SMALL BUSINESS GIFT GUIDE

When I put out a request for people to submit small businesses for a gift guide, I had no idea what to expect. I was blown away by how quickly the form filled up… and then going through everyone’s websites I was BLOWN AWAY by the quality of items. I am so proud of everyone, honestly. And I think I won’t have to go anywhere else for gifts. JUST WOW.

SMALL BUSINESS GIFT GUIDE

This is an extensive list– just over 100 small businesses!– so it’s probably best viewed on a computer where you can open items up into new tabs and scroll a bit easier. You can truly cross off every.single.person. on your holiday shopping list with all these small businesses!!!!

Small Business Gift Guide: CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

TYLER BÖE

Cashmere Dress + Cashmere Wrap

Tyler böe is a family owned lifestyle brand bringing timeless classics with a twists to multi generations of customers. After leaving Ralph Lauren, I joined my family’s brand 3 years ago with a mission to highlight the amazing product my parents worked so hard to create. This holiday season, while it will certainly be different, we hope to still be able to help people get dressed and celebrate in their own way! We have tons of special pieces coming for the holidays – but also have some wonderful gifting items like our cozy cashmere wraps and best selling Kim dress which has been deemed our new house dress 😍

TERRY’S FABRIC CRAFTS

Mouse Ears Mask + Sunflower Print Mask + Vintage Style Aprons

Terry’s Fabric Crafts started based on the need for masks at the beginning of the pandemic and is expanding to well-crafted, homemade fabric items including custom orders. Terry has over 40 years of seamstress experience and can make anything out of fabric.

VIRGINIA DARE DRESS CO.

Chambray Wrap Dress + Emma Dress

Women’s dress/clothing company. I used to get to travel around the UK for work and would feel like I didn’t have the right clothes to bring along that matched the timeless storybook feel of train rides through Scotland, but also that could be practical for work (as a photographer) and simple enough to be styled different ways. I love Kate Middleton’s style and set out to create a clothing company of ethically made, high quality pieces that could stand the test of time and be worn for whatever adventures women have in their day. I manufacture overseas and here in the US and all the dresses have pockets ❤️ CARLY10 (for 10% off)

BRECK & GRIER

Brecky Tote + Mommy & Me Set

During the summer of 2018, my sister and I started Breck and Grier. Breck and Grier is a bespoke Moroccan tote bag brand. We carry a wide variety of totes that we source from family vendors in Morocco and paint them right at our kitchen table. Each tote is hand painted in whatever color combination each client wants! We have painting everything from monograms, to family crests and even your favorite black lab! It has been a great creative outlet during this crazy time! PREP for 25% off

DANS LA MAIN

Clutch + Ana Cylinder Bag

Handbags and fine jewelry. Best materials and design. No wholesale selling, so best pricing brought directly to consumer. CARLY15

MIDWEST PREP CO

Mountain Steams Bracelet + Maple Leaf Bracelet

Midwest Prep Co. is a passion project to bring preppy style to the Midwest through classic jewelry. All pieces are handmade by me, for you. I sell a number of bracelets — from nature themed to druzy quartz.

THE NAVY KNOT

Python Tote + Beanie

The Navy Knot is a women’s boutique run by a mother-daughter duo in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. We search high and low to find unique and exciting brands and items! From clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts, we love to put a fresh spin on the classic American style.

ELIZABETH & WEST FASHION

Masks + Jacket

Started in 2014, E&W sells women’s clothes and accessories. After having a storefront for 6 years, I closed my doors to strictly focus on my online presence (and bc of Covid). I love being able to connect with my customers and help them feel confident!

ASHLEY BELL DESIGNS

Floral Mask + Floral Striped Mask

Hand sewn goods and currently sell face masks but will be expanding to home goods soon! I started at the beginning of the pandemic, sewing face masks for the frontline health care workers who desperately needed PPE. It has morphed into a way to honor my late aunt, who was an artist and passed away at the beginning of the pandemic. Carly20 for 20% off

LEMON BLOOM

Sagey Mask + Gold Face Masks Chain

Women’s clothing boutique focused on growing your glow. Started off on Poshmark and moved onto my own site. LMNBLM20 for 20% off.

NEELY PHELAN

Rope Bow Earrings + Modern Pearl Stud

Neely Phelan is a jewelry company based out of Little Rock, AR. She got her start by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for customers on her dining room table. Now, she has expanded to full collections of modern, fun pieces that are still timeless enough to transition from season to season. CARLY20 for 20% off the site

THE SCRUNCHIE CLUB

Scrunchie Starter Pack + Self-Love

We partner with independent womxn and non-binary artists to create unique, limited edition scrunchies. 15% of the profits are donated to a cause of the artists choice! I created this business when I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Growing up with curly hair, I’ve always loved scrunchies. Shopping at traditional big box stories, I couldn’t find any hair accessories that spoke to my personality and values. That’s when The Scrunchie Club was born! CARLY10 (10% off for new customers, expires 11/30/20)

TWENTY NINE THE LABEL

Plain Organic Sweatshirt + Organic Fleece Sweatshirt

After getting burnt out in corporate retail I left my job to pursue a different career but I still couldn’t shake my creative itch. Twenty Nine was an idea born on the road when driving between my home in Virginia and my new home in North Carolina (on route 29). This is my passion project and side hustle. I design and produce small batch apparel collections in North Carolina using organic, sustainable fabrics. GOTS Certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX 100 standard. Fabric selection and sustainability is key to my mission. Everything made in the US.

