Whether you’re shopping for a holiday gift for an LGBTQ+ business partner or loved one or you just want to support the community with your present-shopping dollars, we’ve got suggestions for you. Read on for our favorite Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas and Diwali gifts created by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs!
Quirky homewares and planters from Object Lover
Queer and trans 3D designer Asher Ford created her store Object Lover to make long-lasting, fun home goods without exploitative labor practices. She designs, prints and ships every object herself. Pick your recipient’s favorite color combination for the top and legs of the squiggly Jelly Table side table ($139) or choose the edible-looking pastel wiggles of the Biggle Planter ($34) as a gift for a houseplant enthusiast.
Gourmet stoneground chocolate from Oso Cacao
Classically trained chocolatier/pastry chef Rigoberto Flores created Oso Cacao to share handmade vegan chocolate inspired by his childhood as a first-generation Mexican-American and the chocolate-making tradition passed down through his family. Try the 70% Single Origin Tabasco bar ($12) for bold (not spicy) cacao sourced from Tabasco, Mexico or the Sweet Potato and Candied Amaranth bar ($12) for a sweet, crunchy white chocolate adventure.
Sustainable fine jewelry from Automic Gold
Indigenous, queer, non-binary refugee jewelry designer AL Sandimir founded Automic Gold to create size-inclusive, ethically sourced fine jewelry for all genders. Give a custom nameplate necklace ($697) to the attention-grabber in your life or the Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring ($501, ring sizes 2-16) to the minimalist who wants a perfectly imperfect stone.
Dazzling hosiery from Lechery
Trans woman asylum-seeker Vyra Scher launched Lechery after losing her job to NYC’s 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Lechery’s eye-catching, durable hosiery can make anyone feel beautiful and powerful. Gift some high-shine purple 20 denier pantyhose ($25, fits up to 200 pounds) to the femme who’s already planning how to be the star of the New Years party or put a 2-pack of fishnet socks ($15, one size fits all) in your favorite goth’s stocking.
Non-condescending car mentorship from Mechanic Shop Femme
It can be hard to find practical advice for buying and maintaining a car when it seems like everything is focused on sports car guys or people with the time and wherewithal to get covered in grease. Chaya Milchtein started Mechanic Shop Femme, a blog and series of online courses, to be a non-intimidating educational resource for average car owners. Get the driver in your life a gift certificate for a car class ($99) like “How the Heck do I Buy a Used Car?” or “Are All Mechanics Scammers?” and get a free copy of Milchtein’s book Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership.
Renter-friendly, stylish light fixtures from Poplight
When wives Rose Fierman and Caroline Matthes moved into their first home together, they realized that wall sconces were a lot more expensive, permanent, and complicated to install than they thought. So they invented Poplight, a colorful, design-oriented wall sconce that attaches to walls with 3M strips and can easily be moved anywhere. Give a pair of white Poplights ($99 each) for minimalist bedside lighting, or a sage green Poplight ($99) for a calming glow in your giftee’s reading nook.
Unique fine jewelry from iLAH Jewelry
Jewelry designer Ilah Cibis opened iLAH Jewelry to be a non-heteronormative space where everyone was included. iLAH’s products are genderless, made with recycled precious metals and responsibly sourced stones. Give the fishing lover in your life a sterling silver Striped Bass Ring ($150, ring sizes 5-18) or match your favorite chef’s Damascus knife with the Damascus Disc Ring Pendant ($209). If you’re really looking to splurge, order a custom piece with a Humanite lab-grown diamond infused with carbon from a sentimental item like a lock of hair (starts at $19,000).
A magical stay in Provincetown’s Gifford House
If you want to give an experience as a holiday gift, give a stay at Gifford House in Providence, MA. Owner Steven Azar bought Gifford House because he grew up visiting it as a safe haven to be openly queer. Just a block away from the beach, this nearly 200-year-old house features a free-to-use closet of drag costumes and wigs, a full bar, and rooms for any size of family from solo travelers to big polycules. Plan a New Years’ getaway or leave them anticipating something for the summer. Book a room here ($173-$205/night).
Shop away knowing your hard-earned money is going to the LGBTQ+ community. No matter who’s on your list, we think they’ll love these inclusive holiday gifts.
Looking for even more LGBTQ+ holiday gifts? Check out our roundup of more queer-owned brands to support all year long.
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