The holidays are coming fast, and it’s a great time to show some love to the LGBTQ owned businesses that keep our community vibrant all year. These makers pour real heart into what they do, often while juggling tight budgets and a tough market. (All gifts listed below are under $150, with most coming in under $30.) If you’re looking for gifts that feel personal and support our wider queer ecosystem, here are some standout brands to keep on your list this Black Friday.
Beauty and personal care
A queer founded beauty line known for clean, multi use products and a minimalist look. This gender-inclusive line is made with vegan and cruelty-free ingredients and biodegradable packaging. NOTO also donates a percentage of profits from its “Agender Oil” to nonprofits like The Okra Project, The Transgender Freedom Fund and Black Mama’s Matter.
Gift pick: The Ultimate Skin Kit, featuring The Wash, Resurface Scrub, Moisture Riser Cream, and Deep Serum in a Tyvek Recycled Carry-all Bag. Retails for $120.
If you spend any time on BeautyTok, then you’d know that freckles are all the rage. Freck is a vegan, queer-founded makeup brand with bold color and playful identity, encouraging all to stop covering up their freckles and instead, celebrate them. (Even those without freckles!)
Gift pick: Freck OG, the original faux freckle pen. Retails for $22.
Founded in 2009 by Jeff Kurosaki and Tara Pelletier, Meow Meow Tweet is a small batch queer owned skincare line with compostable packaging and bright style. All of MMT’s products are gender neutral, small batch and low waste by design.
Gift pick: Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream, perfect for sensitive pits and skin. Retails for $16.
Handmade beard and grooming products created by a queer founder in Oregon, with scents inspired by Oregon cities like Bend, Eugene and Sisters.
Gift pick: Portland Beard Oil, a jojoba-based oil with a rich Vanilla Rose Chai scent. Retails for $18.
Home and lifestyle
This Black and queer owned candle and home care brand company offers cheeky scents like the zesty citrus-based Tongue Pop and the juicy and spicy Sweet Heat. All candles and room sprays are made with rich scents in small batches.
Gift pick: What’s Tea candle with notes of mint, eucalyptus, ginger and clove. Retails for $25.
A Salem, Mass. based queer owned shop offering home goods, ritual tools and thoughtful gift sets.
Gift pick: HausMagick Astral Linen Spray, with cedarwood, fennel and lavender scents for sweet dreaming. Retails for $35.
The French word chouette is often used to describe something great or cool, and this queer and women owned jewelry brand with size inclusive rings and custom pieces fits the bill.
Gift pick: Twist Necklace in Gold, a simple piece that makes a statement. Retails for $135.
Food, drink and treats
This popular queer-owned vegan chocolate shop is making small batch, ethically sourced sweets in New York’s Hudson Valley. To snag these sweets, you have to be quick because they sell out fast. Sign up for their newsletter for release dates, special offers and more.
Gift pick: Rosemary Sea Salt Caramel Box, a holiday classic. Retails for $26.
A queer owned small batch roastery with smooth everyday blends with coffee beans from all over the world.
Gift pick: Guatemala De Leon, a light roast coffee with hints of almond marzipan and vanilla. Retails for $19.
This queer owned food brand used upcycled produce, like overripe or ugly tomatoes from local farms, to create bold pantry staples. And yes, there’s even a Nona in the kitchen.
Gift pick: Tomato ‘Nduja, their spicy plant based signature condiment. Retails for $11.99.