They say necessity is the mother of invention—and really, there’s no one more inventive than a mama. After all, we can change diapers with one hand while fixing block towers with the other. We can entertain a wild toddler with a baby wipe and whatever action figure lurks in the bottom of the diaper bag while waiting in the grocery store line. We take the cards we’re given and play that hand like a pro.

Because when you’ve got little ones depending on you, you’ve got to think on your feet.

Related: 17 toys for active toddlers that will keep them from bouncing off the walls

So it’s no surprise that clever, quick-thinking and innovative mamas are behind some of our favorite gifts this holiday season. From creating the solution to their own (universal) problem to inventing new versions of old stand-bys, mom entrepreneurs are totally crushing it.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite gifts from mom-owned businesses for nearly everyone on your list. Check them out!

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Our favorite gifts from mom-owned businesses

White Loft Canvas Growth Chart

White Loft

Canvas Growth Chart

$39.99

Who knows the importance of documenting baby milestones more than a mom? Launched in 2013 by Lauren White, White Loft handcrafts the most adorable baby heirlooms families can cherish for generations. Their wooden monthly milestone discs make the sweetest addition to the first year of photos and unlike stickers, can be used for multiple babes. Missed the window? No worries. Snag their minimalist canvas growth chart which comes with key tags to keep track of just how fast they grow. Not only does it match any decor, but since it’s made of fabric, you can use it to wipe your tears when you hang it for your grandchildren. (I’m sorry! Heirlooms have that effect on me!)

Tiny Tags Gold Bar Necklace

Tiny Tags

Gold Skinny Bar Necklace

$145

When she was a brand new mama, Tiny Tags owner Melissa Clayton wanted a way to express that overwhelming feeling of pride and joy for the little bundle in her arms–so she made a necklace with his name on it. With that, Tiny Tags was born. In the years since, their understated personalized pieces have become a go-to for countless moms. From their best-selling “Mama” necklace to the sweet Mommy and Me Collection, each piece is made with the deep love of motherhood in mind.

We’re particularly fond of the super-wearable Gold Skinny Bar Necklace which can be inscribed with up to 25 characters on both the front and back.

MUTHA Body Set

Mutha

Body Set

$169

If a little self-care luxury is in order, this splurgey set from Mutha delivers. The celeb and beauty editor-loved brand–clad in its signature violet chrome packaging–makes nurturing part of their mission and it shows. In this set you’ll find their cult-favorite Body Butter and ultra hydrating Body Oil which both help to nourish and hydrate postpartum skin with hardworking ingredients like shea, cocoa, and mango butters, along with vitamins, fatty acids, and pure seed extracts. The citrusy scent is light but pleasant and makes the whole process feel like a luxe ritual.

Nurtured9 snow day box

Nurtured 9

Expectant and New Mom Gift Boxes

$75

Curated by moms, for moms, Nurtured9 Gift Boxes are packed with natural products and thoughtful self-care goodies for expectant and new mamas. Choose from a collection of themed boxes like the C-Section Recovery or the Spa Day New Mom box to spoil her exactly the way she deserves. Or opt for one of the limited edition holiday boxes which are perfect for cozying up with a brand new babe. We love that they include brands we already know and love like Belly Bandit and Eberjey and come packaged so pretty they don’t even need wrapping! Prices start at $75

 

SheWarrior Winner's Circle Crop Top

SheWarrior

Athletic Wear

$59

Got a badass bestie on your list? One who’s never uttered the word can’t? Punch up her workouts with the sleek gear from SheWarrior. Founded by boxing promoter, business owner and mom of three Natlyn Jones, the eco-friendly activewear is sustainably produced on demand in Austin Texas in striking patterns and ultra-wearable styles. Prices start at $59

KiwiCo Christmas Village Advent Calendar

KiwiCo

STEAM Crates

Founded by a mom of three who wanted to engage her kids with hands-on projects—but often fell short of doing so because of lack of time and the ability to gather together 100 materials!—KiwiCo is a subscription-based service that sends your kids monthly “crates” (a.k.a. boxes) with age-appropriate projects that encourage hands-on problem-solving. Dreamed up by a team of designers, each project is reviewed by experts to make sure they’re churning up the maximum possible benefit to your kiddo’s development. For holiday gift giving they also offer single project boxes you can purchase without signing up for a subscription. With options for all ages and STEAM interests, you’re guaranteed to find something for every kid on your list.

Monica + Andy Little Darling Knit Top + Bottom

Monica + Andy

Little Darling Knit Top + Bottom

$35

Launched in 2014 by mama and entrepreneur Monica Royer, Monica + Andy is more than luxe baby clothes and accessories —they’re a brand that helps take some of that worry out of the early days of parenthood. Their commitment to only using soft, trustworthy fabrics means you don’t have to stress about what chemicals might be lurking and focus on the snuggles instead. There are so many great gifting options but our go-to for tiny ones is the Little Darling Knit Top + Bottom. The two-piece set is knit from super soft organic cotton and can be made even more special by opting to embroider a single initial on the chest.

