Gifts From Small Businesses That’ll Impress Everyone on Your List
There’s never been a better time to support a small business than in 2020. Some reasons seem obvious: Local and mom-and-pop enterprises around the country have suffered this year, and we should continue to support the ones we want to see stick around. Beyond this, it’s these companies and makers that produce some of the most unique presents to give to your loved ones. They’re the items you might not find stocked on the shelves of every big-box store and, therefore, feel instantly more special.
We’ve curated a range of thoughtful presents, for all manner of friends or family, sourced from small businesses. They include essentials for the earth-conscious yogi, handcrafted home fragrances and ceramics that’ll transform a living space, and a bit of jewelry, because, why not? Explore them all, below.
READ ON: MORE GIFTS FROM SMALL BUSINESSES
Know someone who’s a sucker for minimalist design? They’ll proudly display this Nicholas Wiig Hansen-designed vase in their home. Handmade in Portugal, this lovely gift was inspired by Danish modernist artist Vilhelm Lundstrøm's work. In fact, its large orange iteration is a Museum of Modern Art exclusive.
SHOP: Raawii Strøm Vase in Various Designs, $60, available at Burke Decor
Stir up a bit of cheerful nostalgia with Homesick’s line of memory-triggering scents. Choose comforting candles or reed diffusers with smells inspired by your home town or seasonal traditions, including Ski Trip and Winter Mantel. While Homesick has grown quite a bit since its 2016 launch, all its candles remain natural soy and hand-poured in the U.S.
SHOP: Winter Mantel Reed Diffuser, $39, available at Homesick
Comfortable and cropped, this rashguard will be perfect for the seasoned or amateur surfer in your life. Fun fact: 100% of the brand's products are made within a 70-mile radius of its San Clemente, Calif. HQ — talk about locally sourced!
SHOP: Seea Swimwear Stella Cropped Rashguard - Women's, $49.47, available at Backcountry
It’s not quite possible to gift a few minutes of peacefulness, but a soft and welcoming meditation cushion is a good place to start.
SHOP: Manduka Yoga Meditation Cushion, $26.99, available at Yoga Outlet
Simple, clean, and Millennial-friendly, Snowe’s home essentials are some of the coziest on the market. For a present that pleases everyone, start with its signature plush bathrobe. (Pick up one for yourself while you’re at it!)
SHOP: Classic Bathrobe, $100, available at Snowe
The rumors are true: Girlfriend Collective’s leggings are just as comfortable, supportive, and soft as everyone says they are. While product reviews are solid, the brand is also known for transparency, especially when it comes to fabrication.
SHOP: Girlfriend Collective Mulberry Compressive High-Rise Legging, $68, available at Girlfriend Collective
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Looking for a small $10 gift that’ll make them light up? This soothing, rose bath bomb is just the ticket. If you're unfamiliar with this nonprofit fair trade shop, indulge in its ethically sourced products that support artisans. We especially love the "Shop by Cause" feature.
SHOP: The Little Market Bath Bomb - Rose, $10, available at The Little Market
It’s the ideal gift set for any friend who’s been spending a lot more time perfecting their kitchen skills in 2020. Plus, proceeds also benefit the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project.
SHOP: Immigrant Cookbook Curated Gift Set - Deluxe, $120, available at The Little Market
Forget the hair barrettes of your preteen years. This handmade, artful piece — sold by a Vancouver Etsy shop owner — is all grown-up and ready to decorate any effortless ‘do.
SHOP: Foe And Dear Bianca Barrette, $23.48, available at Etsy
Luxe, leather gifts can last a lifetime. And that’ll certainly be the case with this chic bag, great as a carry-on for flights or as a weekender for a quick roadtrip.
SHOP: The Leather Expert Weekender Bag, $228, available at Etsy
We love the sweet and smokey scent combination of these Arizona-based, handmade, soy candles. They’ll bring any living space to life.
SHOP: Zaaina Tobacco + Vanilla Scented Soy Candle, $14.39, available at Etsy
Anyone can wrap up a box of crayons, but these personalized ones will get an extra special reception from the kids on your gift list. You don't want to purchase this anywhere else — The Original Rainbow Crayon shop, based in Noblesville, Ind., was a 2020 finalist in the Etsy Design Awards.
SHOP: Art 2 The Extreme Custom Alphabet Name Crayons in a Gift Box, $19.95, available at Etsy
Handmade in Morocco, these leather slippers will only continue to get more comfortable as you wear them.
SHOP: Moroccan Leather Slippers, $52, available at Leif
This beauty-editor-loved brand has rich and nourishing ingredients that can stand up to winter’s harshest weather. Your friend (and their skin) will thank you for bringing this into their life.
SHOP: Buttah Whipped Body Butter, $29, available at Buttah Skin
Direct-to-consumer line CUUP has changed the game with supportive, sleek, sheer designs in a wide range of sizes that actually feel comfortable to wear. If you plan to gift lingerie, start here.
SHOP: The Balconette, $68, available at CUUP