head Wrap Day Cotton Head Band
With this gift set you bundle and save! Take 22% off when you add all items to your cart.

natural hair gift set

 Price Point: Under $100

Ruby Sampson Assorted Hair Accessories Gift Set

Ask anyone who wears their hair in ponytails and buns and you’ll find that bobby pins never seem to stay by your side for long! You can never have enough of this basic, yet critical styling tool. It’s the essential building block to any updo. Never are they more important when you have a special occasion or holiday party to attend. When you purchase our Assorted Hair Accessories Gift, you’ll receive this utility piece in addition to:
  • 1 Bobby Pin Pack 
  • 1 4-Pack Custom Decorative Hair Pin 
  • Gift box
  • Tissue Paper
  • Ribbon
  • Tinsel Holly 
Each gift set varies with a custom mold decorative hair pin. Options include our Guinep Leaf Decorative Hair Pin, our Kissing Leopards Decorative Hair Pin and  our National Head Wrap Day Decorative Hair Pin. Each gift set holds a 4 pack of the one decorative hair pin design. Give the gift of festive holiday hair with this natural hair gift set!

natural hair gift set

Price Point: Under $50

What Should Be Included in a Beauty Care Package?

The answer is it depends on your gift recipient. How well do you know their scent preferences, skin care regimen and allergy sensitivities? Do they opt for powder scents or do they gravitate towards scentless lotions and body butters? Depending on your answers, it may make sense to craft your own beauty package gift set. 

SK+N / MUSE Devine Body Oil 
In September we met Pretty Well Beauty Founder Jazmin Alvarez at Culture Con in Brooklyn. She carefully curates a holistic beauty and skin retail store at the Oculus in NYC. She put the most incredible oil-based fragrance in our hands SK+N Muse Devine Body Oil. If you love an Egyptian Honey powder scent and light weight oil, this is a must try!
natural body oil black owned holiday gift

Price Point: $50 - $70
SHOP and/or Follow

LILAQUE Plant Based Nail Polish

The Small Business Majority selected Lilaque as a woman-owned brand featured in the 2023 Holiday Gift Guide. Founded by a Ph.D. Chemical Engineer, Lilaque offers the first and only soy-based DIY gel nail system. Their manicure kit includes everything needed to do your own salon-quality gel nails at home for less than the cost of one salon visit. Their gel polish is up to 74% plant-based and lasts 1-2 weeks when applied as directed. Their formulas are vegan, 9-free, and cruelty-free and low-to-no odor. They also offer a plant-based cuticle oil. The best part? It’s 20% off black Friday weekend!

gel nail polish woman owned small business

Price Point: Under $50
SHOP and/or Follow

Mission Enspire New Year Workbook

The Small Business Majority also selected Mission Enspire, a black-owned female-owned brand from Chicago for their 2023 Holiday Gift Guide. Jennifer D. McClain, CEO & Founder of Mission ENSPIRE LLC, helps professional women prioritize themselves so they can lead impactful lives without sacrificing their own personal growth. Do you want to create more of what you want in your life? Are you stuck on autopilot doing the same things again and again? Do you have a vision for breaking free and being more than what you are? With the Embracing a Positive Mindset for the New Year workbook, you’ll discover how to start changing your mindset, inspire you to think about the content you’re focusing on, and encourage you to make friends with other positive people. Transform your life with a positive mindset!

planner black owned holiday gift

Price Point: $30
SHOP and/or Follow

Which Fashion Brands are Environmentally Friendly?