LOOM AND THREAD

Pearl Beanie + Twisted Ear Warmers

My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet at a young age. After college I got really into it, and my tiny NYC apartment was suddenly overflowing with yarn and projects! I started Loom & Thread for the main purpose of getting rid of my stash, but then it ended up taking off. I sell knit hats for people of all ages, accessories, and home/holiday decor! Carly10

ROSE AND CLAY EARRINGS

Dangle Earrings + Christine Hair Clip

I started about 6 months ago! I just finished my bachelors degree and I needed another creative outlet. I’ve always love jewelry, fashion, and creating, and soon enough this business was born! I offer handmade earrings (studs, dangles, and hoops!) and also stunning handmade hair clips as well! CARLY10 at checkout for 10% off!

FINDINGS

Gold Twist Hoops + Cameo Necklace

Repurposed vintage jewelry (I make) – keeping heirloom pieces modern and wearable … with adding touches of classic simplicity .. also a curated collection of accessories (vintage wicker purses , sweaters , vintage scarves and one of a kind purses. Carly10

LOVE, KATIE

The Katie Necklace + Pearl in a Pod Necklace

Love, Katie is an ethical and sustainable accessory line that makes dressing fun! I handmade jewelry and select apparel out of vintage beads and thrifted pieces. My goal is to make you smile in the morning. Accessories make the outfit!

LT COLLECTIVE

Pearl Necklace + Vintage Jade Bracelet

I create handmade jewelry using glass and vintage glass beads on elastic or gold-filled hardware. PREP20 for 20% off

LITTLE LAVENDER LOBSTER

Monogrammed Bar Earrings + Button Pearl Earrings

I’m Rachel, the artist and designer behind everything here at Little Lavender Lobster. As an artist, silversmith, architect/engineer, and overly detail oriented person, I’m always up for a new project!

Little Lavender Lobster started in 2016, when I was up for some new project ideas, so I took up silversmithing and jewelry making as a hobby. Little Lavender Lobster designs are inspired by simple, sophisticated, and natural elements. Sometimes my inspiration comes from picking up a rock on the Maine coastline and other times I’m inspired from architecture walking in a city.

Little Lavender Lobster offers many different items from handmade jewelry to custom stationery. Our jewelry is constructed with silver, brass, copper and sometimes gold. The stones we use could be anything from a rock picked up on the beach to a semi-precious stone and everything in between. Our stationery is mostly nautical focused, sophisticated and simple.

FRIENDS WHO EARRING

Autumn Flora + The Ella 

My best friend, Cate, and I, started making polymer clay earrings about a year and a half ago, and we have been donating all of the profits to a different community organization each month. To date, we have donated over $30,000! All of our earrings are $10 or less/pair and handmade by us.

WALLFLOWER

Houndstooth Scrunchie + Build Your Own Scrunchie Bundle

It’s a handmade scrunchie company that my mom and I started together. My mom is the designer and seamstress and I take care of the business, shipping, marketing, etc. I absolutely love scrunchies but didn’t feel like I could ever find elegant ones at a good price. My mom and I had been throwing around ideas for a business idea to start together and decided to try our hand at a scrunchie design. We found one that we loved and decided too move forward with it! CARLY10 *for 10% off

MINX AND WILD

Smoky Turquoise Drop Earrings + Raw Quartz Earrings

I started making jewelry while in high school but got back into it as a creative hobby in 2018. Since then I’ve been a part of many pop-ups and have taught workshops including one at El Cosmico in Marfa! I offer a wide range of sterling silver and 14k gold filled crystal jewelry. Carly (to save 15% off first order)

Small Business Gift Guide: GIFTABLES

THE REDHEADED CAMEL

Personalized Ornament + All I Want for Christmas Is a Nap T-Shirt

I started The Redheaded Camel as a sophomore in college and am on a mission to help create happy, joy-filled homes! I create hand-painted, hand-lettered home decor and happy gifts to make every day a celebration. CARLY10 (10% off)

RACHEL PETKE DESIGNS

Rainbow stickers (left) + Personalized Ornament (right)

I offer personalized ornaments in a variety of sizes and features. I also do stickers and am looking to add more designs as the holidays approach!

DESIGNS BY KATE

Holiday Cards (left) + Custom Cards (right)

Custom Christmas Cards / Custom Portraits / Custom Wedding Invitations

CARLY20 — free Christmas card design, just pay for prints + shipping (just include in the email)

LOVE, AMARIE

I hand make heirloom keepsakes- from wedding clutches to custom, hand-personalized Christmas ornaments and celebratory champagne bottles. I got started with sewing handbags years ago when a friend asked me to make her wedding clutch from her mom’s wedding dress and that really took off! Fast forward, I started painting ornaments and was asked to paint a restaurant with “where it all began” for a first date and the rest has been history! CarlyFreeShip for free shipping!

CADOLIA

“J’aime le pain” Sweatshirt + Catherine Candle

Sustainable, beautiful goods that make your life easier. Use CARLY10 for 10% off.

MILLECOSE

Little Prince Keychain + Personalized Keychain with Photo

My mom and I began our Etsy store when I was in high school, and it’s evolved so much over 10 years! We handmade jewelry, journals and trinkets — but our top sellers are our themed keychains and purse clips! All our keychains items are personalizable (just DM us!) and everything in the shop is entirely handmade and gift wrapped, perfect for the holidays! FAVE10 for 10% off

SO FINE PRINT

Jo Candle + Scout Candle

Books changed my life and now I’m helping them change the world! So Fine Print is my bookish blog and shop where I sell designs for literary candles, tees, mugs, bookmarks and even original poem prints! For every purchase I donate 10% of the profit to an organization called Room to Read that helps children (especially girls) learn to read all over the world. For the holiday season I have made literary candles based on my favorite female characters of all time – JO (Little Women), SCOUT (To Kill a Mockingbird), AUGUST (The Secret Life of Bees), and TABITHA (the cheetah mentioned in UNTAMED). I also write book reviews and lifestyle posts on the site as well!

HOME GROWN BY MMM

Go Get Em Girl Sweatshirt + RBG Decisions Pouch

After losing my job due to Covid I found a creative outlet combining my love of talking and material things. I mainly focus on girl power and supporting strong woman just the way we are. String, quirky, anxious, worth it. (Holiday collection coming soon!)

JOY CREATIVE SHOP

Monogram Coasters + Monogram Notepad

Joy Creative Shop is a paper goods company dedicated to help you spread joy, give thanks and get inspired! We sell custom and non-custom stationery, notepads, thank you notes, gift wrap and more! We started as an Etsy shop 10 years ago and have grown!! 🙌🏻❤️ Carly15 for 15% off.

PLANET ACCESS

Visibility Arts Wine Glass + Keychain Bottle Opener

Social enterprise boutique offering socially conscious women + men clothing, accessories, home goods, etc. We are a social enterprise of Search, a non profit that provides services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicagoland. Every purchase goes to support these services and open doors to community life for the individuals we serve.

MADEINBRKLYNCO

Beaded Mask Holder + Colorful Customized Mask Holder

I’ve been crafting since I’m a little kid and I finally decided with the pandemic that it’ was time to start my own Etsy shop. I’m selling colorful, lightweight and personalized mask chains for kids and adults. You can write your name on them, sports team or even who you’re voting for! They are a great gift for stocking stuffers, co-workers and anyone who is wearing a mask!

THE ILLUSTRATED LIFE CO

Cookbook + Tab Dividers

The Illustrated Life began in 2016 with a lifelong love of art. Now I put art on everything I can think of, from stationery to recipe binders. I hope that each colorful watercolor design I create will add a little whimsy to your day!  CARLY15

CLEAR PERIDOT

Custom Phone Case + Rainbow Sticker

I sell custom phone cases, Starbucks cups and stickers! CARLY10 for 10% off

DOLPHINITELY DESIGNS

Charger Charms + Night Light

I’m a 3D printing business. I make fun 3D printed accessories for home, like 3D printed night lights. Also the proud creator of the original charger charms, charms for your phone charging adapter!

HAPPY CACTUS DESIGNS

White Flowers on Blue Linen + 2021 Wall Calendar Print

I create one-of-a-kind hand embroidered artwork as well as prints and stationery featuring images of my work. All of my embroidery is freehand, floral, and very colorful!

SEAMERIAS

Custom Calligraphy Ornament + Custom Handwritten Letter

I started as a photographer selling prints and it grew to include calligraphy which has become very popular! The custom letters and ornaments are a favorite for all. carly20off

BELQUIST

Midnight Owl Quilt + Sail Away Quilt

Hand Block printed baby/toddler blankets designed by me in Boston and handmade by a group of artisan women in India. Code CARLY gets 20% off! Plus we always offer free US shipping.

OATES HOME CO

3-Pack Bundle + Camellia Candle

My husband and I hand make toxin free soy candles just outside of Boston. Our puppy Lucy “helps” too 😁 I’ve always had breathing issues and as my doctors helped educate me about my triggers I started learning about what was in the things that affect air quality in my home – like sprays and candles. The more I learned about candles the more horrified I became! So many candles are filled with toxic materials and even more have smells I just don’t like 😂

So, we set out to make candles that are actually safe to breathe, AND that smell great! We carefully choose each ingredient to make sure it’s the best quality, made ethically, and sustainably sources. Plus, we give back a portion of our profits to our community! We’ve got a new Christmas scent launching 11/1 👌🏻 And a few other fun things too!

MAJESSTICK

Donut Mini Set + Women Empowerment Stickers

Over quarantine I got back to my creative side and started drawing on my iPad. Ever since I was little I also collected stickers and sticker sheets. I married the two of them together and created this small shop as something to keep my creative side active. MAJESSTICK15 for 15% off two or more items!

SCHNOODLE & LAVENDER

Blue Flannel Tartan Bandana + Reversible Americana Flowers

Dog bandanas that slip right onto their collar! It all started when my husband and I rescued our first dog Margo in 2014! Because she was a rescue we ran a DNA test to see what breed she was and found she was mostly schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle). Such a cute name! I started to make her bandanas by simply using pinking shears and cutting out triangle pieces of fabric. But those soon wore down after years of use.

So I began searching for something better. I found a few over-the-collar designs that were simple yet much more durable than the cut fabric, and there’s no worries that they’ll fall off! A few friends started asking me to make them for their dogs and the rest is history! I opened the Etsy shop in 2018, with Margo as my model, and we currently carry a bunch of different patterns including Rifle Paper Co., holiday, and soon to come matching face mask/bandana sets! We also offer personalization on all our bandanas as well! CARLY10 – 10% off entire purchase

WHITE WHALE SLIME

Ballet Slippers + Freshly Sharpened Pencils

Artisanal and sensory batch-made slime, many with nautical and personal themes. Very popular with both kids and adults, and many send out slime boxes to loved ones. Started to cope with some personal anxiety- wanted to “make pretty slime”- and was able to quit my real job after a month because everyone wanted it. SMALLBIZ to save 10% off first order.

HANDMADE BY MEGAN ELAINE

Hexagon Ceramic Magnets + Whale Magnet

Handmade cement magnets and Christmas wrapping tags. I am an engineer by day and this is my creative outlet for creativity! Thankyou15 for 15% off!

EGM CREATES

Strong Women Mini Tote + Black Lives Matter Print

I picked up embroidery as a hobby/self care ritual my freshman year of college and people seemed to really like what i made! 5 years later, I just opened my Etsy shop where I will be selling custom embroideries and other embroidered items (tea towels, etc coming soon) as well as digital art, stickers, and prints (from digital art, linocuts, and screenprints!). Only a few items are listed currently (Black Lives Matter prints and Strong Women tote bags are linked below), but a lot more will be posted leading up to the holidays! CARLY15

FRANKIE JUNIOR CO

Naughty and Nice Bandana + Smelly Cat Bandana 

I started my shop in April 2019 as a fun and creative congrats to my 9-5 office job. I make bandanas for pets and resin dog tags!

DALE AND BLUE

Mini Makeup Bag + Linen Scrunchie

Our philosophy is simple. People > Things We love things; it’s why we make them. But that should never come at the expense of people or the environment. With every decision we remember our philosophy and make the best choice with those values in mind. Currently part of Madewell’s Hometown Heroes Collective – You can shop small on their site as well.

KRISTEN COLANDER CERAMICS 

Navy Ring Dishes + White Coasters

I make handmade ceramics with glass accents. They are greatly inspired by rocks, geodes and shells. I mostly make a lot of coasters, ring dishes, jewelry/trinket trays, ornaments and some jewelry. I majored in art and education and taught art for 6 years. Now I am raising my three year old daughter and selling pottery online and in some boutiques. My items are small batch and sell out quickly. I’ll be updating my shop in November in time for the holidays. Right now I am not taking custom orders. Carly5

STEADY & FLIGHT

Let’s Get Cozy Chai Candle + Darling Mug

steady and flight was created in honor of my best friend Lisa who died in 2017 and all of the products are designed to help us live our most outrageously beautiful lives. An outrageously beautiful life starts in the smallest moments like drinking a morning cup of coffee out of an uplifting mug or lighting an essential oil candle to bring extra warmth and light. Even mundane moments can be magical…if you let them. CARLY15 for 15% off

YOU, ME, AND HONEYBEE

Handmade seasonal dog bandanas, matching masks, and paracord and beaded mask lanyards! Christmas stock is about to be posted later this week, as well as a personalization option where any mask or bandana can be machine embroidered. I started doing this because I completed my masters in Museum Studies, struggled to find a job in the field in my location, and then the pandemic hit, so non-profits REALLY aren’t hiring right now. This is a way for me to support myself from home, have a creative outlet, dress up everyone’s pups, and keep us safe! CARLY10

THE HONEY PAINT

I sell a two-sided acrylic paint window easel for children’s painting! My son loves to paint, but I hated the mess of the paper, so I decided to build my own chic easel that is light, beautiful and fun. The acrylic allows a learning opportunity for the kids as well- a parent or teacher can simply draw what they want to teach the kids (maybe a letter), and the child can trace the letters on the other side. CARLY10 for 10% off

SCALLOP SUPPLY CO

Nautical Signal Flag Pouch + Nautical Signal Flag Pouch

I started Scallop after I graduated college as sort of a passion project. I’ve always loved creating things, and have a deep love for the ocean and all things nautical. I make accessories that are inspired by sailing, the beach, and just being on the water in general. My waxed canvas Signal Flag collection has been my favorite so far, and I’m starting to incorporate more leather products too.

DOVELET

Pup Up Tissue Box + RB(ow)G Bow

I started this business accidentally! I made a tissue box toy with tissues for my two kids, which I shared on Facebook. People started asking me to make one for their kids too, and all of a sudden I had a ton of orders! I’ve begun branching out into different products as well, like multiracial peg dolls, and hair bows. I recently launched my website to make it official! I’m a SAHM and love it, but am also enjoying this creative outlet and way to make a little income for my family.

THE HOUNDRY LIFE

Round Bed + Hugger Bed

A luxury pet brand with your dog and home in mind. Dog beds made in the USA with Sunbrella fabric. Code: FURBABY (20% off any order)

STRONGLY WORDED

Mask chains for people with something to say! These hand-strung, personalized, chic accessories help you keep your mask clean and close at hand. (Eyeglass chains also available.)

MADE BY RACHEL

I’m Speaking Sticker + No Rain No Rainbows Sticker

I got my start making cards and doing modern calligraphy as a hobby, and I knew I wanted to open an Etsy shop one day. My shop was open for about 2 years when COVID hit, and I became unemployed. I used that newfound time to double down on my shop – I learned how to do digital art and researched getting my designs printed into stickers, which I now carry alongside hand-lettered cards and custom goods. While I love hand-lettering physical products, stickers are so fun to design, bring to life, and see on laptops, tumblers, and more! CARLY20 for 20% off my whole shop 🙂

INDESIGNSIVE

Pink Leopard Print Mask +  Rainbow Pattern Mask

At Indesignsive I hand make and sell face masks! I have been a professional theatrical costume designer and stitcher in the Boston area for over 5 years. However, because of the pandemic everyone on my team was laid off during the summer because of the disappearance of and inability to perform theater. I started Indesignsive to keep doing what I love and in return help keep people safe! MASKUP10

LIZA LETTERING

I am a high school teacher that has been craving a creative outlet for years as I look to pivot to a new field, and 2020 allowed me to turn that into a reality! I can hand letter and customize just about any item you want (wedding signs- how I got started, ornaments, boxes, name plates, classroom signs, etc)

ALLEN RAE VINTAGE

Milk Glass Tray + Lucite Mirrored Vanity Tray

Allen Rae Vintage was founded by Skylar Allen and Jessica Rae over a mutual love of vintage pieces. We offer a collection of unique and one-of-a-kind finds to help you curate a more sustainable home. As a part of our work toward advocating for a more sustainable and just future, each month 10% of our sales will be donated to organizations fighting for systemic change.

ILOVESJS

School Supplies Lanyard + Seusstastic Lanyard

I come from a family of teachers. I decided to start making clay lanyards that they could wear to school. I have slowly added to the lanyards to include items such as stickers, shirts, and cups.

THE NEUTRAL KNOT

Macrame Coaster + Macrame Keychain

Modern #Macrame inspired by a neutral color palette ✨ Home decor & accessories for unique styling, gifting, and more! DM or visit Etsy for purchases 🌈

SOUTHERN’SPIRATIONS

Ginger Ornaments + Wrapping Paper Sheets

Currently residing in the lovely small town of Hartsville, South Carolina and enjoying the small town life and embracing all the charms of living in South Carolina. Back in 2015, I started Southern’spirations as a creative outlet during my Senior year at High Point University, where I studied biochemistry along with a minor in the studio arts. And well, if you can’t tell my creativity and passions paved the way.

After a couple of years in the biotech industry and corporate marketing, I decided to take a leap of faith, and with the unyielding support of my parents, I turned my talents into my very own business. Under the name Southern’spirations I create watercolor illustrations and custom art pieces. Watercolor pieces have a Southern Preppy flare with prints of rainbow row and ginger jars.

We also currently have a collection of dishtowels, mugs, puzzles, wine charms and more! We are proud to source local and US vendors for all our printing needs to help support other small businesses. I also love creating custom pieces for capturing a memory or special place in watercolor! CARLYXMAS15 for 15% off order

SERTA PET BEDS

Serta Quilted Couch + Serta Cuddler

Serta branded pet beds! We are the exclusive licensee for Serta, Beautyrest, and Simmons pet beds! The same comfort and technology from your favorite branded mattresses, but for your pet! 20% off with code CARLY

Small Business Gift Guide: ART

KATHRYN SELBERT ILLUSTRATION

Custom Guest Book + Custom Illustrated Family Card

I create illustrated portraits to celebrate life milestones and holidays. Wedding guestbooks, menus, holiday cards, family portraits etc. I started this business as a side hustle to greeting card licensing and illustrating children’s books. Both elements of my work are thriving but I love working directly with clients 🙂

NANTUCKET PRINT SHOP

A brother-and-sister duo snapping photos around our favorite island. We both love taking photos on the island and after each receiving several requests about purchasing prints of our photos, we decided to team up and make it happen! We are so excited to share our love of Nantucket with the walls of your home! Use PREPSTER for 10% off.

AMES CLACK DESIGNS

Aloe Vera Card + Custom Pet Portrait

I went to school for design and soon felt lost in the corporate world. I started my Etsy store as a creative outlet. Now a few years later I couldn’t be happier I took that leap. I have a variety of prints, cards, and stickers in my store with fun, cheerful, pun-inspired designs. I also offer a few custom items like pet portraits and house paintings. CARLY2020 for 15% off.

PATRICIA FK

Custom Family Portrait Ornament + Custom Home Ornament

I’m a one-woman show, and I started painting and making art for sale 4 years ago. I make custom hand painted ornaments and portraits.

SOETKINDESIGN

Custom 2-Person Illustration + Custom 1-Person Illustration

I create Custom illustrations! I have always loved painting/ drawing and at the beginning of quarantine (very bored in the house) I started teaching myself how to do this digitally. I started posting these on Instagram and suddenly started receiving messages for custom illustrations. I turned it into a small business and recently set up an Etsy for it! ☺️

PAINTED BY PIPPA

Custom Pet Portrait + Nantucket Print

I started PBP in 2018 as a side hustle while working at a tech company and needing a little creative outlet after work! It started as a small collection of art prints based on my love for Nantucket and has now grown into a full custom watercolor business (that I’m now lucky enough to run full time!). I create custom watercolor wedding invitations but also offer watercolor home paintings, pet portraits, couple portraits, and have a line of art prints and ornaments! 10% off your purchase with code CARLY10

MERET MAKES

Hartford, CT

Bespoke calligraphy for the modern client – including pointed pen, brush, and chalkboard art.

DREAM OF THE WOODS

Dream of the Woods is a little production company on Cape Cod that specializes in art that reflects kindness, personal growth, and human connection.

GIVE ME A STITCH

Embroidered Recipe

I started my Etsy shop as a creative outlet in 2019. I create handmade embroidered portraits/pet portraits, embroidered recipes, and more. These pieces are the perfect keepsake and offers a way to showcase your favorite photo or your loving pet! I find joy in helping bring customers photos to life…in an embroidered way. I love how each piece is unique, telling its very own story. I sell on Etsy and showcase my work on Instagram @GiveMeAStitch

TASHA BOCK ART

Custom Pet Portrait + Citrus Tree

Tasha paints optimistic oil paintings and playful watercolors, translating the beauty and happiness of life to paint. She grew up in Southern California and attended Dartmouth College. The week of college graduation, her father was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Returning home to be with him, painting became a personal solace and way of finding beauty and purpose in the process of creating. Tasha hasn’t put the paint brush down since and is honored and delighted that her work can bring a little bit of life’s magic into your life and home. Carly15

ABBY LOU ILLUSTRATIONS

Personalized Pet Portrait + Custom Home Illustration

In AP art class in high school, we had to have a focus for our work and I chose houses and buildings! From there, personalized home portraits were always my go to for gifts, and I was getting interest from family and friends wanting to buy, so Abby Lou Illustrations was born! I sell personalized house/building, pet, and wedding portraits all done in my signature black line style.

BRITT FORD

Hydrangea + Custom Home

Britt Ford is a 29-year-old multi discipline self-taught artist from Hoboken, NJ who recently moved to Tampa, FL. Since 2015, Britt has been mastering her method of thermographic embossed artwork. Britt’s relationship with the glue and embossing powder melting together brings her senses in line and provide tranquility and peace.

The uncertainty of how the melting of two materials will result really encapsulates how unique the process is. Utilizing thermographic embossing like no other has done before, Britt is pioneering the next step through a new method. Britt’s art starts from her desire to show others what she has uncovered and finds truly beautiful and create an irreplaceable masterpiece.

Small Business Gift Guide: FOR THE HOME

DAYBREAK DESIGNS

Walnut Cherry & Maple + Oak & Walnut Serving Tray

This is my husband’s side hustle but I am so dang proud of what he has done! He makes hand crafted cutting boards and serving trays. After purchasing a board similar on Etsy, he realized he could make boards, too. A few YouTubes and trial and error later, he was well underway. These are perfect one of a kind gifts for those people you just don’t know what to gift. Custom orders available, too! – Melissa

ROOT & STEM

Monstera Leaf Ornament + Succulent Arrangement

Felt florals and plants

THE GILDED DOOR

Monogram Wreath

I started The Gilded Door six years ago when I was searching for a quality wreath at an affordable price point. I wasn’t impressed with many of the options available, and the ones I did like were exorbitantly priced. I set out to make my own wreath and when my friend saw my wreath she asked me to make her a wreath; people continued to request wreaths and my business began from there. I create custom hand crafted wreaths for every season. My designs are unique, I do not make more than one or two of each design.

SANDIA HOME

Poppy Ottoman + BFF Table

We are a couture furniture company, focused on exquisite details with charming surprises, vibrant designs, and a fresh sensibility. Founded by mom Debby, an interior designer, and her best friend Ellen, I joined this spring when I lost my job because of COVID. We began with the BFF table, a two piece end table shaped like the heart charm necklace you split with your friend. My personal favorite piece is the poppy ottoman. A petal shaped ottoman with lucite legs, it comes in six colors and is a comfy way to have coffee table in an unexpected shape.

HANDMADE BY KAIT

White Peony Beaded Hoop + Beaded Wall Hanging

After having my second daughter at the beginning of the pandemic I no longer felt comfortable doing the job that I love. I was a freelance bridal hairstylist and loved every second of it. Given the nature of the pandemic and having a newborn at home I no longer felt it was a safe environment for myself and my family. I felt like most have during all of 2020 like I still needed a way to challenge myself creatively. This launched the new beginning of HandmadebyKait on Etsy and I began making handmade wreaths and home decor. I have loved every second and it has been such a gift to me during such a difficult year. CARLY2020

OLD NORTH STATE DESIGN

North Carolina Lighthouse Print + Love Your Neighbor Print

I finally launched Old North State Design right in the middle of this pandemic after years of dreaming about it. I create art prints for folks who have a love for North Carolina, but do carry prints that everyone could put in their homes. I will always have at least one print for which all proceeds go to a nonprofit that means a lot to me. I’m consistently adding new designs, so check in often! CARLY10

ABBEY’S VINTAGE GOODS

Vintage Pitcher + Green Vintage Book

I own a small vintage/antique/artisan goods boutique located in the small town of Glasgow, Missouri. I also rent out booth space to local vendors (currently the shop features 36 vendors) and so our shop kind of has a collected/handmade feel as well. We have everything from vintage books, antique jars, tea towels, hand-stitched quilts, handmade pillows, vintage art, custom laser engraved tumblers, pottery mugs, handmade items like soap, wooden signs, and wreaths, clothes, jewelry, rugs…

I could go on and on; the shop’s inventory changes all the time and is completely unique – you never know what you will find! I got started on Etsy in 2018 selling vintage items, opened my storefront in 2019 and brought in local vendors and artisan brands from all over the country, and then I had just quit my jobs to run the business full time when the pandemic hit and I had to shut down. However, my community is incredibly supportive, and we are still open and going strong. I love the gift-giving aspect of Christmas and I would love to help spread the love from the Midwest!

Small Business Gift Guide: FOOD & DRINKS

COURTNEY ROWE CAKES

Atlanta, GA

I’ve always loved decorating cakes for my kids and special occasions, but during the pandemic I got much more serious about it as a brief escape from reality. It’s become such a great hobby/distraction/happy place for me and over the past few months I’ve begun selling cakes to family and friends to help celebrate their special moments as well! Whether it’s a birthday, engagement, girls weekend, I love creating cakes for folks!

MACARONS BY VICKI

Reading, MA (north of Boston area!), local delivery

I make handmade French macarons for all occasions! I have always been a passionate baker, and so this spring I decided to launch my side hustle, my passion project, my favorite thing! I customize flavor and decoration to fit the vision of my customers. Everything is made from scratch and never frozen. Macarons are $20 for a dozen. 10% off with code SMALLBIZLOVE

SCRATCH PASTA CO

Spicy Garlic Mohawks + Virginia Wheat Campanelle

Scratch Pasta was begun by Chef Stephanie Fees in Lynchburg, Virginia. After years of working as a professional chef in New York City and The Greenbrier in West Virginia, she settled back in her hometown to run the kitchen at West Manor Estate, a local wedding venue. While at West Manor, Stephanie had the opportunity to attend ‘pasta school,’ in Chiavari, Italy, studying the many and varied authentic pastas and sauces of Italy, and was inspired to start a pasta shop in Lynchburg to bring fresh, homemade pastas to her hometown. Scratch Pasta now makes delicious, award-winning pastas that ship straight to your front door!

PIG OF THE MONTH BBQ

Bacon of the Month + Starter Pack

We ship organic and pasture/ free range BBQ meats and more nationwide. It’s a perfect gift for the guy in your life who you never know what to get — we do everything from a bacon of the month club (Vanilla Bourbon Bacon, anyone?) to ribs, brisket, corned beef and more. carly15 for 15% off

THE SUGARY BAKING CO

Northern NJ

This Holiday season I am selling Advent Calendar Cookies. They come individually wrapped (one mini cookie per day) in numbered bags along with twine and clothespins for you to display at home! My name is Andrea and I’m a teacher by day, baker by night. Taught by generations of Italian women, I consider myself a people person with a love for hosting parties. And there’s nothing like dessert to make those parties more sweet! I sell anything from chocolate chip cookies and cake pops to sugar cookies and macarons. Wedding favors, baby showers and holidays are my speciality. Let’s make your next event a Sugary one! 10% off if you mention that Carly sent you!

BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE

Coffee Club Subscription + Cozy Care Package

Annapolis, Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington NC. Location in Georgetown on the way!

We are a coffee shop that is changing the way people see other people. All of our employees have intellectual and developmental disabilities and we love to show people what’s possible, one cup of coffee at a time!

SERVICES

SHAÏNAH FAUSTIN LAFOREST

One of the best gifts you can give is investing in your friends! I offer support for all kinds of businesses — especially strategic support for bloggers and small businesses. Let’s make celebrating each other’s personal and professional growth a thing! Mention that you saw me via Carly when we connect!

GIVETIDE

We are a charitable giving platform where you can donate to any 501c3 in the US. Users can make one time or recurring donations. However, they can also “round up” their spare change by linking a credit card and donate their spare charge (I.e. $3.50 at Starbucks, $0.50 is rounded up and can be donated to their nonprofit of choice!). Users could make a donation to some of the nonprofits battling important social issues right now as their gift to a loved one!

ALPHA-LIT MARQUEE LETTERS

Central & Northern New Jersey

We just opened in NJ and are accepting bookings for 2021! We rent marquee letters and numbers that are beautiful white in the day and light up at night. Perfect for weddings, showers, birthdays, sports events and any other celebration! You can spell anything and we can light it! You can even customize light bulb colors. With 2020 being such a hard year, adding something extra to all of life’s celebrations in 2021 will help make things brighter. $50/letter and $60/number to rent (plus delivery/install fee and taxes). Mention CARLY for $25 off your first order.

LOVE CHILD

South Boston

Love Child is the merriment of two best friends on a mission to foster creativity, connections, and celebrations within their community. Colleen has another business as a floral designer and Crystal as a cocktail catering company proprietor. Our original plan was to open as a micro venue and curate beautiful experiences for intimate gatherings. The space was also to function as a place to host a variety of creative workshops including our signature Blooms & Booze class where participants learn to make a centerpiece and a cocktail or mocktail. We spent January and February transforming our little space in Southie. Unfortunately, our launch weekend coincided with the weekend Boston shut down due to COVID. We took the next couple of months to regroup and figure out how to do the infamous “Corona pivot”. Enter what we know best, flowers and cocktails. We opened up as a retail shop selling “Blooms & (just add) Booze Cocktail Kits”. Since then, we have been able to re-introduce our initial concept of intimate gatherings/workshops and now operate as a hybrid of a micro venue and retail shop. We love that we can play a role in continuing to help people to celebrate (even if it’s just the everyday, mundane things in life) during what is such a hard time for all. It’s really kept our spirit alive too. CARLY15 for 15% off online shop and private events

SIMPLE PURE WHOLE WELLNESS

I am a physician trained in Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on the intersection of preventive medicine and public health, environmental health, mind-body medicine/positive psychology and mindfulness. I’m also an interdisciplinary yoga instructor, a practice I came to as a young teenager to help manage stress and that lead me to appreciate a more complete approach to mind-body health.

I founded the Simple Pure Whole Wellness Method as a platform to share my expertise as a preventive and lifestyle medicine physician, yoga instructor, and health coach along with my appreciation for mindfulness, bioethics, health communications and education methodology and global perspectives to work with individual, group and corporate clients. I use approaches to teach others to maintain balance, energy, and optimal health through mindfulness and stress management, simply enjoyable nourishment, adequate rest, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.

I share this with individuals through my book The Whole Cure (and soon-to-be released second book focused on lifestyle medicine approaches to health), providing done-for-you content and editing services for health coaches and other health professionals, teaching, writing, and online programs as well as crafting approaches to corporate wellness and occupational health programs and developing programs and materials which support and guide other health care practitioners looking to embrace this approach. SPW10CARLY ($10 off any SimplePureWhole products on website)

THE BAR METHOD

MADISON, NJ

Despite all odds for small business, our studio just turned 7 years strong this October. It would be my absolute pleasure to welcome your readers into our community, be it in-person or virtually. Our pandemic pivot to live streaming has enabled us to open an array of classes to people out-of-state and overseas.

Importantly, there is no experience required as we welcome all fitness levels, both near and far, to enjoy to following: $10 off $30 Gift Cards: “Carly Exclusive: Barre4Bloggers” @ The Bar Method Madison, good to use now – 12/31/20 on: 1) Athleisure: Lulu Lemon, Beyond Yoga, Alo Yoga, DIY, Alo Yoga and more; 2) Accessories: Barre Socks, Nest Candles, Scarves, Hats, Gloves and more; 3) Bar Method Classes: In-person or Virtual. 

EMME

Emme is a women’s health company that I founded after hearing from hundreds of women about how stressful it is to remember the pill! We launched the Emme Smart Case – a product that tracks your birth control pills and sends reminders until you remember to take the pill. We also have a health management app available on iOS and Android! CARLY20 for $20 off!

YOUR POLISHED PLACE

I am a professional home organizer! I started my business in February of this year after organizing the homes of friends and family for many years. I’m passionate about helping my clients feel stress free in their home spaces by helping them get organized. I offer in-person home organizing in the Washington D.C metro area, as well as virtual home organizing sessions. I organize everything from kitchens and pantries to master bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, and nurseries. Anyone who books an in-person session from Carly’s blog will get 1 free hour of organizing (sessions are 4 hour minimum). Anyone who books a virtual session from Carly’s blog will get a discounted rate of $90 for the full session (usually $125).

AMANDA MCKEVITT PHOTOGRAPHY

Northwest Ohio

I am a couples, families, and intimate wedding photographer in Ohio that has a passion for serving others with fun, vibrant, joy-filled images to cherish forever! I started photography a couple years ago and this has become my full time job! I consider it a blessing and honor to serve people in this way.

FLYING PIG EVENTS

Tri-State Area

Briana runs Flying Pig Events, a small boutique wedding planning firm based out of the tri-state area. With over 10 years of event planning and project management experience, Briana brings a love and passion for weddings (her career started at BRIDES!) to everything she does. No wedding is too big or too small and all pricing is custom based on each couple and their day, and includes everything from vendor research, timeline creation and management, day-of planning, month-of planning and everything little thing in between.

For the 2020 holiday season only, brides-to-be can request a one-time $25 (max 2 hours) consultation to run through their wedding plan, timeline assistance, ask any wedding related questions, advice on planning a COVID wedding, and design/aesthetic tips and suggestions. No code required, just email flyingpigec [ at ] gmail [ dot ] com with the subject “CARLY PROMO”.

DIY

UNWIND.STUDIO

Couto Needlepoint Canvas (left) + Smoky Mountain Needlepoint (right)

Started this year with an online small business of needlepoint kits with designs from artists from all over the world. The canvases are printed, which makes this hobby more affordable. CARLY15 for 15% off.

ALICE & BLUE

All Purpose Flour Canvas + Maple Syrup Canvas

Needlepoint canvases and kits! I started needlepointing in grad school in 2018 and want it to be my full time career within the next 3 years! CARLY20 20% discount

AND OTHER ADVENTURES CO

Everly Bouquet Embroidery Kit + Burgundy and Blush Wildflower Embroidery Kit

All things hand embroidery! Beginner and advanced kits, digital patterns, embroidered art, supplies & custom wedding bouquets. CARLY10 (10% off all embroidery kits & patterns)

PS this small business gift guide was a labor of love to put together– if you come across a broken link or code, please reach out to me on my contact page, via Email, or in a comment and I will get it addressed ASAP!