The holiday season is upon us once again! This means many of us are searching for that perfect gift to give to our loved ones.
Turning to large, online companies like Amazon is the simple solution—you can get everything you need in just a few clicks. But there are so many small businesses out there who will always appreciate our support. As a bonus, small business purchases tend be more unique and sustainable, giving your gifts that personal touch.
We reached out to you and asked which deaf-owned businesses made your shopping list and wow, did you deliver!
Have a fashionista in your family? These deaf-owned apparel shops can keep all of your style-conscious friends at the forefront of fashion.
Girl and Creativity – This is the perfect shop for your friends who are all about fashion and female empowerment. Check out their tees, crews, and stickers.
Shop Daxa – Daxa has all the graphic tees and sweatshirts you need to make a statement and stay cozy this holiday season.
Sisters in Style – A one-stop-shop for everything from dresses and loungewear to accessories, even food, and drinks. Bonus? It all looks super comfy and stylish.
Erry B. – This Black deaf-owned shop is PERFECT for the friend who makes a statement, and wants their clothes to double down on it. Positivity, equality, social justice—those are just a few of the messages Erry B’s apparel sends.
By Mara – We know you’ve seen By Mara’s iconic ILY designs. Her super soft tees and hoodies are a great way to spread the love.
Language Priority – Is there anything Language Priority doesn’t celebrate? Check out their shop for shirts, socks, and stickers to celebrate Hannukah, Christmas, Deaf Awareness Month, the Election, and more!
Tansey Limited – Know anyone who wants to take to the skies? Let them show their dreams off with these tops featuring airplane designs by the Tansey family.
Eaffers and Max – Apparel and accessories celebrating Deaf culture.
To Sign Is Human – Screenprinted apparel advocating for language access for all.
Strongerify – Athlesiure in ASL for wherever you live, work, and play!
Photos from companies’ Instagrams
Jewelry
Who isn’t looking for fun ways to spruce up their style? From handmade earrings, one-of-a-kind necklaces, and all kinds of accessories to compliment every personality, deaf artisans have got you covered! Check out these community recommendations for your fashion-forward friends.
Earthworm Earrings – A deaf and queer-owned shop based in Calgary, these earrings are sure to bring flair to any outfit.
Infinity Lantern Jewelry – An Austin-based shop featuring handmade earrings, necklaces, and more.
Orange by JS – handmade jewelry from a deaf Asian women-owned business in dreamy color swirls.
Gorgeous Jupiter – Looking for lava beads, or preservation flower jewelry? Gorgeous Jupiter Co. has you covered.
JillyBean Creates – JillyBean has all the intricate, hand-beaded earrings your loved ones could ever need.
Nathalina Studio – Curated, sophisticated jewelry and home decor? Nathalina does it all.
Creative Soul – These earring creations have character and handmade charm.
RoseBYANDER Jewelry – You do not want to miss out on RoseBYANDER’s intricate “I love you” necklaces and charms.
Deafinite Designs – Customizable one of a kind hand stamped jewelry and gifts.
Kenela & Co. – Last cut wood and acrylic earrings and accessories.
Photos from companies’ Instagrams
Health and Wellness
Do you know someone who is looking to prioritize their mental or physical health? Our followers had some great recommendations for deaf-owned businesses that focus on mindfulness, physical fitness, self-care. Click below or scroll through our photo gallery to learn more.
DeafHood Yoga – Deaf people and allies of all walks of life join to experience Deaf-centered yoga communicating through our hands offering spiritual~light language.
Yoga with Beatrice – Practice yoga in ASL with a Deaf yoga teacher. Online yoga courses and one-on-one private lessons for the trauma-informed, corporate, D/HH, and youth.
Living Food Farm – Deaf-led holistic farm that sells raw vegetable powder, which they say has many health benefits!
Blue Organic Kitchen – Holistic health, products, and recipes made with love by a Deaf woman and her family.
Photos from companies' Instagrams
Photography
How many other gifts can say they’re worth a thousand words? Check out these pros behind the lens to give a personal gift your loved ones will, well, love!
Kelly Grace Photos – We know you know you know someone who is obsessed with their four-legged friend. Check out Kelly Grace Photos’s pet photoshoots so they can book their chance to capture their furry companion on film in all their glory.
