Shop small, shop personal
It’s holiday shopping season!!! While I usually am a sucker for Black Friday shopping, the truth is, there are SO MANY small businesses that we should be supporting.
Something to keep in mind — these are SMALL businesses, aka, typically there are no warehouses or shipping teams so be graceful with shipping times. In addition, most artisans will share their purchase by date (typically the first week of December but some can work closer to the holiday). If there’s something that you want but know it can’t arrive until after the holidays — that’s okay! This year’s celebrations are far from normal so don’t worry too much about time constraints of when you should have a gift by.
I couldn’t possibly write out all of the small businesses I love, so, this list includes brands that I’ve either purchased before, love with my whole heart, or am planning to purchase in the future. Along with each section there’s at least one link to how you can find more businesses.
LOCAL to Pittsburgh
Who doesn’t love ice cream?? Give ‘em a giftcard they’re sure to appreciate.
Sweet Water Decor
For more small businesses in Pittsburgh, check out this article by Local Pittsburgh!
HOME / BEAUTY
Meraki Handmade Collective: macramé (I love the coasters!!)
Océanne - jewelry + apparel
She Papery - homegoods / apparel/ stickers
All She Wrote - stationary + more
Bloomish - stationary + design
Silver Tuna - polymer clay accessories
Chalkfulloflove - home decor + more
We Are Women Owned is a platform made to showcase women-owned businesses. Check out their virtual pop up to find your new favorite business here!
SUSTAINABLE / ECO-FRIENDLY
Bees wrap: food storage wrap
Kindred Fires: personalized candles
Sweet Peach Denim: hand painted, up-cycled denim + leather jackets
For Black-Owned, Sustainable Small Businesses Read it here.
50 Small Businesses with Sustainable Focus in Each State. Read it here.
COFFEE/ CERAMICS
Goddess and The Baker (Chicago, IL)
Vsocks- ceramics
Mind Body Green shared 19 Black-Owned Coffee Brands & Roasters you can buy online. Give it a read!
ART
CreativeIngrid - Watercolor/ floral prints
KBeeBoutiques - Disney-inspired stickers + digital prints
Cmaartist (Camille Allen) - prints
KJonesPrints - modern feminine wall art
Lily & Val - hand-drawn art
One of the easiest ways to discover new artists is to search on Etsy!
FITNESS / WELLNESS / WELL-BEING
Movement Unmeasured by Simi Botic - barre + living intuitively
The Heart Advocate by Ta’lor L. Pinkston - self-love programs
Philosophie by Sophie Jaffe - superfoods + wellness products
As I said, this list only scratches the surface. This article by Shopify is such a great resource on why supporting small/local businesses really, really matters. Plus, they linked over 100 small businesses! If you’re not in a place financially to support these businesses, there’s still so much you can do to show your support. The easiest way to show support? Follow them on social media + share their posts to your stories — better yet, comment on their posts + tag a friend or two. Another big and often forgotten sign of support — leave a positive review on their Facebook, Website, Yelp, or Google Business account!
Remember to share your favorite small businesses today + every day!