Thanksgiving is officially less than a week away, which means that soon it will be time for gingerbread cookies, tree decorating, and Christmas movies. One of the most daunting tasks of the holiday season includes figuring out what gifts to buy for your friends, loved ones, and family members. Need a little inspiration?
Keep reading to check out five queer-owned Etsy shops to support this holiday season.
Why shop queer-owned?
We live in a world where giant corporate conglomerates like Amazon and Walmart dominate capitalist culture. Consumers purchase mass-produced items without experiencing any personal connection with the crafter.
Buying from queer-owned small businesses has countless benefits. As the consumer, you are supporting, uplifting, and helping give voice to marginalized communities that are not represented enough on the shelves. You are also shopping sustainability, receiving a unique product, and rejecting the wasteful practices of large corporations. And as a consumer, you know exactly who is benefiting from your purchase.
Many queer business owners incorporate intersecting layers of their identity into the product as well, showcasing Indigenous traditions, spirituality, and more. These businesses bring necessary diversity to the marketplace.
1) Fabulously feminist
Fabulously Feminist is an artistic shop based in Rochester, New York. Callie Garp sells T-shirts, mugs, stickers, pins, tote bags, keychains, and more. All of their products feature beautiful, nature-based artwork and empowering, inclusive quotes. So many great gift options!
2) Junebug and Darlin
Based in Portland, Oregon, Zoe’s shop features beautiful hand-stitched products with sayings like “smash the patriarchy,” “homo sweet homo,” “find the witch within,” and “radical feminist.” The shop represents different pronouns, gender identities, and sexualities.
3) Foxen Tales
Are you obsessed with one-of-a-kind vintage and zodiac-inspired products? Foxen Tales is a queer-owned business from Paducah, Kentucky that creates unique, customizable hardcover journals. If you have a friend who loves journaling, an affordable, personalized journal from Meredith and Lee’s shop is a gift they’ll never forget. The shop is not very active on social media, so you’ll have to trust my judgment and check them out now!
4) BlkGrlMagick
BlkGrlMagick is a queer-owned shop based in Orlando, Florida that sells all things manifestation, oils, crystals, candles, herbs, and more. If you’re looking to tap into your spiritual side this holiday season or searching for the perfect gift for someone else, check out Jade’s amazing shop here! Personalization and free gift wrapping are available.
5) The Sisters Stoned
The Sisters Stoned turned their candle-making obsession into a soy candle business with crafted scents. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Keenan and Steven’s shop features dozens of different candles with unique art design inspired from pop culture.
conclusion
As consumers, we get to choose where our money goes. Help make a difference this holiday season by researching and supporting these businesses! You’ll receive an amazing, unique gift and support an artist or creator— not a corporation. What’s not to love?
This article is part of a series, #FeministFriday, where Chloe Hummel seeks to highlight standout feminists making a difference in the world right now. Stay tuned!