I know Amazon is easy, but come on, let’s support local. This gift guide is filled with small business gift ideas and companies you need to shop at.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I DO NOT personally own all items linked. I try to read reviews before linking, but please read reviews and size guides, and consider these mindful shopping tips before purchasing 🙂
We’re all guilty of shopping at mass-produced, fast (product) stores like Amazon at some point in our lives. Between Amazon shopping guides flooding your TikTok and the convenience of the marketplace, it’s understandable why we are so tempted to “add to cart.” And I admit, it can be difficult to find good small business gift ideas.
Although shopping small for the holidays may require a little more effort and planning, that’s what makes presents so special, and by supporting small or local businesses, you’re directly helping those in your community (and are probably scoring cooler, more unique items).
Small Business Gift Ideas:
(1)Rose and Lee Co. Gifts/(2)Shoppe Smitten Home Decor/(3)Heir Raleigh Jewelry/(4)Red Giraffe Designs Jewelry/(5)Bitten Bakery Cookies/(6)Berre Claire Hot Cocoa Bombs/(7)Elevate Wallet/(8)Bark and Brine Charcuterie Boards/(9)Beck Bags/(10) Modern Picnic Lunch Boxes/(11) MacBailey Candle Co/(12) The LifeStyled Co Home Decor/(13) Leslie Francesca Jewelry/(14) Rings by Jenny/(15) Co Ceramic Studio
1. Rose & Lee Co.
Rose & Lee Co., located in Downtown Apex and shoppable online, is one of my all-time favorite shops. It’s a small boutique that only carries ethically crafted goods, making it really easy to find tons of small business gift ideas in one place.
Shop my favorites: Ruthi Bangle, Concrete Candle, Bi-Fold Wallet, Voyage Necklace, Donna Sunglasses, Ezra Croissant Hoops, Heir Raleigh Vices Chain, Pearl Threaders.
2. Shoppe Smitten
I recently discovered Shoppe Smitten, a boutique with a similar concept to Rose & Lee Co with home decor, clothing and accessories that all give back and/or are artisan made. I love boutiques like this because you can shop with confidence knowing that your purchase is directly helping others.
Shop my favorites: Sunburst Stoneware Serving Bowl, Sculpted Stoneware Salt + Pepper Shakers, Starfish Project Ray Hoops, Marbled Glass Soap Dispenser, Stoneware Platter, Stoneware Sponge Holder, Garden Fairy Plant Mister, Candle Wick Trimmer, Candle Snuffer.
3. Heir Raleigh
Founded and handmade by NC State Graduate Sophie Wiseman-Floyd, Heir Raleigh is a Raleigh-based minimalistic jewelry company with THE BEST affordable, high-quality jewelry. Heir Raleigh is at the top of my list because I have been a genuine Heir-lover for years, and I know you will love it too. I have 10+ pieces of Heir Raleigh jewelry that I literally never take off, and they are still in perfect condition. I even wear them in the shower.
Shop my favorites: Vices Bracelet, Vices Chain, Manly Vices Chain, Slinky the Snake Chain, Mini Slink Bracelet, Linen Ring, Manly Boss Blog, “Bloom” Amore Cuff.
4. Red Giraffe Designs
Red Giraffe Designs is a boutique with handmade, customizable and curated jewelry located in Columbus, Ohio. The brand carries a variety of pieces from everyday, dainty staples to statement necklaces and earrings.
I am happy to report that the silver necklace I purchased from RGD over a month ago is still in perfect condition! The necklace has not left my neck once, not even to shower. I can’t speak to how the brand’s gold jewelry holds up (according to the care section on their website, the gold jewelry can tarnish over time and may require a little more care), but the sterling silver pieces have my seal of approval!
Shop my favorites: Premium Adjustable Hammered Cuff, Twist Statement Ring, Hammered Wire Choker, Medium Acetate Hoops, Custom Crystal Chain Bookmark, Open Hammered Statement Ring, Enamel Cuffs (the colors in this photo are on my wishlist!).
5. Bitten Bakery
Formerly Bite of Sam, Bitten Bakery is a small-batch cookie company located in Raleigh, NC with the best cookies EVER. I’m not even a cookie person and I pick them up every time I see her at pop-ups and for all special occasions.
Order Bitten Bakery cookies online here.
