The holiday season is upon us, and we've got a handful of gift ideas by Charlotte startups that anyone on your giving-list will love.
These products range from stocking stuffers like a phone grip and healthy snacks to one-of-a-kind gifts like diverse handmade dolls and high-tech custom swim goggles. No matter who you're shopping for, you won't have to check your list twice with these seven local startups.
Now, get shopping.
Jayla's Heirlooms
$50 to $145
Jayla's Heirlooms dolls are the perfect addition to any child's collection. Founded by Nicole Hawthorne and her 4-year-old daughter, Jayla, the company sells handcrafted linen dolls that reflect the natural beauty Hawthorne wants her own daughter to see in herself. Dolls range from $65 to $145. The company recently partnered with Amazon to launch the Keyona Heirloom Doll, currently on sale for $50.
TheMagic5
$55 to $65
TheMagic5 goggles, founded in 2017 by Bo Haaber and Rasmus Barfred and Niklas Hedegaard, make a thoughtful and functional gift for the swimmer, diver or water sports athlete who's ready to level up. The startup uses specialized software that scans an individual's face, and based on that scan, the goggles are created to perfectly fit the curvature line of the customer's eyes. The goggles come in two varieties: mirrored lenses, ideal for outdoor swimming; and non-mirrored lenses, ideal for indoor swimming or for outdoor swimming with minimal light exposure.
SpiiderGriip
$19.99
In need of a unique, versatile stocking stuffer that anyone on your shopping list will love? SpiiderGriip has got you covered. Founded in 2017, SpiiderGriip is grip that adheres to the back of your phone and rotates 360 degrees, allowing the user to hold the phone in a relaxed, natural way.
Phoozy Phone Protector
$29.99 to $49.99
Phoozy's thermal capsules are a great gift for the techie on your list. Founded in 2017 by Kevin Conway and Josh Inglis, Phoozy manufactures thermal capsules that prevent handheld electronics like cell phones, tablets and laptops from overheating in the sun and prolongs battery life in extreme cold. The capsules also float in water and provide military-grade drop protection. The startup struck a deal on ABC's "Shark Tank" earlier this year for its innovation.
OOLER Sleep System by ChiliSleep
From $799
Want to give that special someone in your life a restful night's sleep? ChiliSleep's OOLER Sleep System is the gift you're after. Founded by Tara and Todd Youngblood, the Mooresville-based company's product is a system that decreases body temperature to trigger deep sleep. The OOLER Sleep System is used by many players and teams throughout the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and National Hockey League.
HA! Snacks
From $18
Everyone loves a tasty treat, especially around the holidays, which is why HA! Snacks make a great stocking stuffer for the foodie in your life. Founded by Justin Wiesehan in 2017, HA! crisps are a high-protein, "healthier alternative" to traditional chips. Every flavor is gluten free, and all but Pizza Pie are vegan friendly. The crisps come in seven flavor-packed varieties — BBQ Sauce, Pizza Pie, Churro Loco, Cheddar Cheese, Rockin' Ranch, Sour Cream & Onion and Spicy Chili Lime.
Manakii
$70 per box
Make a conventional gift much more exciting with Manakii's mission-based, sustainable women's underwear. Sowmya Pelluru launched the startup earlier this year. The underwear is seamless, breathable and 90% biodegradable. A box of seven pairs is $70, and each purchase will ensure a women's shelter also receives a box. The underwear currently comes in one signature color — Manakii blue — three styles and seven sizes.
