Small businesses have been hit particularly hard during the pandemic with many struggling to stay afloat. So while I’m still doing some of my holiday shopping at large retailers, I’m paying special attention to the ways I can support smaller ones this holiday season.
Luckily, today is dedicated to doing just that. It’s called “Small Business Saturday” and it’s an annual shopping day that encourages people to shop local.
How To Shop Small Business Saturday
I find it helpful to ask friends and family about their favorite local businesses. Buying local can be tremendously helpful and it’s easy to purchase a gift card to show you care.
I’m also discovering ways in which I can give back to small businesses online. Nowadays, plenty of smaller companies have internet-based stores — either through sites like Amazon and Etsy, or through a personal web page.
This makes it easy to find what you need and it’s also helpful if your favorite local businesses are closed for in-person shopping.
In the mood to shop small? Here are some of my favorite holiday gifts I found online — all sourced from small businesses.
*Post contains affiliate links.
Gifts For Her From Small Businesses
I’m excited to share an exciting gift idea from a small business that is also the first Just Jill branded product!!
I’m thrilled to be working with a small woman owned business called Luxe Bloom this holiday season.
I met the owner, Shelley Rosen, years ago when I was working at QVC. I was (and still am) fascinated by the beautiful preserved rose and flower designs Shelley and her team create for her customers and for luxury hotels and prestige retailers around the world.
Luxe Bloom arrangements never need watering. They are REAL roses that stay looking beautiful and fresh for up to a year in your home with no care and no watering.
Imagine giving the gift of real roses that last for such a long time with zero maintenance. Now you know why I love this product so much!
I really created the petit holiday with all of you in mind. I selected the most gorgeous shade of deep red for the rose, placed it in a hobnail silver mercury glass votive, and accented it with a touch of moss and a sheer champagne ribbon.
From an elegant accessory to your holiday dining table to a pretty pop of color by your desk as you work from home, I hope this limited edition design for Luxe Bloom makes you smile every time you see it.
And just think, when all of your other holiday decorations are put away, you can keep this Luxe Bloom rose out through the gray days of winter to enjoy!
I think of the petit holiday rose as jewelry for your home. But if you’re wanting to shop for actual jewelry, I have a few finds there too!
I adore all of the personalized gifts you can find from small businesses. That’s why I highlighted a few of my favorite custom pieces, accessories and style items below.
One of my close friends purchases from this small business and just adores the products. These Tom Design Rings are simple, classic and you can personalize them with anything you’d like.
If you’re on the lookout for a traditional Leather Tote Bag, you might want to take a look at this one from a store called In Blue. It’s made with genuine leather and has a few internal pockets for those little things like lip balm or hand sanitizer.
The best part about this small business is that they donate 50 meals to food banks nationwide with each bag purchase.
Dainty jewelry is extremely popular right now, but you don’t have to go to a department store to find a cute piece. This necklace from HoneyCat comes in rose gold, gold or silver, and it’s decorated in petite crystals.
When the weather cools down, hair can break and dry out. These Silk Satin Hair Scrunchies act as protection against damage thanks to the super soft material.
I adore this chunky Knit Scarf and love that it comes in multiple colors! It’s from a small business called Yarn Island and each one is handmade with smooth, acrylic yarn.
Small Business Items For Him
Make the holiday meaningful with a gift from a new or unique company. Some of these items are a bit quirky, but some are also super useful!
Make eating fun with this mug from Maxi’s Creations. You can purchase it on Amazon, but it’s created by a young entrepreneur named Max who strives to create and innovate, despite battling dyslexia. Such a neat story.
Does the man in your life have some crazy facial hair? Give him this Honeysuckle Beard Balm which will moisturize and thicken his beard almost instantly. It’s also made in Boulder, Colorado!
These Customized Dog Socks are one of the cutest gifts I’ve seen all season. Just submit a picture of your furry friend and Pet Party Co, a small business from Oregon, will create a pair of fun socks for your loved one.
Busy dad? Gift him this Personalized Docking Station which holds keys, a phone, a wallet and more. You can even customize it with his name.
Traveling is at bay right now, this Dopp Kit Travel Bag might come in handy for the man who likes to fly. CKR Leather creates these genuine leather bags and even offers free personalization.
If you don’t have a pup to put on a pair of socks, you can still give your husband, dad or grandfather these Colorful Socks from a small business called You Sox. Each pack of four is made with high-quality combed cotton for extra softness.
Kid Gifts From Small Businesses
You may see commercials for the newest toys on the market. However, some of the most unique gifts come from small businesses. Take a look at some I found for babies, toddlers and young kids!
This Wood Store Gifts Toy Truck is for the small builder on your list. It includes a truck, figurines and blocks made with multiple types of wood.
Finding jewelry for little wrists can be tough. But, this Petite Name Bar Bracelet looks perfect for any young girl this holiday season. It comes personalized and plated in 16-carat gold, rose gold or silver.
This Rainbow Name Puzzle doubles as a toy and decor. You can get it from Busy Puzzle which is a small business run by a busy mother from the Ukraine. All you have to do is choose your letters, colors and she will make you a personalized puzzle for the holidays!
This adorable Indoor Teepee Tent will brighten the eyes of any child on your list this season. It has two windows, a canvas exterior and it comes with star string lights.
Everyone needs a good pair of Christmas PJs! This Pajama Set comes from a small business called Go Pajama Party — a company that makes the most adorable sleep sets for any kid in your life.
Small Business Gifts For The Family
While browsing the web, I found a few good gift options for the entire family. Here are some of my favorites for your extended family, friends or your neighbors!
This Custom Metal Name Sign is a classic decor piece that can be used in a dining room, in the living room or in an entryway. I like that it’s sourced in the United States and that it’s made with high-quality steel.
You know how much I love throw pillows and blankets which is why I love these Decorative Knitted Cushion Covers. They come in multiple colors from grey to cream, and they’re sure to add some coziness to any room.
Give this rustic gift to anyone who wants some custom decorations in their home. The Qualtry Personalized Lantern comes in multiple styles and it’s made by a small business in Logan, Utah.
Fiesta night, anyone? These Ceramic Appetizer Bowls are bound to be the perfect dinner addition. They come in a set of four and each one is hand painted — making them extra special!
There’s nothing wrong with finding gifts from your go-to retailers, but if you have the means to shop local this year, I’m sure the small businesses will be grateful. What local companies do you love to support?
From my home to yours,
Jill
See more gifting ideas here:
– Baking and Cooking Gifts For The Chef In Your Life
– My Favorite Food Gifts For The Holidays
– Fun Family Pajamas For The Holidays
