Small Business Shopping Guide
Support Small Business this holiday season.
We’ve all been there. It’s a week out to Christmas and you still have half your list to shop for. Enter Amazon. I’m not hating… this is me many times. As a first hand offender, I know this feels rushed, and irresponsible, and I end up getting crap I wouldn’t normally purchase. I have a solution.
At the beginning of the year I create a new note in my phone of everyone I have to shop for that year. Throughout the year I make notes of ideas and inspiration for each person so when the time comes to shop, I’ve already thought it through and have multiple ideas. I’ve found it helps when I get down to the wire and panic (dramatic, I know, but I feel the pressure). Have you ever gotten someone a GREAT gift and been so excited to give it to them on Christmas because you know they’ll love it!? I genuinely love that feeling, but it takes time.
To help you be intentional with our purchases this holiday, I’ve put together a list of small businesses to shop from. Enjoy! And know that with each purchase you are giving life to someone’s dream.
Drift Market
Amazing talent and incredible products. Handmade one -of-a-kind jewelry. She is also a dear friend and I would buy all of her products if I could.
Jennifer McGuire Ink
Jennifer is your go to for all things crafty. She has many sales on her site for crafty world.
MakerMeans
MakerMeans is a new business for ecommerce supp
Mushie
Baby items. The dreamiest colors. We own the bib and pacifiers.
Dear Mushka
Jewelry - some prints + apparel. Can’t say enough good things about this business. So intentional. A lot of great occasion to treat someone else.
Letterfolk
The letterboard geniuses. But they have a lot more curated items on their site, as well. I have the 18x24” letterboard (black with wood trim) and I love it. Great quality – so well made.
Walker Family Goods
Travel bags. The cutest vintage inspired bags. They are a family-owned business that travels the country. Their goal is to have each member pack their bag simply and enjoy life together. We have 2 backpacks and a hip bag. I cannot speak more highly of the quality! Amazing, fun colors. And they just came out with a lunch bag – how fun.
Ruth Chou Simmons
This woman speaks to me through a screen. She is so grounded and is clearly filled with such wisdom. She has so many prints and beautiful watercolors. She now has multiple books out and beautiful calendars.
Robert & Stella
AMAZING art prints + calendars. Her botanical flat lays are MIND. BLOWING. Go check out her shop and follow her on instagram.
Solly
Baby wraps. The most beautiful and elegant wraps. They are unbelievably soft and so sweet to hold your little ones in. We have the taupe with plus signs. It’s a game-changer with little babes.
Little Unicorn
Swaddle blankets + more. Each of my kids have muslin blankets that they’ve had since they were little. I would swaddle them up so tight. They have the cutest prints now (almost makes me want to have more babies just for the blankets…almost).
Lindsay Letters Co.
Fine art and lettered canvases. You might ask, “Liz why would you share someone who sells the same thing as you?” Great question internet friend… because she’s the master. Everything she creates is gold. They have such a variety of prints and canvases, frames, whiteboards, apparel. You name it. I can speak highly of the quality.
Juniper Print Shop
Physical and downloadable prints. The curated shop Jenny Komenda has put together is breathtaking. So many gorgeous options it would be hard to choose. Love the option of a downloadable print + vintage frame to add something special to a gift. You can’t go wrong with anything from this shop.
Loveall Designs
Hand painted custom items. Bibles to give as gifts, stickers, etc. Beautiful aesthetic.
Auburn Hoops
The original embroidery frame. This is a modern embroidery hoop + frame. Chelsea is a dear friend and they have invented an amazing product. A beautiful and functional embroidery hoop that doubles as a beautiful frame for your piece of art.
HazelMade
Illustrated paper and home goods. Susan has such a beautifully refined aesthetic. She has organic illustration collections that translate to paper, home goods, tea towels. Every collection is beautiful and such high quality.
Jayni_by_design
Baked goods. This woman keeps it real and is such a fun follow. She is so talented and has started offering her baked goods locally. Don’t miss out.
Compass
Coffee shop. A great option to gift a friend or family member for a coffee date together, or a pick me up for themselves. Located in Akron, OH (Middlebury), this coffee shop supports the community. It is a program of The Well CDC. They also have local merch, breakfast, and lunch options. Amazing people and cause to support.