Ruby Sampson Satin-lined Robe Coat
Ruby Sampson supports sustainable, eco-friendly production methods in the development of its garments and accessories. Limited run, small batch production and digital printing allows us to manufacture fabrics to the exact quantity needed to minimize waste, save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our garments are predominantly cellulose and biodegradable fabrics, such as cotton and silk. Our fabric is printed in China and made in the USA and Guyana, supporting our local businesses and artisans with fair, ethical wages. Our Satin-Lined Robe Coats are handcrafted in Guyana by skilled seamstresses. 
 
robe coat black owned brand holiday gift

Price Point: $150

Ale O Moda

The Small Business Majority Gift Guide also highlights woman-owned, LatinX-owned brand Ale O Moda. They’re on a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry through sustainable clothing. Their passion lies in creating a genderless collection that not only looks good, but also does good for the planet. In a world where fast fashion is taking its toll on the environment, Ale O stands as a beacon of change. Their clothing is meticulously crafted from eco-friendly materials, ensuring that every piece you wear leaves a minimal ecological footprint. By embracing a genderless approach, they promote inclusivity and self-expression, allowing individuals to wear what resonates with their unique identity. At Ale O fashion meets sustainability and every garment tells a story of mindful consumption and empowered self-expression. Together, let's shape a world where clothing doesn't just make a statement, but also makes a difference.
 
latina owned apparel brand holiday gift

Price Point: Over $100 
SHOP and/or Follow

Bromelia Swimwear

Bromelia, a woman-owned swimwear label 100% made in the USA also made the Small Business Majority Gift Guide! Their designs begin with intention. Every suit is crafted for a specific body type and constructed to follow your curves, rather than restrict you. They embrace the artful blend of function and comfort, without compromising aesthetic. Their skilled team has spent decades in the garment industry and truly understands what a 'real body’ deserves. Embracing conscious operations and using responsible materials, they add depth to our product by creating local jobs and showing their unyielding commitment to quality and socio-environmental responsibility. They have phenomenal specials this holiday season including mystery gift bags! Not to mention their fit experts are also always available to assist in helping you size and style your look.
 
latina owned swimwear brand holiday gift

Price Point: Over $100
SHOP and/or Follow

Where Can I Find Last Minute Holiday Deals?

Holiday shopping can easily become overwhelming and it can be hard to keep track of gifts! That’s why discounts and bundle and save deals work so well during this time of year. Check out these giftable brands:

OZEM Candle Co

OZEM is an acronym, embracing and living an Open, Zealous, Energetic, and Meaningful life. It is a state of mind which prioritizes self-care, while uncovering your inner serenity. Their candles welcome positive energy into your space while providing amazing aromatherapy in order for you to relax and release. This luxury candle brand is dedicated to people who seek comfort, peace, and style. They intentionally design candles with a minimalist aesthetic to create a calm but visually pleasing product. Try out their premiere product line “Rejuvenate,” meaning to refresh, revive, renew, restore, and regenerate. This line consists of two 8 oz candle scents: Pink Champagne and Ocean Breeze. Products can be purchased individually or as a bundle package. Did we mention they offer gift cards? From November 20, 2023 - Dec 31st they are offering 25% of all orders (discount automatically applied at check out). If orders exceed $50, customers also receive free shipping (nationwide only)!
black owned candles holiday gift
Price Point: Under $50
SHOP and/or Follow

Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate

This Asian American and Pacific-Islander, woman-owned brand makes chocolate from sustainable, ethically-grown cacao farms throughout the Americas and East Africa. Throughout the process, they strive to enrich the lives of everyone involved with their products -- from the phenomenal farmers who grow and harvest their beans, to their customers who delight in their finished product. With a commitment to social justice and tastes deeply planted in honestly made foods, they hope their chocolate provides you with the same sense of contentment and adventure from which it originally came. This Black Friday they’re offering 25% off your purchase. Visit their site on Small Business Saturday to unlock 20% off and Sunday for 15% off. Their deals sunset on Cyber Monday with free shipping.
aapi owned brand chocolate holiday gift

Price Point: Under $20
SHOP and/or Follow

Happy holiday shopping! Don’t forget to shop small this holiday season, whether they’re white elephant gifts for the office or intentional gifts for the favorite people in your life. Drop us a line in the comments and share your thoughts! Are you a part of our social community? Follow us at @shoprubysampson on all channels. Subscribe to our mailing list to unlock secret sales, early access to product launches, natural hair and styling tips

