Small Business Gift Guide 2020
As we approach the holiday season I’ve felt even more inclined to ramp up my support of favorite small businesses. Whether local or on-line, I have a tried and true list of businesses that I continually support when the opportunity arises. I’m planning to show up for for #smallbusinesssaturday on Saturday, November 28, and invite you to do the same, as you’re able! Here’s a sampling of some favorite shops and gift ideas for your holiday shopping lists.
(1) VERT BEAUTY (DENVER, CO): I have hardly touched my make-up bag since March; making an exception for a swipe of Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jaws when I just want to feel a smidge fancy for absolutely no reason at all. The perfect gift for a fellow beauty-junkie and bonus points for Kosas being a clean beauty brand. Vert is chock full of clean beauty brands that I love, such as Coola, Ilia, Kosas, LEAHLANI, RMS Beauty (holy grail product: Living Luminizer), and Tata Harper.
(2) MEGMADE FURNITURE & DECOR (CHICAGO, IL): I’ve been a long-time follower of MegMade, wishing I could commit to purchasing furniture without seeing it in person. It’s a problem I have and can’t seem to get beyond; fear of making a poor choice and having buyer’s remorse. They do a fabulous job restoring old furniture, which speaks to me on so many levels. I’m sure my husband wishes it didn’t, seeing as how I have two salvaged pieces in my garage just waiting for me to muster some inspiration. In any case, this summer during a road-trip I added this kitschy little gold hare as a candy bowl in our kitchen simply because it makes me smile. M&Ms out of a snazzy gold animal figurine sparks joy; it’s where we’re at these day, folks! They also have a dashing fox. Perfect for someone that has everything and is always looking for a good conversation piece.
(3) FLOWERS FOR DREAMS (MIDWEST): They have a small little shop in Parker’s Alley behind the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, so you can imagine my surprise when I learned that they also have operations across the midwest; including the cutest flower truck in Chicago. So many great gift options here: Virtual wreath making workshops, with the materials shipped right to your door. Schedule a fun happy hour event, making a beautiful holiday wreath! They also offer a subscription service; either pre-made bouquets or DIY bundles in your choice of several intervals. And finally, a holiday classic, a timeless evergreen wreath. There is a great give back story here, with 25% of net profits donated to local charities. I was truly impressed by their contributions for a small business organization; give it a read or watch them on the Today Show.
(4) BOULDER BOOK STORE (BOULDER, CO): Exactly what you’d expect from a bookstore that’s been around since 1973, It’s warm and cozy and filled with character from floor to ceiling. I love wandering the aisles, warm beverage in hand, reading staff recommendations, and scooping up new books. As part of my personal challenge to read 20 Books in 2020, I just completed my 25th book. Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, and Troubles in Paradise, a trilogy by Elin Hilderbrand, all showed up big-time for me this year and provided that tropical beach escape I am yearning for. They were the ultimate chick-lit/beach read and perfect for anyone who enjoys escaping via a story. A little love and a little suspense rolled up with some sand and sun. We’re all guilty of the free 2 day shipping by the big boxes, but support your small local book shop whenever possible!
(5) SYDNEY HALE CO. (RICHMOND, VA): I discovered this company years ago while visiting a friend in St. Louis who had one of their candles burning. Being a rescue dog Mom and advocate for “Adopt Don’t Shop,” Sydney Hale Co. gets bonus points as I greatly appreciate 10% of their profits going to animal rescue organizations. They also make some darn cute gear for your favorite pup. I’ve been purchasing the Fig + Vanilla as a gift for years and it’s my personal go to candle, no matter the time of the year. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, the beautiful Luma & Co. (Orange County, CA) Hand-Blown Glass Candle Holder would make a perfect compliment to the candle. It has been on my wish list for some time; I can never catch it in stock though.
