Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday aren't just for traditional retailers. Startups are getting in on the act, as well.
In American Inno's first-ever national startup gift guide, we asked our reporters from across the U.S. to identify some unique offerings from promising upstarts. In this list you'll find an Oregon jacket startup that's good enough for astronauts, a crochet kit startup in North Carolina and a countertop cocktail maker in Chicago that whips up restaurant-quality drinks at home.
Dive into the full list below.
Oros' astronaut-approved jacket
For a high-tech twist on outerwear
Portland, Oregon-based startup Oros makes jackets and outerwear insulated with the same technology used in spacecraft and astronaut suits. In fact, its technology was part of a Blue Origin space mission to test how human cells hold up under intense heat. The startup received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense this year to use its apparel to keep U.S. soldiers warm in battle.
A countertop cocktail machine from Bartesian
A fancy cocktail machine for those who prefer to drink from the couch
Chicago startup Bartesian has created a Keurig-like machine for making cocktails. Its capsules can make drinks like an old fashioned, margarita, gin martini or a Long Island iced tea, with each pod offering the appropriate amount of bitters, extracts, juice concentrates and other ingredients needed to make the cocktail. The startup caught the eye of Oprah, who included the Chicago startup in her Favorite Things list in 2019. Actress Mila Kunis is also a fan, having joined the company’s board of advisers last year. Bartesian raised a $20 million funding round in 2021.
The Bartesian Cocktail Maker: $366
A crochet kit from Woobles
For the beginner crocheter
Woobles, a Durham, North Carolina-based startup, makes popular crochet training kits. The company, on track to do $7 million in revenue this year, develops kits that allow anyone to make crocheted creatures, like a narwhal or owl. The company appeared on Shark Tank earlier this year, landing a deal from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner.
Woobles Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle: $100
Satin-lined hoodies from Kin
For a cozy look that also protects your hair
Kin Apparel makes satin-lined hoodies designed to accommodate all hair types. Traditional hoodies are made with cotton, a material that absorbs the moisture in your hair, leaving it dry. Kin's satin material does the opposite, which helps retain moisture and reduce friction. The Philadelphia startup was on Shark Tank last year, landing a deal from Lori Greiner and guest judge Emma Grede — the CEO of apparel company Good American.
Green Kente Thin Pullover: $60
Coffee in a can from Atomo
For the environmentally conscious caffeine fiend
Based in Seattle, a city that's no stranger to coffee innovation, Atomo has created a beanless cold coffee drink. Made from upcycled ingredients that are typically discarded, such as date pits, Atomo's process requires 94% less water and emits 93% less carbon than traditional cold brew coffee. The startup raised $40 million this year in Series A funding.
Chopsticks turned office furniture and cheese boards from ChopValue
For a unique, sustainable twist on your kitchen and office gear
Boston startup ChopValue turns used chopsticks — typically destined for landfills — into furniture and other home goods. Its products include charcuterie boards, butcher blocks, coasters and even office furniture.
ChopValue Wine and Cheese set: $46.50
Jewelry from Jane Win
For an inspiring piece of bling
Known for its signature coin pendants, Philadelphia-based Jane Win launched with five designs. The signature coins are emblazoned on one side with a single word like “Love,” “Hope,” and “Strong” and on the other with a corresponding design. Its pieces are sold on Goop and at other retailers.
Balanance JW Original Pendant Coin: $278
Dog-themed shirts and hats from Doggy Issues
Ethical, sustainable and cheeky clothing for dog lovers
Louisville, Kentucky, clothing brand Doggy Issues makes gear for dogs and their owners who have a cheeky sense of humor. The startup makes bandanas for dogs and shirts for dog owners. Doggy Issues landed a deal with Chewy this year to sell its products.
Bluetooth handset from Banana Phone
For a white elephant gift sure to stand out
Tired of talking into your boring old smartphone? Try the Banana Phone, a bluetooth handset that pairs to your iPhone or Android device. The Buffalo, New York, startup appeared on Shark Tank this year and expects to do $1 million in sales in 2022.
