Let me guess…you’re here to shop small businesses for the holidays! I’m so excited to welcome you to my 2020 gifting guide. This post is in partnership with wedding planner and designer Sarah from Kindred Weddings & Events!

First, I need to share some general tips when it comes to holiday shopping from small businesses.

Tips on Shopping Small Businesses

1. Plan ahead! Many small business are just that: small. As business owners, we have limited quantities of special, handmade goods in stock for you to purchase. I highly recommend starting your shopping from small businesses in November (aka, right now!) so you can find what you want and get it in time for the holidays.
2. Replace Amazon with Etsy or Ebay. Yup, heard me right! Most of the items you can find on Amazon are easily available elsewhere. Before you go prime, check with online listings of experienced artisans! Chances are, you’ll find the same product within budget but at much higher quality. Plus, who doesn’t love having something one-of-a-kind?!
3. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask! One of the huge benefits of shopping from small businesses is that you have direct access to a real live person who would love to answer any questions about their products or services. If something isn’t in stock, they’ll be able to tell you when the restock will occur. If they don’t sell what you want, then ask them why not! They just might take your suggestion and turn it into a beautiful gift.

Where to Shop This Holiday Season (or honestly, whenever)

O Soy Candles – a mama-owned business creating quality, small batch soy candles, hand-crafted in California!

Gaucho Goods – online vintage shop donating 10% of each sale to a good cause

Shealeen Louise – watercolor artist accepting custom commissions and selling prints, tapestries, and other home decor

The Rebrand Skincare – sustainable, clean beauty products made in refillable packaging

Lido Village Books – my seaside local bookstore!

Elate Cosmetics – Vegan and cruelty-free beauty products

Val Marie Paper – Practical prayer tools and actionable content that equips women to cut through the noise of everyday life

Urban Intellectuals – Black History flashcards

Fern Plant Shop – Online plant shop with accessories 

Elizabeth’s Bookshop – Online bookshop + writing center designed to amplify and celebrate marginalized voices

Lola Jane – Minimalist, botanical products for the whole family

Onderkast Studio – Paper and things, letterpress and design

Folia Collective – Indoor plant store with stylish goods for plants and plant lovers

Pact Clothing – Cozy, sustainable, and ethical fashion

Well Known – Questions designed to help prompt meaningful conversation and know your friends and family deeper

Finally, drop a comment if you shop small businesses for the holidays OR if you can recommend other small businesses for us to shop!