How we spend our hard-earned resources is an expression of our values. I focus on this point even more during the holiday season, when I tend to spend more on gifts for friends, family, and clients. Therefore, it’s important to me to support small businesses, and to buy from women and minority-owned businesses whenever possible. During this time of year, we should also broaden our concept of gift giving to consider how a charitable gift can express a feeling of love and gratitude, in a way that a tangible gift does not.

I am pleased to share a few of my standby favorites as well as new additions for this holiday season:

Charitable gifts

Consider making a gift in honor of or in celebration of someone. Choosing a cause that is close to someone’s heart is thoughtful and meaningful. You can ask “what is an organization that is meaningful to you” or “what causes are important to you”? If you aren’t sure, make a gift to a local food bank or human services organization that supports vulnerable people in the area where the person you are looking to honor or celebrate lives.

We have seen tremendous cuts to social services in the last year. As a result, I will be shifting my holiday giving this year to include more charitable gifts. My top organization for support in the DC area is the Greater DC Diaper Bank, a tremendous organization that serves families throughout the DC region.

Keep in mind, you don’t need to spend any money at all. A heartfelt note written on a beautiful card can be a lovely and memorable way to recognize someone this holiday season or to express thanks and gratitude. I save cards that I have received over the years and really treasure them each time I read them. 

Tangible gifts

• I love to shop at woman-owned DC stores Salt & Sundry and Park Story. I order candles from Sydney Hale and honey from Waxing Kara, both woman-owned small businesses. 
• She Loves Me is an incredible flower shop I discovered during the pandemic. REWILD is a favorite plant shop.
• I often purchase client gifts from Chukar Cherries, a longtime family-owned small business in Seattle. 
• Soom Tahini products are delicious and the business is woman-owned. 
• Bean & Bean coffee is owned by a mother-daughter team. 
• You know we love handwritten thank you notes at Little Bean Group! Our custom stationary is made by the woman-owned company, Lickity Split Press.

Experiences as gifts

• Consider giving a museum membership for a small or local museum. Memberships often come with built-in discounts so you are gifting an experience, discounts that can be put to use, and supporting a local institution.
• Gift a “friends of” to the local library or community center.
• Consider gifting an experience such as a yoga class or restaurant meal. Woman-owned Past Tense Yoga and Barre3, as well as Reveler’s Hour (my favorite DC restaurant) are my go-tos.

Finally, you don’t need to spend any money at all. A heartfelt note written on a beautiful card can be a lovely and memorable way to recognize someone this holiday season or to express thanks and gratitude. W

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful winter season and all the best for a happy and healthy 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why focus on women- and minority-owned businesses in a gift guide?
Purchasing from them helps promote equity, supports diverse entrepreneurs, and aligns your giving with the values of inclusion and community strength.

What counts as a charitable gift option?
A gift given in someone’s honor or celebration to an organization meaningful to them, or supporting a cause in their region, qualifies as a charitable gift.

What types of experiences can be used as gifts?
You can use memberships (libraries, museums), classes (yoga), meals at local restaurants, or visits to community-based venues. These are gifts rooted in engagement rather than just items.

Is a handwritten note a valid gift?
Yes, even a heartfelt handwritten card or note can be the most memorable way to express gratitude or recognition without spending money.