My small business holiday shopping list
As a small business owner, I personally know the feeling of pure JOY when that “order notification” bings on my phone. I have all notifications off and barely answer a phone call, but I have order notifications on and smile every time I see one flash across my screen.
It’s safe to say that an order from a small business can very well make someone's day. But the perks go far beyond bringing a smile to someone's face.
Shopping small is usually the greener way to shop too, a way to find unique and personalized items, and is great for the economy.
Which are you more proud of to say, “Hey I found these cute earrings for you at Target!” OR…. “I found this amazing small business who makes HANDMADE clay earrings, I instantly thought of you and ordered them right away!”
The second one, of course!
Let’s take a dive into my favorite small businesses I’ll be shopping from this year!
Yes, I do shop from my own store for the holidays - this is actually how my business started. I made bath bombs for friends and family and the positive feedback is what sparked me to sell them on my website. Instead of big box stores with chemical filled bath products, shop the all natural, handmade, essential oil infused options at Liv Holistic.
Handmade clay earrings that are lightweight and can be styled with any outfit. Joshelyn started making earrings during the lockdown and started selling them on Etsy. I ordered a few earrings from her, each came with a handwritten note saying thank you (the small business touch that we all love!). I have sensitive skin, and the earrings didn’t bother my skin at all - they’re lightweight, cute, and unique!
Sustainably sourced coconut oil that literally melts in your hands. Coconut oil is something I use on my skin DAILY; it hydrating, nourishing, and mixes great with essential oils. Coco Oli is by far my favorite brand to shop coconut oil based products - she makes pure oil, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and gift sets.
Boobie mugs, plant holders, regular mugs, macrame plant holders, and macrame ornaments are all handmade by Coral. Coral is living in Brooklyn working as a social worker while managing her small business inbetween. I have a few of her products, and let me just say - my plants have never looked cuter in their homes made by Coral.
I ordered from Clove and Cloth multiple times. She's a boutique style clothing shop, and everything I ordered fit true to size and great quality. Everytime I wear a piece of clothing I bought from Clove and Cloth, I get a compliment or two! Audreys believes, “that when we feel good, we do good. I also believe that feeling good about what you wear shouldn't break the bank, which is why I try my best to make all of my clothes affordable for everyone.”
Lots of people ask me what a good, nontoxic candle brand is, and honestly - there are lots of great brands! Beeswax candles tend to be the cleanest with soy wax candles scented with essential oils coming in second place. I came across Aire Candles on Etsy, they make organic pure beeswax candles - they’ll make the PERFECT gift for that person who has everything.
What’s your favorite small business?
