The woman who always grabs an afternoon coffee with you.
The former boss who still lets you call her for advice.
The colleague who checks in to see how your presentation went.

These are the women who should not be forgotten on this year’s holiday gift list. From your assistant to your colleague to your mentor or boss, there are women in your circle that deserve a token of appreciation and a gift they can actually use. At Kayo, we partner with retailers who are female-founded and have created products (and services) that make women’s lives just a little bit easier or better. We’re sharing them here, along with some of our other favorite female-founded brands, to help make your life easier when it comes to holiday shopping.  

M.M.LAFLEUR

A long-time friend of Kayo, M.M.LaFleur is known for making it easy for businesswomen to get dressed for work every morning. In a recentblog launching their Omakase capsule wardrobes, they noted that some surveys have show that women take 15 more days per year to get ready for work than men. No doubt a gift or gift card from M.M.LaFleur will improve mornings for women everywhere. We’re loving the Morandi Sweater for its versatility and ability to elevate any look.

DAGNE DOVER

Founder Deepa Gandhi, went from a Lehman Brothers Analyst to founder of Dagne Dover, which designs performance-driven bags that are both functional and fashionable for a woman’s fast-paced, mobile lifestyle. From their colorful laptop sleeves to their wallets to their travel bags, you can expect materials that perform and thoughtful details whether it’s for work, travel, or fitness. They also just launched a baby line with highly-functional gender-neutral bags for moms or dads. We love the Ace Fanny Pack to assist with our post holiday fitness resolutions. 

DESEDA

Sarah Somers spent more than a decade in New York building a distinguished career among leaders in the global finance industry beforefinding her inner entrepreneur. From her roots in the Heartland, to self-discovery in Europe, to stripe-earning on Wall Street, to navigating the joys of motherhood – her style and wardrobe priorities shifted and changed, but one constant remained in her closet and delivered through it all: the silk scarf. It’s one of those accessories, often overlooked, that can make an outfit and make you feel chic. The scarves are unique in that each of them is a limited design through collaborations with artists from around the world. We favor the Secret Garden Scarf, it can add a pop of color to any outfit. 

DANA REBECCA DESIGNS

Selecting jewelry for a woman can often be difficult, but Dana Rebecca has created timeless and beloved-by-all pieces that any woman would get excited to add to her collection. You can’t go wrong with her classic collection of necklaces, including the Emily Sarah Necklace. It’s a perfect way to show your appreciation.  

Get all of Team Kayo’s picks along with other gifts we love from a selection of our favorite female-founded companies.

DOWNLOAD OUR 2019 GIFT GUIDE FOR DOZENS OF OUR GIFT PICKS

By Lindsay Burton, Founder Kayo Conference Series

Phew, thank goodness! It’s too much pressure. Find the perfect gift, get the best deal, decide quickly. I just can’t shop like that. If you are like me, you still have a lot of work to do finding presents for the ones you love this holiday. I can’t help with your whole list, but I might be able to help with just one.

THE PROFESSIONAL WOMAN

She loves her career. She loves people. This is the woman who takes care of everyone and always carries a full plate. She is polished, professional, well-organized, rarely complains and values authenticity over fluff. She might be a colleague, your spouse, your sister or your mother. At the Kayo Conference Series, this woman is the hero of our story and we study her and know her well. Let’s both agree she’s pretty amazing and she deserves something special. When selecting gifts for professional women, follow these simple parameters and you cannot wrong.

#6 THAT THING SHE’LL NEVER BUY HERSELF

Women are practical, and contrary to popular stereotypes they rarely spoil themselves and indulge. Find something that she wants but would never purchase for herself because it’s not practical. ($500-$1,500)

• Jewelry from Dana Rebecca. She wants it. Trust us.

#5 SOMETHING PRACTICAL WITH A TINGE OF LUXURY

Women are practical, and contrary to popular stereotypes they rarely spoil themselves and indulge. Find something you already know she loves and take it to the next level. ($250-$500)

• Morandi Sweater from MM.LaFleur: The office is always freezing. Shivering through a board meeting is not the best way to establish authority. This dreamy office sweater is a GAME-CHANGER.

#4 ANYTHING IN THE COLOR BLUSH

Blush pink is the new neutral. At least that’s what the 20-year-olds in my office are telling me. ($75-$350)

• Allyn Tote from Dagne Dover: She’s probably sick and tired of her black or camel office tote. Blush is a neutral color, but for the typical professional women, it’s WILD.

#3 CELEBRATE HER WIN

Too often, we pass a hurdle and move on to the next one without celebrating the victory. Identify one of her accomplishments from the year, and memorialize it. Did she pass the Bar Exam in a new state? Did she get a thoughtful thank you card post card from a client? Did she complete a 10K or a fitness challenge her gym? Maybe it’s just a photo from a well-deserved vacation. Make it a big deal and celebrate the wins. ($75-$200)

• Suggestion: Framebridge is a simple, affordable digital service for framing.

#2 AN ACT OF SERVICE

What chore does she hate to do? Figure out what that is, and get it done for her. This might be free, or you might have to spend a little bit to get it done right. ($25-$75)

• Detail her car. Crumbled goldfish, coffee stains, mystery goos, be gone! This might seem a little bit boring or practical, but a clean car is like a new car and a new car is like a new you. Oh, and throw in an oil change while you are at it!

#1 THE GIFT OF TIME

Free time is the ultimate luxury. Think about something you can do, whether it’s an act of service or a gadget, that will free up time for her to simply be. (Free)

• Entertain the kids. Take the kids out of the house for a full morning or afternoon so that she has some time along her in own house. Plan fun activities and make sure to do it cheerfully so that she has zero guilt.

Our Private Markets Summit is over, but the shopping goes on. Our female-founded retailers add a touch of style and entrepreneurship to our events and we couldn’t be more grateful.

If you didn’t get a chance to buy at the summit, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy these extended offers from our retailers and shop guilt free knowing you’re supporting our female founders.

MM.LAFLEUR

Did you miss the chance to sip and shop with MM.LaFleur at the event? Don’t miss out again and schedule an appointment with one of MM’s nationwide showrooms for a VIP personal styling appointment. Check to see when they’ll be in a city near you and book your personal appointment here.

DANA REBECCA DESIGNS

Remember those beautiful, timeless necklaces with simple pendants, stars and shapes? We can’t get them out of our head. Treat yourself to some sparkle from Dana Rebecca Designs. Use discount code Kayo10 to receive 10% off your order.

DAGNE DOVER

Dagne Dover handbags are thoughtfully designed to be stylish and functional. They’ll keep you organized from day to night. Get the bag that will change your life (no, seriously). Use discount code Kayo20! and receive 20% off your order.