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{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "articleBody": " \n\n2023 has sped by at what feels like an unprecedented pace. Or maybe the year has come and gone in the blink of an eye because most of the year we’ve been heads down and laser focused on goals and to-do lists. You might be surprised to learn that the National Retail Federation is projecting a 3 - 4% increase in holiday sales from 2022, reaching an average of $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion. Amidst all the holiday chaos, travel plans and social calendars you may ask yourself if your loved ones really need any more material clutter in their lives. At the same time, you may dread the long TSA lines and airport mayhem that accompany a travel experience. While the holiday season can be a stressful and lonely time, it’s also an opportunity to connect holiday purchases with purpose and impact. We’re not referring to the corporate social responsibility commitments made by global brands. Small businesses account for 44% of the local economy, investing in our retirement plans, end of year bonuses, health care and child care benefits. That’s why it’s so critical to shop small not just during the holiday season, but all year round. An investment in a small business is an investment in the socioeconomic livelihood of yourself, your neighbors, family and friends. You may ask where you can find a comprehensive directory of small businesses - we’ve got just the thing! The Small Business Majority publishes an annual gift guide in addition to its research, resources, advocacy and policy work. Their holiday gift guide features over 250 small businesses across the United States and its territories that allow you to filter by over 14 categories. \n\n\nWe’re honored to be featured in the gift guide for a consecutive year along with a nationwide cohort of social impact brands. Not sure where to start? Take a look at these holiday gift ideas by category:\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Natural Hair Gift Sets for Her, Him and They\nNot sure about her hair texture? Can’t land on ingredients she likes and uses? No problem! Natural hair product gift sets aren’t the only options on the market. Try holiday hair accessories like decorative bobby pins, scarfs, head wraps, silk head bands and more. They are versatile and can be a festive hair option for the next holiday gathering. \n\n\n\n\nRuby Sampson National Head Wrap Day Bundle Gift Set\n\nNovember 20th marks National Head Wrap Day! This year we paid tribute to the holiday with an exclusive Ruby Sampson print. Look deeper and you’ll draw a connection between the 4 steps of what we coin the Eryka Badu head wrap style. Not sure your intended knows how to tie a head wrap? That’s exactly why this bundle is important. Not only does the print teach you how to tie a head wrap, but the packaging holds the same step by step illustration. With the National Head Wrap Day Bundle Gift Set, they’ll receive:\n\n\n\nThe National Head Wrap Hair Pin\nThe National Head Wrap Day Satin Lined Head Wrap\nThe National Head Wrap Day Satin Knotted Head Band\nThe National Head Wrap Day Cotton Head Band\n\n\nWith this gift set you bundle and save! Take 22% off when you add all items to your cart.\n\n\n\n\n\n Price Point: Under $100\nSHOP\n\n\n\nRuby Sampson Assorted Hair Accessories Gift Set\n\nAsk anyone who wears their hair in ponytails and buns and you’ll find that bobby pins never seem to stay by your side for long! You can never have enough of this basic, yet critical styling tool. It’s the essential building block to any updo. Never are they more important when you have a special occasion or holiday party to attend. When you purchase our Assorted Hair Accessories Gift, you’ll receive this utility piece in addition to:\n\n\n1 Bobby Pin Pack \n1 4-Pack Custom Decorative Hair Pin \nGift box\nTissue Paper\nRibbon\nTinsel Holly \n\n\nEach gift set varies with a custom mold decorative hair pin. Options include our Guinep Leaf Decorative Hair Pin, our Kissing Leopards Decorative Hair Pin and  our National Head Wrap Day Decorative Hair Pin. Each gift set holds a 4 pack of the one decorative hair pin design. Give the gift of festive holiday hair with this natural hair gift set!