Kibou Big Kid Gift Bundle

Kibou

Big Kid Gift Bundle

$155

As a mom who crammed a diaper and a couple of wipes into my coat pocket and hoped for the best, I really wish Kibou had been around when I was slinging babies. Dubbed “The Deliberately Minimal Diaper Bag” this brilliant mama-made design has thought of everything. It’s got plenty of space for snacks and diapers, a built-in waterproof pocket for wipes or blowout soaked onesies and—get this!—a detachable changing pad that unfolds from the back flap. You can purchase just the bag but for holiday gifting we’re wild about their super cool bundles. In addition to the Kibou, the big kid bundle includes Abby & Finn baby wipes, hand sanitizer spray, first aid Bou-Boo Bag, Stasher snack bag, ShedRain GoGo compact umbrella, and Zoku Portable Utensils in a ready to gift box. Got a fur baby mama on your list? Grab the Fur Baby Bundle instead!

And! You can feel good knowing your purchase gives back, too. Kibou gives 1% of every sale to mothers and children affected by incarceration via Hour Children.

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

Dagne Dover

Indi Diaper Backpack

$215

Founded by three women, it’s no surprise that Dagne Dover has perfected the diaper bag. Their Indi Diaper Backpack is the Mary Poppins of diaper bags, with slick mesh slim pockets inside of a structured and stretchy backpack that feels like it can hold everything. Made of an easy-to-clean premium neoprene fabric (what the brand is known for), the inside is a true treasure trove of goodies, including a fold-out changing mat, zipper pouch, and even a laptop sleeve. (And if you dig the style but don’t need to lug around all the things for all the people, it comes in two smaller sizes as well.)

Alice's Table Flower Arrangement class

Alice's Table

Virtual Workshop

From arranging a stunning bouquet to assembling an almost too gorgeous to eat charcuterie board, hone a skill right at the dining room table with a virtual workshop from Alice’s Table! Founded by mama Alice Lewis in 2015 with a mission to give women across the country the skill they need to launch their own creative floral arranging businesses, it has exploded into so much more. Not only do they send everything you need right to your doorstep, but the workshop itself is loaded with tips and tricks that you’ll carry with you long after it’s over. (Did you know if you don’t have fresh flower food that vodka will do in a pinch??) For the ultimate gift, sign both of you up for one of their upcoming workshops and do it together!

Nest Designs Quilted Bamboo Blanket

Nest Designs

Quilted Bamboo Blanket

$144

The deliciously soft and eco-friendly fabrics from Nest Designs are exactly the kind you want your little ones snuggled under. Designed by mama and entrepreneur Tammy Lo in Vancouver, everything from their gorgeous baby sleep sacks to their adult jammies are crafted from sustainable materials in the dreamiest prints. But when it comes to holiday gifts, there’s really nothing better than a cozy quilt for the chilly days ahead. Their bamboo winter quilt can be used as a throw blanket for snuggling or on your little one’s bed but is large enough it can even fit a queen.

Molly J. Signature Sampler

Molly J.

CBD Gumdrop Signature Sampler

$45

Raise your hand if juggling all the things has you feeling like a frazzled, wrung out washcloth. 🙋‍♀️ When Molly J. founder Shaina Kerrigan found herself in that state, she discovered that CBD was part of the solution. Luckily for us, she took that knowledge and went to work crafting a line of luxe CBD gummies that have become one of my favorite end of day rituals. The high-quality ingredients mean they take the edge off just right and the presentation is just * chef’s kiss *. This sampler contains a mix of their top three bestselling flavors—signature berry, lemon lavender and plum cardamom—and comes in either a standard dose of 25mg or a high dose of 50mg.

ezpz Happy Feeding Set

ezpz

Happy Feeding Set

$54.99

Any parent who’s ever fed a baby knows that most of the time, more food ends up on them (and every surrounding surface) than in them. That was the story for mama of three boys under three Lindsey Laurain back in 2015. Fed up (pun intended!) with all the hassle of cleaning up after mealtime, she realized what she needed was a plate her little ones couldn’t spill or hurl to the floor. The result? A self-sealing bowl and mat that has become ubiquitous with first foods. ezpz has since expanded to offer a range of brilliant silicone mealtime essentials that are beloved by celebrities and tired parents alike. Their Happy Feeding Set includes the toddler-sized Happy Mat, three utensils and their thoughtfully-designed Mini Cup + Straw training system.

Maple & J Rolo Chain Bracelet

Maple & J

Rolo Chain Bracelet

$89

The never-take-them-off pieces from Maple & J are like the black leggings of jewelry. Created by owner and mom Cara Hochhalter (and named for her daughter Maple), the entire collection is made to be worn 24/7, allowing them to become a part of your signature look. And while they’re known for their signature bangles (which come in versions for your mini as well!), I’m completely smitten with the Rolo Gold Chain bracelet. I put mine on months ago and haven’t taken it off for a second since. Not only does it look just as beautiful as they day I put it on, but the color blends perfectly with the 14k pieces I wear along with it.

A version of this article was published October 23, 2020. It has been updated.