If you’re a regular reader of my blog or follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I love sharing small businesses! Of course we all shop from big corporations or chain stores sometimes, but I really do go out of my way to support small businesses when I can. This year, in particular, is a time when we should really try to support our small and local businesses who have been hit hard with the pandemic. Without further adieu, here is a 2022 Holiday Gift Guide–Small Business edition! Hopefully you find some small business Christmas present ideas here!
*This post may contain affiliate links which earn me a small commission at no extra cost or different experience to you**
Chelsea Leigh Jewelry
Y’all know that I love my Chelsea Leigh Jewelry! Chelsea is the woman behind everything–the designer, maker, model, photographer, and mailer. She makes elegant and timeless necklaces, earrings, and bracelets and has a new collection each month. I have nearly too many of her pieces to count, from her gold filled pieces to her solid gold collection. I wear some form of Chelsea Leigh almost daily!
Something that stands out about Chelsea Leigh Jewelry is that it is all gold filled, not gold plated. This makes the pieces higher quality and last longer without ever turning your skin green. I highly, highly recommend Chelsea Leigh Jewelry for any gift giving needs! And if you’re unsure what to order, Chelsea also offers gift cards. But trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of her options.
Main + Mango
Main + Mango is a fair trade boutique in Annapolis, MD. Owned by Shannon, it is a women run and owned business that also employs women artisans. Fair trade ensures equitable treatment of artisans and is more environmentally friendly. From home decor to clothing to accessories and gifts, Main + Mango has beautiful, handmade items that are perfect for your holiday needs. You can visit the boutique in person on Maryland Avenue in Annnapolis, or shop online here.
Mar Made That
Mar Made That is an embroidery shop run by Marina, another alum from my college. She offers ready-to-made items as well as custom embroidery orders. It is important to note that any custom orders needed by Christmas must be placed by November 25th to ensure adequate time for creating and shipping.
One of Mar’s most popular items is her custom embroidered pocket tee, which can be a custom pet portrait! How cute would it be to have your pup popping out of a pocket?! If any of my friends need a gift idea….just saying! Another option is the customized embroidered dad hat! This is such a versatile gift, works for any gender, and any age. Get a school name, sports team, catch phrase, or state and you have a one-of-a kind gift.
Lastly, Mar donates 10% of her profits to the Bail Project. The Bail Project is a non-profit organization that provides free bail assistance, reunites families, and restores the presumption of innocence.
Remnant Jewelry
Remnant Jewelry is another small business that I’ve mentioned before. Alison is the owner and designer of Remnant Jewelry, which started from $4 leather tablecloth remnant that she transformed. Her business has developed into a beautiful business that sells earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and lanyards. She also donates a portion of her sales to The Courage Center that helps those in treatment for alcoholism and substance addiction.
One of Alison’s most unique pieces is the Tie That Binds. This necklace takes a loved one’s tie and repurposes it into a necklace so that they are always close to your heart. This is such a touching gift, especially this year, when so many have been isolated and lives lost.
I have many pairs of earrings from Remnant Jewelry. One of my favorite pairs is the Sweater Weather Stud Earrings which are perfect for those cozy winter days. And if you have a Disney fan in your life, the Mouse Monogrammed Stud Earrings are perfect! Alison is also able to make earrings into clip-ons if you are shopping for anyone who doesn’t have pierced ears!
**If you want to get anything from Remnant Jewelry, be sure to use my discount code DARBY15 to save some money!**
The Faded Peony
The Faded Peony is a small business consisting of personalized drinkware, pins, stickers, and digital files. It is the only store that I get my Starbucks cups from because Jennifer has the absolute cutest designs.
I’m personally a fan of the Disney designs, but you can also choose sports themes, floral designs, and more. I’m personally a fan of this Peppermint Mickey color changing cup as well as this Buffalo Check Starbucks cup. Maybe you’re looking for some stocking stuffers, then this Cinderella Castle sticker might be the gift you’re looking for or this Cheetah print Mickey pin.
Stella Rose Monograms
Almost all of my tee shirts and sweatshirts are from Stella Rose Monograms! I’m not kidding…I have entire drawers of just Stella Rose products! They are designed and made by Anna. It’s been so fun to watch her small business grow and expand over the last year or two!
