The Small Business Gift Guide
Well, it’s officially here. No, I’m not talking about the holiday season, that’s been here my friends! I’m talking about the shopping season. If you’re anything like me then you have countless memories waking up at the crack of dawn to go shopping on Black Friday and get started on that year’s Christmas list. While it’s been a few years since I’ve sacrificed my sleep for the holiday that is Black Friday shopping, I still find myself diving into the weekend of sales concluding on Cyber Monday. Not that I often pull the plug and actually purchase the items I’ve added to cart but a girl can dream ya know?
That being said, holiday shopping is officially upon us and this year is proving to be a bit unique with production and shipping delays affecting just about all industries. Personally, I already feel behind on my holiday shopping and am a bit apprehensive to order anything online after the first week of December. However, we do still have time to make our lists and check them twice and I wanted to help you prepare for the best Christmas yet.
Instead of a bunch of gift guides for various people in your life, I’ve decided to focus on featuring some small businesses that I love. As someone who wants to have their own small business someday (I guess I kind of do already, huh?) I am extremely passionate about supporting small businesses. When you support a small business, you validate someone’s dream and that’s something special. Support someone’s dream this holiday season (and every season really) and shop small!
I’ve split the small businesses featured into various categories to help you navigate and find what you’re looking for this holiday season. If you end up supporting any of the businesses below, drop me a note at caseyk@almostfabulousme.com. I would love to hear what you found!
Fashion
Aligrace - The queen of custom Levi’s. Truth be told this is at the top of my personal Christmas list and while it may seem difficult to get a friend or family member’s measurements and style desires this Holiday season, it’s worth it! It may not be much of a surprise but it’s surely a gift that the recipient will have in their closet for years to come.
Fashion Rewind - One of my favorite new discoveries since being home in Sacramento has been Fashion Rewind Trading Co. in the Fair Oaks Village. The owner, Carrie, has an incredible eye for new and used fashion and her prices can’t be beat. While she doesn’t have an online presence yet (aside from Instagram!), I would highly recommend popping in to see her should you find yourself in the Fair Oaks Village area.
The Mayfair Group - In a time when athleisure and matching sweatsuits has taken the fashion world by storm, The Mayfair Group, has emerged as a fan favorite. With bright colors, eye catching designs and a positivity first approach, you can‘t go wrong with a sweatshirt or sweats from Mayfair.
The Moth Hole - Sacramento will always be home and after relocating back home due to the pandemic and working from home, I have re-immersed myself in all the amazing vintage, consignment and antique shops in my hometown, including The Moth Hole. I grew up shopping at The Moth Hole with my mom and it’s still one of my favorite go-to destinations for new and used apparel and accessories. They also have great gift items for the holiday season! You can shop The Moth Hole in person or online.
Nicole Hamburger Personal Styling - I had the pleasure of working with Nicole back in October when I attended the Austin City Limits Music Festival. It was toward the end of our Van Life expedition so I didn’t have access to my traditional shopping destinations. She was able to provide some amazing options and styling support for my weekend of looks. While I have a very specific sense of style, Nicole was such an amazing partner in curating incredible looks and helping me track down pieces that I will have in my closet forever. She offers an array of services on her website so be sure to check it out when selecting a meaningful experience for the fashion lover in your life.
Trouve Moi Vintage - Based in Austin, Texas, Trouve Moi Vintage has an eye for the most incredible vintage pieces that are sure to make a statement in your wardrobe. Give her a follow on Instagram or check out her Etsy shop to find the perfect gift for the fashion-obsessed in your life.
Gifts
All Things Lilly Ann - All Things Lilly Ann is a creative’s dream! With everything from apparel to office supplies and all the fun things in between, All Things Lilly Ann offers the cutest knick-knacks sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
AirBnb Experiences - Personally, I am a big fan of experiential gifts. It feels like the gift that keeps on giving if you ask me! AirBnb Experiences is a great platform to gift a loved one a once in a lifetime experience plus it supports local creatives in the area who may be leading that particular experience. You don’t have to travel somewhere exotic to participate in unique experiences either!
Bookshop.Org - Instead of running to Barnes and Noble or Amazon this holiday season, order from Bookshop. Not only does Bookshop offer some incredible gift ideas and suggestions but part of the proceeds from each purchase goes toward supporting local bookstores. If ordering from Bookshop I would recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later as they pull books from bookstores across the country and thus shipping can take a bit longer.
Content Confidante - Earlier this year I invested in an online class with The Content Confidante to up-level my strategy and presence on social media with my personal brand, Almost Fabulous Me. It was the absolute best investment! If there’s someone in your life who needs support when it comes to building their brand on social media, I highly recommend gifting a session with Veronica at The Content Confidante.
Farmgirl Flowers - This women-owned company is home to some of the most spectacular floral arrangements I’ve ever seen. Forget the traditional arrangements you see on some of the big-box, go-to flower destinations and consider ordering from Farmgirl Flowers this season.
Jamie Lee Reardin Fashion Illustrations - While it can feel like a particularly challenging gift to give, I think art is such a special and unique present especially if it means supporting local artists. Jamie Lee Reardin is a favorite of mine and she has some incredible prints and hand-painted ornaments even in her shop!
Juneshine - Wine is always the go-to gift for those on your list whom you’re not sure what to get but what about hard kombucha?? I would definitely recommend ensuring the recipient likes kombucha as it’s an acquired taste but if they do then consider supporting Juneshine - a “lighter, brighter, buzz.” My personal favorite flavor? Grapefruit Paloma!