Inclusive fits from Both& Apparel
Better fitting clothes for the trans and nonbinary communities
New Mexico startup Both& Apparel launched in 2020 with the goal of bringing high-quality clothing — with a proper fit — to the trans and nonbinary communities. The company, which wants to be the ‘Nike of the nonbinary generation,’ makes shirts, hoodies and more.
Both& Apparel Winter Pack: $110
Home painting from Pink Picasso Kits
An Oprah-approved paint kit
Pink Picasso Kits, a Birmingham, Alabama-based startup, makes paint by numbers kits that have caught the eye of several big names. The company appeared on Shark Tank last year, and was named to Oprah's Favorite Things list, along with appearances on "Good Morning America" and the “Kelly Clarkson Show.” It offers custom kits that allow you to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Custom Paint by Number Kit: $94
High-tech goggles from TheMagic5
For the super swimmer
TheMagic5, a high-tech custom swim goggle company, makes goggles that are made to measure to your face. Using face-scanning technology, the company says it can guarantee the perfect fit. Expanding beyond goggles, the company has leveraged its technology to create custom-fit virtual reality oculus headsets.
Stylish work boot from Xena
A better work boot for women
Milwaukee startup Xena makes work boots and apparel designed for women in STEM fields and the trades. Its steel-toed work boots are resistant to impact, compression, heat and chemicals.
Inclusive dolls from Healthy Roots Dolls
Toys that empower and inspire Black girls
Healthy Roots Dolls creates a line of multicultural dolls and storybooks. The company’s first product, Zoe, is a life-like, 18-inch vinyl doll, designed with authentic ethnic aesthetics and educational play. Zoe’s hair is made using a specially designed fiber that can be washed, braided and styled like real hair.
Yoga mat from Remember You Only Live Once
Exercise gear good enough for Oscar winners
Boston startup Remember You Only Live Once (R-YOLO) developed a machine washable, dryable and hypoallergenic yoga mat. The company was included in the luxury swag bag at the 2022 Oscars. R-YOLO's mat is made of three layers. On top is a woven towel imported from Turkey, which is attached to a non-slip rubber base by foam padding.
Pots and pans from Made In
Quality kitchen gear for foodies
Austin startup Made In makes a growing line of pans, knives, baking pans and cookwares. Backed by Alinea Group co-founders Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas and other investors in the tech and food space, the startup has been named one of TIME magazine’s best inventions.
Scooter from Phat Scooters
For an e-scooter that stands out
Phoenix electric scooter startup Phat Scooters makes a sure-to-stand-out ride that travels up to 20 miles per hour with a 50-mile range. Designed for the golf course or for personal rides, Phat Scooters gained popularity after Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray gifted his offensive linemen scooters in 2020.
Running mittens from WhitePaw RunMitts
For the cold-weather runner
Baltimore startup WhitePaw RunMitts makes mittens for runners that can keep your fingers warm while letting you flip the top off when you're ready to cool down. The startup landed a partnership with REI last year and plans to be in dozens stores this winter.
A live video call with Santa from Cameo
For the little ones on your list
This Christmas season you can book a live video call with Santa himself thanks to Chicago startup Cameo. The 10-minute call can accommodate up to 10 people, so bring the whole family to watch Santa deliver some virtual Christmas cheer.
Live video call with Santa: $99
Robot shoes from Shift Robotics
For those who want to walk at the speed of a run
Pittsburgh startup Shift Robotics recently unveiled its Moonwalkers, which the company says are the "world's fastest shoes." The device fits onto your shoes and allows you to walk a mile in half the time it would normally take. The device has an onboard control system that can detect an individual’s current gait to make real-time adjustments that lead to an increased walking speed. It's like having a moving walkway on your feet, the company says. You'll have to pre-order this gift, however, as the product hit Kickstarter last month.