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrice Point: Under $50\nSHOP\n\n\nWhat Should Be Included in a Beauty Care Package?\nThe answer is it depends on your gift recipient. How well do you know their scent preferences, skin care regimen and allergy sensitivities? Do they opt for powder scents or do they gravitate towards scentless lotions and body butters? Depending on your answers, it may make sense to craft your own beauty package gift set. \n\n\n\n\nSK+N \/ MUSE Devine Body Oil \n\nIn September we met Pretty Well Beauty Founder Jazmin Alvarez at Culture Con in Brooklyn. She carefully curates a holistic beauty and skin retail store at the Oculus in NYC. She put the most incredible oil-based fragrance in our hands SK+N Muse Devine Body Oil. If you love an Egyptian Honey powder scent and light weight oil, this is a must try!\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrice Point: $50 - $70\n\n SHOP and\/or Follow \n\n\n\n\n\nLILAQUE Plant Based Nail Polish\n\nThe Small Business Majority selected Lilaque as a woman-owned brand featured in the 2023 Holiday Gift Guide. Founded by a Ph.D. Chemical Engineer, Lilaque offers the first and only soy-based DIY gel nail system. Their manicure kit includes everything needed to do your own salon-quality gel nails at home for less than the cost of one salon visit. Their gel polish is up to 74% plant-based and lasts 1-2 weeks when applied as directed. Their formulas are vegan, 9-free, and cruelty-free and low-to-no odor. They also offer a plant-based cuticle oil. The best part? It’s 20% off black Friday weekend!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrice Point: Under $50\n\n SHOP and\/or Follow\n\n\n\n\n\nMission Enspire New Year Workbook\n\nThe Small Business Majority also selected Mission Enspire, a black-owned female-owned brand from Chicago for their 2023 Holiday Gift Guide. Jennifer D. McClain, CEO \u0026amp; Founder of Mission ENSPIRE LLC, helps professional women prioritize themselves so they can lead impactful lives without sacrificing their own personal growth. Do you want to create more of what you want in your life? Are you stuck on autopilot doing the same things again and again? Do you have a vision for breaking free and being more than what you are? With the Embracing a Positive Mindset for the New Year workbook, you’ll discover how to start changing your mindset, inspire you to think about the content you’re focusing on, and encourage you to make friends with other positive people. Transform your life with a positive mindset!\n\n\n\n\n\nPrice Point: $30\n\n SHOP and\/or Follow \n\n\n\nWhich Fashion Brands are Environmentally Friendly?\n\nRuby Sampson Satin-lined Robe Coat\nRuby Sampson supports sustainable, eco-friendly production methods in the development of its garments and accessories. Limited run, small batch production and digital printing allows us to manufacture fabrics to the exact quantity needed to minimize waste, save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our garments are predominantly cellulose and biodegradable fabrics, such as cotton and silk. Our fabric is printed in China and made in the USA and Guyana, supporting our local businesses and artisans with fair, ethical wages. Our Satin-Lined Robe Coats are handcrafted in Guyana by skilled seamstresses. \n \n\n\n\nPrice Point: $150\n\nSHOP\n\n\n\nAle O Moda\n\n\nThe Small Business Majority Gift Guide also highlights woman-owned, LatinX-owned brand Ale O Moda. They’re on a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry through sustainable clothing. Their passion lies in creating a genderless collection that not only looks good, but also does good for the planet. In a world where fast fashion is taking its toll on the environment, Ale O stands as a beacon of change. Their clothing is meticulously crafted from eco-friendly materials, ensuring that every piece you wear leaves a minimal ecological footprint. By embracing a genderless approach, they promote inclusivity and self-expression, allowing individuals to wear what resonates with their unique identity. At Ale O fashion meets sustainability and every garment tells a story of mindful consumption and empowered self-expression. Together, let's shape a world where clothing doesn't just make a statement, but also makes a difference.