Junk Gypsy - A must-visit every time we’re in Round Top, Texas, Junk Gypsy is a great destination for gift items for your home and closet. Each piece is a conversation starter!
Nowhere Bakery - Another incredible women-owned business, Nowhere Bakery has some of the most delicious desserts out there. Made with cleaner, better-for-you ingredients, Nowhere Bakery offers healthier treats without skipping out on any of the incredible taste. Make sure you get your orders in sooner rather than later (and pay attention to shipping cut-offs!) before the last-minute holiday scramble.
The Hello, Fears Journal: A 100-Day Journal for Self-Discovery - If you haven’t read Michelle Poler’s book “Hello, Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant to Be,” I highly recommend starting there and adding to your cart immediately. Or pick up both as a GREAT gift package this holiday season. Nevertheless, ”Hello, Fears” is one of the most fun and captivating books I read this year. This newly released journal gives individuals the chance to “break free of fear without needing to be fearless, with 100 challenges that will crush your comfort zone and shine a motivational light on who you’re meant to be.”
The Little Market - Home to an incredible array of gifts, The Little Market is an incredible and purpose-driven destination to shop this holiday season. Did you know that each purchase supports local artisans around the world? Make a difference this holiday season by shopping The Little Market. I promise you can find something for everyone on your list.
The Tool for Writer’s Block Journal - One of my favorite authors, Emma Gannon, has released her first ever journal, a resource for fellow writers who experience the dreaded writer’s block. Inspired by her personal struggle to always write during lockdown, Gannon created a space for writers to explore their creativity within the pages of this beautiful journal.
Jewelry
July Child Jewellery - Home to some of the boldest, quirkiest jewelry, July Child is a great destination to shop for the jewelry lover in your life. You’ll have a hard time picking just one piece to gift this holiday season!
Little Words Project - Should you find yourself looking for a meaningful small gift item or thoughtful stocking stuffer, consider Little Words Project. These word bracelets (and so much more!) are thoughtful gift items for the man or woman in your life and support another great, female-founded and owned business!
Raw & Rebellious - What I love about Raw & Rebellious is the pre-styled layering options they have available for purchase. Layering necklaces can often be easier said than done but R&R offers great ideas to help you curate your dream necklace stack. Plus so much more!
Nadiandlo - My go-to for classic silver and gold pieces, Nadiandlo’s prices cannot be beat plus they don’t tarnish!
Nixi Studios - Thanks to Nixi Studios, I have participated in my first ever jewelry “drop.” It was reminiscent of waiting in line for a SNKRS drop - but so worth it! I did not take an “L” on that one. On trend pieces at an affordable price, Nixi Studios has something for every jewelry lover in your life.
Texas Trash - My mom introduced me to Texas Trash by way of a number of pieces she has in her own closet including a custom Dolly Parton camo jacket she gifted me for my birthday this year. I would recommend giving Texas Trash a follow on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the various one-of-a-kind jewelry and apparel item drops she offers.
Local Businesses
Aspen and Veda Interior Design - Help your family and friends love their homes with the gift of interior design this holiday season. My incredibly talented best friend is the owner and creator behind Aspen and Veda. No matter your budget, personal style or location in the US, she can work with you to help you curate your perfect living space.
Chelsea Airola - Social Media Manager - This blog post should just be dedicated to my extremely talented friends! My other incredibly talented bestie, Chelsea, is the marketing mentor you need in your life. She specializes in working with health and fitness entrepreneurs and helping them manage their online presence and marketing efforts to attract their ideal clients. There are some great options to partner with her and with the growing amount of people taking their career in their own hands, consider this one of a kind gift for the entrepreneur in your life.
Coffee Shops - Starbucks will be just fine without your support this Holiday season, consider finding a local coffee shop to support by purchasing a gift card. Local coffee shops offer such a unique and irreplaceable environment for creatives and remote workers, don’t let them get lost in the shuffle of big coffeehouses. Some of my favorites in the Sacramento Area include Badfish Coffee & Tea, The Fair Oaks Deli, Java Johnny’s, and Pause Coffee House.
Etsy - I love Etsy as a gift destination. Not only are you supporting artists and their various crafts but you’re giving unusual gifts that can’t be picked up at any ole store. A gift from Etsy is a thoughtful gift that the recipient is sure to cherish.
Redbubble - Like Etsy, Redbubble is an artists marketplace. From stickers to notebooks, apparel and more, Redbubble gives a platform to artists and their various creations by placing their artwork on numerous gift items. You can search just about anything on Redbubble, no matter the recipients interests or taste.
Restaurants - Just like local coffee shops, local restaurants can offer fantastic gift options for the foodie in your life. Consider picking up a gift card to a local restaurant this holiday season! Some of my favorites in the Sacramento Area include Sunflower Drive-In, Fast Cat, and Shangri-La.
The Makeup Bar 916 - Know someone who’s looking to brush up (no pun intended) on their makeup skills? The Makeup Bar in Rocklin, CA, offers an incredible destination to learn new makeup techniques by way of weekly makeup classes or even private events. It’s like experiencing an in real life YouTube tutorial! Classes are small and intimate so you’re able to receive hands on attention in the moment and I guarantee you’ll walk away with at least one new trick in your makeup bag. Consider a gift card to The Makeup Bar for the beauty lover on your Christmas list this year.
Happy Holiday Shopping friends! I hope my Small Business Gift Guide inspires you to #ShopSmall this Holiday Season and surprise those on your shopping list with a unique and thoughtful gift this year!