I am more than guilty of caving into the convenience of Amazon, but I’ve made a promise with myself to only shop small this holiday season. Sure, I’ll miss the prime delivery and free shipping. And yes, the automation of the checkout is nice. But the opportunity to help small businesses survive this season ranks much higher on my priority list.
This guide is a compilation of the small shops of my personal friends, family and even some long lost acquaintances. A simple facebook post requesting ideas for gifts to feature elicited dozens of responses – making this, quite possibly, one of my favorite blog posts yet. On behalf of everyone featured, thank you. Thanks for choosing the little guy, for valuing the hustle, and supporting the dream.
When you support small business, you’re supporting a dream.
If you’re looking for a list of unique gift ideas with promo codes and discounts, then please visit my Promo Code Club page here. The club is continually evolving, so check back often to see what new deals have been added.
So, without further adieu…
TravelingFig’s 2020 Small Business Gift Guide
HOME GOODS
Rustic Marlin
I’ve been a long time fan of this South Shore MA wooden sign decor shop. And not just because my best friend works there :). Get your dad a sign for his man cave or your sis a cute personalized sign for her living room! Shop Rustic Marlin here
Jenny Chandler Art
If you’re looking for a wow gift, my friend Jenny makes unique one-of-a-kind canvas paintings. You can purchase one of her pieces or commission her for something special here
Harper House Co
For luxurious scented candles, candle accessories and fragrances check out Harper House Co. I, for one, always get giddy over a new candle! Shop here
Local Mystique
My cousin just opened up her very first store in downtown Plymouth, MA called local Mystique. Stop in to shop antiques, oddities, thrifts and art. Find out more here
Bavarian Barn
Everyone had that one friend growing up whose mother was Susie Homemaker. You know the kind of house where every inch was perfectly decorated and there was always something delightful baking in the oven? Well lucky for us, Mrs. Stanley decided to share her gifts with the world! Check out all of her home decor and special events pieces here
Ketchup Soup Handmade Goods
I love giving holiday ornaments – all of the sentiment without the burden of having to display a gift yearround. Browse my friend Stephanie’s shop to purchase a crotchet blanket or scarf or one of these cheeky F*ck 2020 ornaments. Shop here
South Shore Candles
Send the scent of New England with these affordable themed candles from South Shore Candles Company. Shop here
Creative Sparks
Give the gift of fine art photography. My friend Lisa has an impressive resume and even more remarkable shop of prints. Take a gander here
APPAREL + ACCESSORIES
Love All Things Fabulous
My favorite loungewear and comfy cozy dresses. The perfect quarantine gift for every chic chick on your shopping list. Shop here
The Kut
For your friend who dresses like everyday is NYFW, I bring you The Kut. My home-girl Karma’s Egyptian fashion line is seriously lustworthy. Shop here
Satva Living
For the yogi lover in your life, Satva Living makes comfy cozy sets perfect for on the mat or lounging at home. Browse here
Mimi Designs
Handmade jewelry from the shores of Hawaii using natural materials like stone and shells. Shop here
Blue Bird Knit
Everyone could use a new luxurious hand knit hat, right?! Shop my friend Amanda’s collection of knitting here
Maisel
Chic phone cases designed to build baby cognition. Perfect gift for your new Mama friends developed by my new mama friend, Kim! Shop here
Allison Cole Jewelry
Fun nautical rope jewelry perfect for your ocean loving bestie. Shop here
Candy Chains
Making masks fashionable since 2020. Candy chains sells chic handmade chains for masks and sunglasses. The perfect gift for your fashion-forward friend who has everything, made by my friend Alyssa. Shop here
After Sunset
Sustainable demure sleepwear for the friend who you can’t wait to have a sleepover with when COVID is over. Shop here
Sniffs
For the dog obsessed on your shopping list, purchase a matching hair tie and dog bandana from Sniffs. Shop here
Bohemian Blush
Unique mystical jewelry pieces for the most boho person on your shopping list. Shop here
LESSONS/PHOTOGRAPHY
Lauren Carter Vocal Coach
Give the gift of singing lessons to your sibling who always belts his heart out in the shower. My friend Lauren is available for in person in Los Angeles or virtually. She also teaches piano lessons. Learn more here
Burtwood School of Arts
My long lost (but not forgotten!) mentor Lorna Brunelle runs a theater in Massachusetts where she offers everything from singing and acting lessons to pageant preparation training. She’s currently offering classes virtually so you can purchase a gift card for friends near or far. Learn more here
Holly Lynch Photography
If you’re shopping for someone who lives in LA, chances are they’d like a new headshot – whether or not they’re an actor. My friend Holly delivers and her prices are competitive. Learn more here
Tim Sabatino Photography
Another photographer friend of mine, Tim, is a another wonderful choice. Check out his site here
BEAUTY/HEALTH
Juna CBD
My go to gift is a CBD product. I just feel that everyone who has tried CBD is a fan, and everyone who hasn’t is curious. I’ve got a whole list of some of my favorite CBDs here, but a new one in my lineup that I’m obsessing over is Juna CBD. Best of all? They’re organic. Shop here
Kamu Labs
Another favorite CBD of mine to gift is Kamu. Whether for your workaholic bestie who desperately needs a good nights sleep or that crazy dog mom in your life who would appreciate some pet CBD, you’ll find the perfect gift. Shop here
Quivr
For your coffee-snob family member, shop nitro cold brew cans and coffee scrubs from my friend Ash’s Boston based company Quivr. Shop here
Forza
For that gym obsessed friend of yours, shop Forza fitness bands from my friend Danielle’s sisters shop Here.
Ayla Beauty
This is no ordinary soap, this is a luxurious seaweed bath soak that comes in the most exquisite packaging. Perfect gift for every beauty indulgent person on your list. Shop here
Christina Bradley, Chiropractor
Give the gift of a chiropractor session to your pregnant sister or your always-complaining-about-back-pain dad. If you’re local to LA, check out my friend Christina’s practice here
Boku Superfoods
If you’re shopping for someone who is obsessed with health and wellness, give the gift of organic superfood powders by Boku. Shop here
Senza Gluten
I love giving the gift of breads and baked goods without the guilt. Senza Gluten is a gluten free bakery out of NYC. You can ship their goods across the US and they arrive frozen and ready to heat or store in the freezer. The best gift for someone GF on your list. Learn more here
MISFIT ISLAND
Rebel Boutique
Give the gift of a custom tumbler for your friend who’s never seen without her water bottle or ice coffee! Shop my friend Corinne’s store here
Chocolate Socks
My friend Holly wrote the cutest children’s book ever! Makes the perfect gift for giggle-prone kiddos. Order here
Blackedout Game
A multi-player card game created to celebrate Black Culture by my friend Dominique. Order here
Caroline’s Joy
For the health conscious mom in your life, purchase a Santa’s Almond Milk + gluten free cookie set here.
Electric Owl
If you’re shopping for an LA friend who sincerely misses the bar scene, or is just over cooking and could benefit from delicious delivery, check out my friend Eliana’s husband’s restaurant/bar Electric Owl. They have gift cards available here
Mountain Side Camp
It wouldn’t be a travel blog if I didn’t suggest the gift of travel, now would it? My friend Kim and her husband have the perfect cabin rental in New Hampshire for those looking for a peaceful respite. Check availability here
And that’s all folks! If you’d like to be included in this list, please comment below with a bit about your small business and a link to where we can learn more. Let’s build each other up this season <3