\n\n \n\n\nPrice Point: Over $100 \n\nSHOP and\/or Follow \n\n\n\nBromelia Swimwear\n\n\nBromelia, a woman-owned swimwear label 100% made in the USA also made the Small Business Majority Gift Guide! Their designs begin with intention. Every suit is crafted for a specific body type and constructed to follow your curves, rather than restrict you. They embrace the artful blend of function and comfort, without compromising aesthetic. Their skilled team has spent decades in the garment industry and truly understands what a 'real body’ deserves. Embracing conscious operations and using responsible materials, they add depth to our product by creating local jobs and showing their unyielding commitment to quality and socio-environmental responsibility. They have phenomenal specials this holiday season including mystery gift bags! Not to mention their fit experts are also always available to assist in helping you size and style your look.\n\n \n\n\nPrice Point: Over $100\n\nSHOP and\/or Follow \n\n\n\nWhere Can I Find Last Minute Holiday Deals?\nHoliday shopping can easily become overwhelming and it can be hard to keep track of gifts! That’s why discounts and bundle and save deals work so well during this time of year. Check out these giftable brands:\n\n\n\nOZEM Candle Co\n\nOZEM is an acronym, embracing and living an Open, Zealous, Energetic, and Meaningful life. It is a state of mind which prioritizes self-care, while uncovering your inner serenity. Their candles welcome positive energy into your space while providing amazing aromatherapy in order for you to relax and release. This luxury candle brand is dedicated to people who seek comfort, peace, and style. They intentionally design candles with a minimalist aesthetic to create a calm but visually pleasing product. Try out their premiere product line “Rejuvenate,” meaning to refresh, revive, renew, restore, and regenerate. This line consists of two 8 oz candle scents: Pink Champagne and Ocean Breeze. Products can be purchased individually or as a bundle package. Did we mention they offer gift cards? From November 20, 2023 - Dec 31st they are offering 25% of all orders (discount automatically applied at check out). If orders exceed $50, customers also receive free shipping (nationwide only)!\n\n\nPrice Point: Under $50\n\nSHOP and\/or Follow \n\n\n\nXocolatl Small Batch Chocolate\n\nThis Asian American and Pacific-Islander, woman-owned brand makes chocolate from sustainable, ethically-grown cacao farms throughout the Americas and East Africa. Throughout the process, they strive to enrich the lives of everyone involved with their products -- from the phenomenal farmers who grow and harvest their beans, to their customers who delight in their finished product. With a commitment to social justice and tastes deeply planted in honestly made foods, they hope their chocolate provides you with the same sense of contentment and adventure from which it originally came. This Black Friday they’re offering 25% off your purchase. Visit their site on Small Business Saturday to unlock 20% off and Sunday for 15% off. Their deals sunset on Cyber Monday with free shipping.\n\n\n\nPrice Point: Under $20\n\n SHOP and\/or Follow Happy holiday shopping! Don’t forget to shop small this holiday season, whether they’re white elephant gifts for the office or intentional gifts for the favorite people in your life. Drop us a line in the comments and share your thoughts! Are you a part of our social community? Follow us at @shoprubysampson on all channels. Subscribe to our mailing list to unlock secret sales, early access to product launches, natural hair and styling tips\n", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https:\/\/www.rubysampson.com" }, "headline": "Holiday Gift Guide: Artisanal, Handmade \u0026 Inclusive", "description": "We made the Small Business Majority Gift Guide! Check out these other amazing brands across the country.", "image": [ "https:\/\/www.rubysampson.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/IMG_7116_2646x.jpg?v=1701291053" ], "datePublished": "2023-11-21T15:45:04Z", "dateCreated": "2023-11-21T15:31:28Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ruby Sampson LLC" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "height": 2899, "url": "https:\/\/www.rubysampson.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/IMG_7116_2646x.jpg?v=1701291053", "width": 2646 }, "name": "Ruby Sampson" } }