Anna has wonderful options, including Disney inspired shirts and sweatshirts, as well state tees, mom life shirts and sweatshirts, and Greek life! One of the things I really appreciate about her shop is her size inclusivity–everything goes up to size 3X so get your friend group matching shirts no matter anyone’s size!
If you are looking for something other than a sweatshirt or tee shirt, check out the Monogrammed Duck Boots which are an adorable option. Oh, how I wish they came in my size! If you are in the market for a cozy top, I HIGHLY recommend the Pennant Corded Crew pullover. I did a custom order with one of these embroidered with my grad school name on it and it’s one of my most worn items now!
Nomad Candles & Co
Who doesn’t want more candles in their life? I think candles make a perfect gift, especially for someone like a teacher, child care worker, or administrative assistant. Nomad Candles & Co. is a small candle business run by Kelly out of North Carolina.
Her packaging is stunning and so clean looking. She sells candles and reed diffusers, like this Flannel scent, how perfect for the holiday season! If you want something even more Christmas-y, then Sweet Gingerbread is definitely the scent for you. Or maybe you can’t make up your mind (raises hand), then luckily Kelly has a sample pack you can order.
Pet Musings
Pet Musings is the sweetest, cutest little small business for your pet accessory needs! The shop owner, Bobo, is the sweetest person ever and absolutely loves her customers! There are bandanas for cats and dogs, as well as candles, apparel for the humans, and pet treats. My dogs are obsessed with these Snickerdoodle Macarons and I adore the “You Make My Tail Wag” bandana for the pooches in your life. Lastly, this face mask that allows you to put up to 3 pets’ faces on it is my absolute favorite. Seriously, I wear mine all the time!
Bobo donates a portion of her profits to an animal charity each month so your purchases are also helping pets in needs. If you want to make a purchase, you can use my dogs’ codes POPPY10 or MURPHY10 for a discount on your order!
Emmandi Designs
Emmandi Designs is a beaded bracelet shop run by Ivelina. All of the bracelets are handmade and unique designs, including his/her sets, men’s sets, and mother/daughter sets. I personally love this green aventurine and rose quartz bracelet and this lava bead bracelet that is also an essential oil diffuser, how unique! Lastly, shipping is free–win!
Phew, so many small business to shop from!
There are even more small businesses I could add to this list, and I will continue to update it as we near the holiday season. Please remember that when you shop from a small business, as opposed to a corporation, you are directly supporting their livelihood. Every single purchase is supporting their family, their livelihood, their bills. Plus, their products are made with so much love and are unique gifts! I hope this small business gift guide helps you with your shopping list.
Do you have any favorite small businesses you want to share? Which one of these do you think you’ll shop from this holiday season?
Such good gift ideas! I am a huge fan of supporting small businesses if at all possible. I am from a small town & do not want to see anyone close down because everyone wants to go to the big city to shop. Thank you!
Thanks, Machelle! I completely agree, I don’t want to see any of the small ma and pop shops to close in my town either. Fingers crossed everyone has a good 4th quarter.
This is a great Small Business Gift Guide! Love the mug π
Thanks, Jenna! Yes I love her mugs π
I love all of these small businesses! Such great gift ideas!!! The dog bandanas are so adorable!
This is an amazing list! Thank you for putting it together! π
Thanks, Robyn!! Iβm so glad you enjoyed it!
These are such great ideas!! Love supporting small business π
Me too! They work so hard and deserve all of the love and support!
I love all these! My goal is to get everything from small businesses so these are great ideas!
Thatβs such a great goal!! We should all strive to get to that point
Love this gift guide! It’s so important to support small businesses and these are some really cool ones you’ve listed. Definitely going to check them out! Thanks for sharing!
So happy you liked them!! Hope you find some good gifts from this list π
Wow, I really love the jewelry on the first point! Thanks for introducing me!
I am so obsessed with Chelsea Leigh Jewelry, my wallet wishes Iβd calm down haha. Youβll absolutely love her stuff!
I love all these ideas! π
Thanks Molly!! Hope you have fun shopping their offerings π