Artisan Coffee
Coffee shop + roastery. If you’ve been to my Intro to Lettering Workshop, you’ve been to this gem of a place in Ellet, OH. Delicious coffee, pastries, and lunch options. When you’re figuring out what to order, think of me, because I lettered those menu boards. Such a fun project. Great humans run this beautiful space.
Heartwood Coffee Roasters
Coffee shop. Locations in Chagrin Falls and Hudson, OH. Another great spot to grab coffee with a friend or for yourself. Hoping to host future workshops here as a new location.
Porch Culture Coffee Roasters
Coffee roasters + delivery + subscriptions. These humans are the real deal. So kind and genuine and make a delicious bean. This is the only coffee I drink black so far in my life. What a review. Best part is, you can order a subscription so coffee just shows up at your door like the gift you didn’t know you needed. A great gift option for the holidays. I also created their logo, so they hold a near and dear spot in my heart.
Oak Leaf Pottery
Pottery. I have tea cups from them I received as a gift, and they are SO beautiful. So well made and gorgeous everyday ware.
Gifted Hands Artisan Soap
Hand soaps + lotions. Javela has mastered her craft of soap making. Her soaps are all so beautiful, this would be a sure win for even those pesky people to buy for on your list. Aunt Gladys... we’re looking at you.
Schlea Studios
Fine art. Painting & illustration. Grace is a master painter and illustrator. I could watch her paint for days. She does some commissioned work and originals. Such a special gift.
Anderung Design
Fine art & custom interior curating. I’m amazed by fine artists. They mesmerize me. Bethany is such a talent and her heirloom pieces would be a definite win for the holidays.
Gardener of Bath
Unique gifts. This brick and mortar shop is a sweet gem in Bath, OH. Heather does a great job of curating such unique gifts for all. Guaranteed you can find something for everyone on your list there. I obv love the stationery and paper.
KT Creative
Lettering + Prints + custom pieces. Katie has a simplicity that is elegant. She would be a great option for a custom sentimental piece. Think recipes, vows, lyrics. Surprise your loved ones with something thoughtful.
Daisy Pop Cake Pops
Cake Pops. What else?! Name me one person who doesn’t like a cake pop. I’ll wait…
These are delicious and can be customized. Won’t you be the talk of the (very safe) gathering when you walk in with these adorable cake pops for all?! You’re welcome.
Get to Work Book
Planners and goal-setting tools. I have used this planner for years. Along with her notepads, poster, and her new book. She has a way about her that makes you dream bigger and work to get that ish done. I’ve been following Elise for years and would back most everything she puts out there.
PHNX
Running shorts. They create “quality products designed for movement.” Their vision is to equip people to live their lives in motion in every season. How great is that? I needed these for my fluctuating body the last 7 years of my life. This is a business started by an amazing human, Taylor. I love the idea behind this.
Dash Designs Shop
Doggie bandanas. The owner is a former teammate. She makes such fun designs for your pup. Don’t forget those furry friends.
Sweet Evelyn Bakery
Baked goods. Evelyn is 15, but honestly that’s not even worth mentioning, because she is such a talent in the kitchen. She is already a seasoned chef. Because of her personal journey with food allergies, she has adapted her recipes to include dairy free, gluten free options.
DeLiberato’s Bakery
Bakery. This family owned business specializes in gluten free baked goods. But the delicious kind where you don’t know they’re any different. They are such kind humans and will make you look like the star come Christmas. You can also find some of their treats at Artisan Coffee (listed above).
enCourage Co.
Design + Lettering + shop - prints, canvases, cards, downloadable prints. I guess I should include myself, huh? You already know I exist, because you’re here, but I may as well direct you to my shop while you’re here. If you have questions about design or lettering services don’t hesitate to ask! Pull up a chair, stay awhile.
I hope this round-up was helpful to fulfill your holiday checklists, but also to introduce you to some amazing new people. You can follow them all at the links above. Shopping small is so helpful to us as small businesses and to our economy right now.
Think small. Give big.
That concludes my list of places I personally know, follow intentionally, and/or have purchased directly from. Below are some additional places others have suggested. Give them all the love.
