I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, so don’t be mad at me for bringing up the holiday season.Ā š But I wanted to bring this up soon enough so that maybe you can join me. You see, I’m pledging to shop small this holiday season.
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Why Shop Small This Holiday Season?
Well, here in the U.S. we’re in voting season, and while I will be voting with my ballot, I also know I can vote with my dollars. And when I shop small, I’m “voting” to support small businesses, single moms, makers who donate portions of their (sometimes meager) income to charities they support and stand behind, and living, talented artists whose work is surprisingly affordable.
Most of the readers of this blog are interested in starting or growing their own business, so I am hoping you’ll join me and pledge to shop small this holiday season.
It’s easy, really! Take a look at the local shops in your city or town and support them. Or, if you’re like me and like to do the majority of your shopping online, an easy way to find small businesses to support is by shopping on Etsy. If you haven’t shopped on Etsy before, you’re in for a real treat! It’s a handmade (and vintage) marketplace where small business owners — artists, makers, and designers can sell what they make. And you can find something for everyone on your holiday list!
To give you an idea of what I mean, I’m going to share some of my own Etsy favorites (Santa, are you reading this?!) and I’ll break them down by price, starting with:
Gift Ideas Under $10
Some of these are small stocking stuffers, but yes, you really can find awesome gifts on Etsy for under $10!
These (customize-able) gift pouches fromĀ LittleFlowerSoapCo make great stocking stuffers.
I’d love this sample pack of face soaps from Zaaina for the packaging alone. HOW CUTE!
These Green Tea Matcha Bath Salts are a great gift for the tea lover in your life! (And actually, almost everything in theĀ EarthAndAnchorSoap shop is under $10!)
You can even get a customized key chain fromĀ Watchchas.
Gift Ideas Under $25
I love theseĀ small Mod circle cement planters from Kailochic (you get to choose the color you want to gift!)
Get aĀ Custom Calligraphy Cutout Sign fromĀ GildedGraceDesign for the newlyweds in your life.
This large hanging shelf fromĀ BijouxLuandCo would make a cool gift for a new home owner.
TheseĀ Wooden Mountain Bookends from ChurchStDesign come in 3 different sizes — all for under $25!
Gift Ideas Under $50
Get this Weaving Loom Kit fromĀ WoolCoutureCompany for the DIYer on your list.
Or get this gorgeousĀ Woven Wall Hanging from LoomCat for those who want a wall hanging already created for them.
These custom family portraits from discoveringyou are just about the cutest!
The Gin lover in your life will really appreciateĀ the original “Make your own Gin” Kit fromĀ GentlemansNeeds!
Gift Ideas Under $100
As a tea-lover myself, I’m absolutely smitten with this stunningĀ handmade ceramic pottery teapot fromĀ RebeccaWCeramics!
There’s not much cuter than theseĀ Custom Pet Totems (or Ornaments) fromĀ PeriwinkleNuthatch!
The coolest baby on your list needs thisĀ stylish baby wooden gym from CotandCot.
And for the plant lover in your life, thisĀ Mid Century Modern Plant Stand with Matte Blush Ceramic Planter fromĀ HookAndStemCo.
Gift Ideas Over $100
What girl wouldn’t want thisĀ Rose Cut Pear Natural Diamond Ring fromĀ ShopClementine?!
ThisĀ Big Octopus fromĀ BigStuffed is sure to win the heart of any child who receives it!
Help them LOVE to go to work with thisĀ Hairpin Leg Desk fromĀ HairpinLegCo.
Or you could make someone the coziest person on the block with this chunky knit blanket from ColorwaysGallery.
As you can see, you can shop small and still get gorgeous, high-quality presents for everyone on your list. And these are just a few examples of the millions of things you can buy on Etsy! One word of advice: order early. Handmade items take time to make and ship, so you have to factor that in. With that, I hope you’ll join me in my pledge to shop small this holiday season!
