Holiday Gift Guides 2023: Shopping Small Businesses

The holidays are just around the corner! The busiest time of year and if you’re like me, I’m frantically making lists of the people to buy for. We try to be pretty intentional with the amount and types of gifts we buy around the holidays, especially with our kids, and fully support shopping second hand when possible. I even wrote a full post about it a few years ago!

However, I know secondhand shopping isn’t always possible, so I wanted to come up with some ideas for the next best thing: small businesses. I gathered a bunch of ideas of things we have or have on our own lists. A lot of the items offered are customizable, which is such a thoughtful addition to any gift, in my opinion. So without further ado, my small business gift guides.

For Her:

Chinoiserie Mug – hello, this is my idea cup of tea. Monogram Sweatshirt – I love the subtle initial detail, it feels more elevated than the monograms of the last decade Cameo Earrings – need I say more? Wool Socks – I have reached the age where I’m actively asking for socks Custom Tote – this shop seems to have a sense of humor and is open to embroidering silly phrases on them. Mine might read, “mom stuff” or “brand name” Personalized Stationery – how darling is this? Vintage Style Bow – willing my hair to grow so I can rock this Quilted Jacket – On my list for forever! I love this green color!

For Him:

Leather Toiletry Bag – These are so clean looking! Food Order Dice – how funny is this? Good for a white elephant or a couple that struggle deciding what to eat each night (don’t ask me!) Personalized Stationary – comes in several color options! Gourmet Popcorn Seasonings – we love popcorn over here! Model Ship in a Bottle – what is the masculine urge to look at model ships like some kind of sixteenth century explorer? Ethan has one in his office, but I have to admit it IS cool. Accessory Box – keep ALL THE THINGS organized. Honestly men should just carry purses, it’s much easier. But this is the next best thing, I suppose. Vintage Style Golf Hat – So cool, right? Grilling Apron – it’s like an apron, but you know, for men.

For Kids:

https://rstyle.me/+jYsgU4yh_Ax6Iyy02asX1wPersonalized Name Puzzles – such a sweet gift for any baby to pre-school age kid Gumball Machine Kit – this is actually a set that you build yourself, my five year old would LOVE this. Name Sweaters – This shop carries these in sizes up to 5T Wooden Maze – this is such a cool gift idea! It’s also customizable on the back Name Apron – I bought these for my older two a few years ago, and my youngest is getting one this year. Such a great non-toy gift for kids who like to bake. Custom Friendship Bracelets – Elementary school age girls would love this! Neon Name Sign – imagine the cool kid status of a kid with a neon sign of their name in their room? I mean come on! Kaleidoscope Kit – this is a make it yourself set, which I love! Custom Pencils – would be a great stocking stuffer!

For Hosts/Teachers/Neighbors:

Custom Tea Towel – I had to throw some blue and white in here somewhere! Knit Throw Blanket – I don’t know about you, but I could always use another designated couch blanket Coffee Table Book Boxes – these are actually boxes to hide remotes and things in. I want some for myself! Concrete Tray – Pair with something homemade, and it’s an easy gift Personalized Cutting Board – I just love these for someone who loves to bake Beeswax Candles – the color options on this are lovely, and I love the ribbed detail Extra Long Matches – pair these elevated matches with a candle and it’s a super chic gift