(6) REEVE WINES (HEALDSBURG, CA): Disclaimer: I’m a wine club member here. Although, if you get the chance to pay them a visit someday I bet you might become one too! The type of winery experience where you want to sit all day and never leave, it’s just so darn beautiful. Their tasting room is hip, their patio and grounds are gorgeous, lunch is fabulous, the wines are unique, and the owners are a super cool young family that you just want to be friends with. Right now, my friends and I are very much enjoying their Libertine No. 4 Red. They do beautiful holiday packaging with $10 shipping, as well. Check it out for any wine loving friends who would appreciate trying something they can’t find in their local wine shop.
(7) TAL & BERT (PITTSBURGH, PA): My newest COVID inspired hobby is that of a “Plant Mama” to several new “Plant Babies” as I jokingly refer to them. Don’t ask; I’m not sure why. I’m home 24/7 now, so why not? I’ve collected up numerous lovely planters from Urban Garden (Louisville, CO) and Rebel GR (Grand Rapids, MI), but this beautiful “Geode Vessel” is on my wish list so I can continue to add to my collection. Also this Blush and Gold beauty from EfongYeeStudio (Denver, CO). Pair it with a hardy succulent and beautiful mister for a happy gift for just about anyone. No green thumb needed to keep succulents alive.
(8) BLISS (BOULDER, CO): My OG of local gift shops; honestly the first and only option we had for some time. We’re fortunate now to have so many local options, but Bliss has the most beautiful seasonal window displays and carries something for everyone. From an extensive card collection to candles, housewares, baby items, apothecary, and more. Since puzzles seem to be hard to come by, I already picked up a beautiful Cavallini National Parks Puzzle as a Christmas gift this year. I spotted some beautiful holiday themed Michael Storrings puzzles in a South Haven, MI boutique while on a weekend road-trip this summer and the 500 piece size has proven to be perfect; snatch one of those up if you come across it. I didn’t even think we were “people who do puzzles,” but alas in month 8 of COVID, here we are churning them out!
(9) THE FOGGY DOG (SAN FRANCISCO, CA): In our family, the pets are never forgotten by Santa. I like to include a little something for the host’s dog when we attend a holiday party and these festive bandanas would be perfect. Our dog Ries just might find this pretty Sunny Days Dog Collar under the tree this year as well. Foggy Dog is another small business that makes my heart happy; half a pound of food is donated to an animal rescue shelter with every order. Our pets have been a saving grace through COVID, treat them!
(10) PASTA JAY’S (BOULDER, CO): Probably our most frequented establishment; just a casual yet lively Italian spot where in normal times we prefer to take two stools at the bar for dinner, over a table. Although we aren’t exactly “regulars,” it’s been fun to see who is, through the years. We have been getting familiar with them, as everyone seems to assume their same position on the same day of the week. It’s that kind of a place. We’ve long hand-carried their delicious sauces home to my family in Michigan, who have enjoyed many a meal while visiting us through the years. Just recently, they established an on-line shop so everyone can enjoy Pasta Jay’s sauces from the comfort of their own kitchen. We’d recommend Marinara or Tomato Cream as our favorites. I am so worried about the possibility that many restaurants may not survive these times, and it makes me sad. When we think about what we’d like to do when visitors come to town, 80% of our list seems to be all of the fabulous restaurants and bars we want to take them to! Another post for another day. The culinary options that we enjoy are a HUGE part of what makes living in the Boulder/Denver area so fabulous. Wherever you live, support your local restaurants by purchasing gift certificates combined with local restaurant products for your loved ones. Who doesn’t love a night off from the kitchen to enjoy some carry-out?
(11) ALCHEMY FACE BAR (BOULDER, CO): I am so longing for any sort of spa treatment, especially at this chic little facial spot that I so enjoy treating myself to from time to time. I will be forever grateful for the day that the esthetician introduced me to Sorella Apothecary’s Avocado Lip Oil Hydrator. I’m never without it and it has been my saving grace for dry winters in particular. If we were having our annual ladies “Favorite Things” gift exchange this year, it was going to be my item!
What are some of your favorite small businesses? Brick and mortar or on-line marketplace. Please share!