Ultimux – Family photos, pet caricatures, portraits, ads—you name it. Ultimax can capture an image across mediums.
Series of Light – This self-proclaimed storyteller has a tremendous talent behind the lens. Check out her work and see if her vision is the perfect gift for your loved ones.
Amelia K Hamilton – An Austin local and CSD team member, Amelia is an expert at capturing intimate, loving, and truthful moments. Her kind heart shapes every photo she captures. Set up a holiday shoot with her today.
Jolaventures: This California couple strives to the visuals for your life’s stories. Between these two professionals, you can get high-quality videography and photography for any of your special events.
If You Were a Child – Not only does Clare Cassidy make beautiful photographs and portraits, but she also offers online self-paced courses in photography that are accessible in ASL. A GREAT find for the aspiring photographer in your life.
Tate Tullier – Tate is an expert at life’s emotions in motion for individuals, couples, and groups. See if he’s just the photographer you’re looking for.
Marlene Mata Photography – A Massachusetts-based Deaf photographer with love for her colorful city.
Photos from companies’ Instagrams
Art and Decor
Let’s face it, after months of quarantining, everyone you know could use a change of scenery. These deaf artists and makers have exactly what your friends and family need to spruce up their surroundings.
Alpine Florals – Vivid mountain flowers pressed as collages and fun shapes are perfect for brightening up any space.
Macramed– From wall hangings to potted plant holders to handmade earrings, this Austin-based business is your one-stop-shop for all things macrame.
Raine Collective – An all-female deaf group of makers, this collective offers a wide variety of gifts and accessories to suit any taste.
Viva Jess – This San Francisco-based graphic designer has unique gifts ranging from accessories and stationery to wall art and handmade holiday decorations.
Kiss Fist Stitch – Kiss Fist offers a whole new take on your favorite family photo with custom cross-stitch portraits.
Ash Marie Sha – This artist has over 60 original mixed-media artwork designs available for purchase.
58 Creativity -Graphic artist Brit Castle incorporates ASL into her artwork to tell a story in each dreamy print.
Haha What – An illustrator who creates bold, fun-filled black and white drawings and stickers, and takes commissions to bring your ideas to life.
Ladder of Love – This rustic art made from reclaimed wood is perfect for the eco-conscious nature lover in your life.
Isabel Lainez – This Latina designer and illustrator often incorporates sign into her bold portraits.
Woodstove Studios – In addition to the impressive year-round décor, this pyrographer has an extensive holiday collection, perfect for spreading the season’s cheer.
Kali Doubledee – This artist’s paintings also feature ASL, but on a more conceptual level, so audiences can appreciate the beauty with or without any knowledge of sign.
Krampus by Stacey – Need a gift for someone naughty on your list? Try some handmade stockings and ornaments featuring the fabled Christmas villain Krampus to send your message.
Cynthia’s Creations and More – Another great variety shop, where you can find handcrafted gifts from Christmas ornaments to tea towels.
Boriketien – These stickers feature images for lovers of ASL, Puerto Rico, and anyone who likes to add a splash of color to their notebook or laptop.
Selennn Art – This Queer Latinx artist takes commissions for art on canvas or digital mediums.
CraftsbyGio – Order luxury, custom-designed Christmas gift tags, tumbler cups, confetti, foil envelopes, and monogram ornaments from this deaf Latina.
Duppet Puppet – Deaf Latinx artist whose works express Deaf and hard-of-hearing peoples’ experiences.
Homwu Gifts – One-of-a-kind homemade gifts for your home. Accepts custom orders.
Dirty Beard Press – Screenprinter and artist who makes colorful ASL magnets, prints, apparel, and more.
Audrey’s Crochet Creation – Crocheted stuffed animals made with love by a third-generation crochet artist who is Deaf.
Erik Jensen Art – A Deaf artist who makes art from keyboards!
Rossana Reis Mosaic Artist – Brazilian Panqueer DeafBlind Disabled Neurodivergent artist, poet and writer whose mosaic artworks embrace the creative expressions and mysteries.
DeafBlind Potter – A DeafBlind potter who makes one-of-a-kind vases and mugs.
John Lee Clark – A DeafBlind author whose works you can purchase at several locations.
Blind Blue World – A DeafBlind textile artist, a queer mom, and social justice accomplice and teacher.