6. Berré Claire
Berré Claire is a home-based dessert shop located in Raleigh, NC that offers cupcakes, cookies, pastries and chocolate-dipped treats, but Berré Claire’s hot cocoa bombs are my personal favorite! The dessert shop offers the cutest seasonal hot cocoa bombs with designs such as Valentine’s candy hearts, Thanksgiving turkeys, magic eight balls, mummies, reindeer, Christmas lights, Santas and snowmen, to name a few.
Order Berré Claire treats online here.
7. Elevate
Elevate is a non-profit leather goods brand that gives artisans a safe work environment, fair wages and the ability to provide for their families. All of Elevate’s profit is reinvested to create opportunities for people who really need them through jobs and resources such as training, mentorship and small business loans.
The Elevate brand is available at two of my favorite ethical small businesses, Rose & Lee Co. and Shoppe Smitten.
I got my dad the Bi-fold Wallet for Christmas last year. Shop the rest of my favorites: Messenger Bag, Passport Wallet, Men’s Belt, Newport Tote, Coin Purse, Leather Gift Tags.
8. Bark and Brine
Hand-crafted in Cary, NC, Bark and Brine carries a variety of beautiful charcuterie boards made with locally sourced, upcycled wood.
I purchased the Christmas tree board, and Bark and Brine gifted me their heart board for Valentine’s Day last year! They also offer custom boards and a variety of other seasonal designs. DM them on Instagram @barkandbrineboards to purchase!
9. Beck Bags
Based out of Moorseville, NC, Beck Bags designs Bags for the Bold and offers a variety of leather handbags, tech accessories and wallets in tons of fun colors. They also have a retail location in Mooresville, Beck on Broad, that carries clothing, accessories, shoes, health & wellness products, home decor and the brand’s bags, of course.
Shop my Beck Bag favorites: Beck Leather Card/Coin Wallet, Beck Leather Tablet Case, Beckini Leather Cross Body Beck Bag, Beck Pack Leather Bag, Lou Cross Body Leather Beck Bag
10. Modern Picnic
Founded by Ali Kaminetsky in 2018, Modern Picnic is a chic lunchbox brand built on functionality, sustainability and style.
The brand carries six different styles in a variety of colors. Shop my favorites:
11. MacBailey Candle Co
A candle is a great gift because it helps create a cozy space in your home, and it’s disposable (and re-giftable), meaning there is a low commitment to the item if the recipient doesn’t need the gift.
I am a candle snob, and the soy Christmas candles from MacBailey Candle Co are some of my favorites because they are designed in label-less, concrete, reusable vessels that fit in with nearly any home decor style and because they actually omit a scent. I recently tried out a similar candle from Target, and it is extremely sub-par.
Because MacBailey Candle Co candles are made with soy wax, they produce zero toxins, carcinogens or pollutants when burned, meaning they are better for your home and less likely to trigger allergies.
These candles are also available at Rose & Lee Co.
PSA: If you own this candle, make sure to double-check that you have put it out before leaving your home! I am obsessed with the look of the concrete vessel, but that has, unfortunately, prevented me from noticing that the flame is still lit, resulting in me leaving the candle on (don’t worry, it burnt the wick all the way down, but the flame did not escape its cement confinement).
12. The LifeStyled Co
Kristen Forgione started the brand as a blog and has grown it into a full-service design firm and boutique with a variety of products, such as home decor, furniture, clothing and jewelry.
I am a personal fan of The LifeStyled Co’s home decor. There are a ton of items that anyone would love, but probably doesn’t already own. And for home decor, it’s pretty affordable. The brand carries several items in the $6-20 range, or if you have a bigger budget, you could curate a basket of home decor items.
Shop my favorites:
13. Leslie Francesca
Leslie Francesca embraces natural elements through perfectly imperfect handmade jewelry. The brand’s jewelry is crafted with one-of-a-kind stones, giving each piece unique characteristics.
Shop my favorites: Lapis Cuff Ring, Mosaic Turquoise Cuff Ring, Keshi Baroque Pearl Necklace (on my wishlist), Crystal Rock Cuff, Opal Snake Huggie Hoops
14. Rings by Jenny
Rings by Jenny turns preloved silverware into rings, bracelets and necklaces! These sustainable, handmade pieces are few of a kind (and frequently sold out), so snatch something up if you see it! Follow the brand’s Instagram to stay in the know for the next drop!
15. Co Ceramic Studio
I just came across this Etsy shop this morning and it carries the cutest and funniest ceramics you’ve ever seen. The vintage swimmer dish listing originally piqued my interest, but the animal dishes and bowls are just as great. I love that everything is handmade and unique!
Shop my favorites: