Shop small.
I will be the first to admit that I have a love affair with Amazon Prime. Yet as I have become more mindful of leading a clean and purposeful lifestyle, I have seen a dramatic shift in what I opt to consume materialistically as well. Despite having a love|hate relationship with social media, it is through Instagram that I have found a collection of small shops and female-owned businesses I simply adore. Since becoming a mother (and small business/side-hustle “owner”) myself, I have made it my personal mission to think twice before completing that simple click that makes shopping for anything so very easy (and oftentimes mindless). This often means selecting products that might cost a little bit more than your average Amazon find, but in return obtaining an item made with so much love, right here in the USA, by other women and mothers. There is something incredibly empowering in supporting fellow women as they carve their own path and make time for their passions. Isn’t that what we are all trying to do, anyway? I sure hope so.
As the holiday season approaches (or in the case of my home, is already in full swing), I encourage you to shop small, and look deeply into where your dollar is going with each purchase. Below are my top picks this season from some of my absolute favorite female or mom-owned small businesses.
Gifts for Baby
Shopping for baby can be so fun, but also overwhelming. The baby and toy aisles at Target cause me a lot of anxiety with all the plastic, noise, and lights. When shopping for my own babies, nieces, or for baby showers, I always try to opt for items that I personally love and know will last.
Bannor Toys Alphabet Grasping Toy
I found this shop when I was pregnant with Colton and instantly fell in love. Their wooden toys and teethers have been my go-to gift for babies. I love how they can double as a lifetime keepsake. Colton will be receiving the wooden toy phone from Santa this year, but I also love the silicone blocks and state rattles!
Bannor Toys is currently offering a free personalized ornament with a $20 purchase (through November 21st).
Ryan & Rose Cutie Clips
Since we joke that Colton will be taking his pacifier to college, I have searched for the safest, yet stylish, paci clip, and was completely won over by Ryan & Rose’s attention to detail and strenuous safety regulations. The color options are out of this world, and these clips (or pacis, teethers, etc.) would make the sweetest stocking stuffers.
Lou Lou & Company Top & Bottoms set
I cannot say enough about this company. Colton has lived in Lou Lou since birth: the gowns and swaddles are as functional as they are beautiful, and we are IN LOVE with their top & bottoms sets. You simply cannot deny that when it comes to these items, quality wins one million times over. As a former NICU nurse, the mama behind Lou Lou knows how to make a safe and soft product for baby that will last! Also: RUN! because the LouLou Sale of the Season began November 10th!
Usborne Books My Wild Animal World
Ok so Usborne is not technically a small shop, however, similar to Beautycounter they utilize a direct sales approach and many independent consultants are women and moms. If you are not familiar with Usborne, I strongly encourage you to check them out as they have books, activities, etc. for children of all ages. I would love to share all of my favorites, but the Wild Animal World set is an absolute standout. It comes with 9 mini board books that are perfect for little hands. They can double as blocks, and are my go-to “toy” for car rides and doctors visits.
Gifts for Kids
GeorgeHats Trucker
Designed and manufactured right here in the USA, this mama of 3 has created the ultimate light-weight and comfortable hat with endless style. No matter your kid’s interests, there is a hat for him/her! Dinos, bears, construction trucks, mickey… I love that kids can showcase their personality and interests hats! through hats! New drops happen every Friday at 1pm EST, and the holiday collection out now is perfection (buffalo check, snowmen, the grinch… just to name a few)!
Tubby Todd Bubble Bath
My kids would live in the bathtub if I let them, but I always hesitated to use bubble bath due to their sensitive skin. The women behind Tubby Todd have created safe, non-toxic bath products, and it’s the only bubble bath I feel comfortable using. The holiday edition gingerbread scent would be such a fun stocking stuffer for your bubble loving kiddos!
Eden&Emeralds Pouches
Teaching the boys to pick up and organize their toys is incredibly important to me as I help them learn to become more independent. We own custom name pouches, in addition to some labeled cars, colors, snacks, boys and brother. Jackson loves to pack his own pouch with items of his choice for car rides and trips! Who said organization can’t be fun!? How perfect would one of these be with a new toy or book inside for Christmas morning? Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 14th when this shop re-opens with items for holiday!
Slumberkins Lovey
There are some BIG feelings in this house. And these babies come wrapped in so much love and intentionality. Each lovey has a story and affiliated emotion (gratitude, confidence, authenticity.. to name a few), and can help inspire and educate our littles while also being a fun snuggly friend! We gifted Colton the Otter from the Family Bonding collection for his first birthday, and also have the Slumberkins ‘The Feels’ book, which has helped Jackson understand his VERY big feelings in a new way.
Gifts for Mama and/or Mama-to-Be
Made by Mary birth flower necklace
Made by Mary jewelry is a perfect, sentimental gift for anyone, but especially for moms. This jewelry is about connection: love made tangible! They hand-cut every piece from raw sheets of metal, and stamp each letter/symbol one-by-one. Truly made with so much love. I pair the rose gold June birth flower (all of my boys, including Paul, are June babies) with the mama bear disc add-on.