Photos from companies’ Instagrams
Services
Are you struggling to find gifts because your friends and family don’t need things? Give them the gift of empowerment instead, with these great gifts to help launch their business, realize their creative dreams, or learn something new. Our followers have plenty of suggestions for these hard-to-shop-for folks too!
The Julp Co – Have someone in your life who is looking to take their social media presence to the next level? Never fear, Jamilee is here! Share her free resources with the aspiring social media influencers in your life.
Inka’s Screen Printing – You’ve got the perfect picture in your head. Now get it printed on a shirt, cup, or anything with Inka’s custom designs.
Bus Door Films – Know someone who’s been sitting on that screenplay just a little too long? Or someone who can’t get enough of deaf-created content? Send them over to Bus Door Films to get their fix.
Amelia the Archaeologist – Turn your friends who just love learning onto this deaf archaeologist. Great for the history buff in the family.
Sign Language Center – Chances are you have someone in your life who has always wanted to learn ASL. ASL classes from the Sign Language Center are the PERFECT gift for them
Dawn Sign Press – Dawn Sign Press creates content about ASL and Deaf Culture. Check out their extensive library of print and video content.
Kathleen L. Brockway – Do your friends and family love learning about authentic deaf history? Maybe they’re looking for a mentor? If so check out Kathleen L. Brockway’s profile for more information.
Mystic Starz – Wondering if your stars will align in 2021? Get a reading from Mystic Starz Astrology and see what the future has in store!
Day to Rejoice Weddings & Events – Need support with making your event extra special? Check out Day to Rejoice, a Black Deaf-owned event design business based out of the S.F. Bay Area in California. They even offer services for drive-thru parties that are 100% contactless!
VL2 Storybook Apps – Activities to boost your ASL literacy and storybook apps.
#WhyISign – Celebrating peoples’ stories about why they learned to sign, plus information and resources.
The ASL App – An app to learn conversational ASL from native Deaf signers.
Bellamonika – Graphic designer, video editor, hula hoop performer, and fire dancer – all in one!
Mangiardi Films – Deaf-owned Video Production Business who travels to you.
ASL Cart – Marketplace for ASL Gifts, ASL Novelties, and ASL Themed Products
Lost River Vacations – Luxury tiny home vacation rentals in Lost River, West Virginia.
AstroWoke – Classes and 1:1 zoom classes for astrological readings in ASL.
That Deaf EI Lady – ASL Language Assessor; Family, Community, Professional Partnership Consultant; Deaf & Hard of Hearing Infant and Toddler Consultant
Eyeth Visual Entertainment – A Deaf-owned world wide entertainment company that provides virtual shows, performances, and workshops.
Sign Class, LLC – ASL classes for businesses, families and children.
Tactile Communications, LLC – A group committed to maximizing the autonomy of DeafBlind people by providing necessary training in a linguistically and culturally appropriate setting. Goal is to give DeafBlind people the tools they need to become active, productive members of society and in doing so, to improve the quality of their lives.
Hand Type – A company that showcases the finest literature and art created by signers, Deaf and hearing alike, or about the Deaf or signing experience the world over.
Three Monkeys Communication – Presentations, training, mentoring, consulting about people who have low vision, are blind, deaf, or DeafBlind. The group also has two products, including the Mizaru app and the Iwazaru channel.
Together All in Solidarity – Anti-violence community collaboration and consultation services that serve marginalized communities in the Deaf community.
Haben Girma – Haben Girma is the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. She is human rights lawyer advancing disability justice who former President Obama named a White House Champion of Change. You can buy her book or hire her for speaking or consulting opportunities.
SignAble Vi5ion – A Deaf ASL instructor who teaches ASL courses and workshops for Inclusion Communication in the workplace. These workshops equip people to create an environment that is inclusive and empathetic to different communication support needs for all people.
Zetta Marie’s Patisserie – BIPOC Deaf-owned culinary creations. Baked goods and pastries for a little taste of heaven.
Patty Cakes Mobile – These unique cakes in jars come in just about any flavor you can imagine!
With so many talented deaf artists and businesses to support, holiday gift-giving has a whole new struggle—having too many amazing options to choose from! From all of us at CSD, wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.
This post was edited on August 4, 2022 to add a link to CSD Social Venture Fund’s new business directory.