Ford & Wyatt Raising Boys sweatshirt
The clothing in this mama’s line is high quality with the sweetest messages. The sweatshirts and t-shirts are perfectly sized and so soft. This sweatshirt also comes in ‘Raising Girls’, ‘Raising Legends’, and I am a huge fan of her newest ‘Raising Tomorrow’ tee. Such a timely message, as I have to believe that this generation of children will be the ones to truly change the world for the better.
Beautycounter Ultimate Renewal Bath Set
Spoil the mom in your life (or yourself!) and truly focus on self-care with these clean products that create a spa-like experience at home! This exclusive holiday set includes everything needed to unwind before, during, and after bathing.
Check out all of my Beautycounter holiday recommendations here.
Blonde & Bead Shop custom gold bracelet
These fun little bracelets are pure gold (literally). At $30 for a personalized, gold-filled bracelet with a custom fit, you cannot go wrong. From ‘Mama’ to kids names or initials, birthstones, or hearts, there are limitless options for any style. This mama has such an eye for design and detail; I have no idea how she does it all! Check out @blondeandbeadshop on instagram to order!
Gifts for the host/hostess
Simply Jessica Marie stir sticks
A watercolor artist that has an affinity for all things blue and white, and hydrangeas? Talk about a match made in heaven. For our 6th wedding anniversary we purchased Jessica’s custom watercolor map of Dallas, TX, and it is stunning. When she launched her holiday collection, I knew I had to include multiple items in my must-haves for the season. These acrylic stir-sticks can be purchased in multiple fun sets for the holidays. I can already see them in festive cocktails on Christmas Eve!
Wixology Candle Company
A clean candle with a bourbon flare! Started by a group of friends with a passion for hand-crafted goods, sustainability and a commitment to community, they infuse the spirit of Kentucky bourbon-based cocktails into each product (and also use phthalate-free fragrance oils and lead-free hemp-core wicks). So what’s your pleasure? Mint Julep? Whisky Sour? Bourbon Neat? Yep, there’s a candle for that!
Wixology is offering 20% off to celebrate their 4 year anniversary - so be sure to use code: WIXTURNS4 at checkout!
Beautycounter Soft Hands Duo
This beautiful limited-edition hand wash and lotion set makes the perfect gift for new homeowners or your holiday hosts. The frosted glass containers are the epitome of sustainability and luxury. The fresh neroli scent of the handwash and the shea butter and jojoba oil of the lotion make this an essential gift this season of all seasons!
Beautycounter’s Black Friday promotion begins November 16th this year! More info soon!
Simply Jessica Marie hand-painted state ornaments
Yes, I have Jesssica’s shop on here twice. But it is just that good. A hand-painted ornament for $38? Yes please. I personally want a mini tree that is full of these ornaments of all the states Paul and I have lived in (5 and counting..). I just think these ornaments would make the most beautiful and thoughtful give this season. Hurry though, a few states are selling out fast!
Gifts for the guys
Zyia Active Men’s Peak Jogger
Zyia is an active lifestyle brand made different. Co-founded by two women (one of whom is a mother of 4!), I fell in love with their mission, commitment to sustainability, and all-around high-quality gear. The Zyia Peak Jogger (in both men and women) is by far the most comfortable and versatile jogger we’ve ever owned. Zyia runs an online boutique-style business, so popular styles and sizes don’t stick around long. Send me a message if you want info on how to earn discounts! P.S. these joggers are for men of any age - I just bought them for my dad! (They make kids styles/sizes, too!).
Beautycounter Counterman Essentials Gift Set
Of all the gift sets that Beautycounter released in 2020, I was genuinely the most excited for this one. Men are often forgotten about when it comes to clean skincare, and when I started investigating the chemicals in what my husband and father were using everyday, I was astounded. This collection of clean necessities includes a limited edition shampoo and body wash, featuring Sequoia Stem Cell Complex, helping protect skin and hair from everyday stress. And the Clean Deo (deodorant) gives your guy a safer way to stay fresh all day.
Local Stature Custom Map Coasters
I was recently introduced to Local Stature by a sweet friend, and instantly fell in love with the products this husband and wife duo create. They believe places you’ve been are uniquely meaningful, and as a family who have lived in a combined 7 states and 9 cities, places matter to us big time. They’re a reminder of how far we’ve come, and the friendships or memories built along the way. These leather coasters are the perfect memento for your guy’s office or home bar. They can be customized to feature the map of any city: pick one for all 4 coasters ($36), or a different city to feature on each ($48)! These will be in Paul’s stocking, highlighting his hometown, his college town, and the two cities where our boys were born!
Beautycounter Conditioning Beard Oil
Paul has had a beard since 2012, and has probably tried every beard oil out there. This is hands down the best, and his favorite Counterman product. It is lightweight, yet conditioning, formulated with a blend of plant oils including jojoba, macadamia, and sunflower, and featuring the same Sequoia Stem Cell Complex from the Essentials Gift Set. Bergamot and vetiver essential oils lend a fresh, woodsy scent inspired by the Sequoia tree. At just $30, this is the ultimate stocking stuffer for your bearded guy!
Gifts for your best friends & soul sisters
My friend Lauren and I had so much fun curating this budget-friendly gift guide specifically for the most important women in your life.
Pearls + Twine Himalayan Salt Heart
Recently gifted to me by the sweetest soul during one of my darkest moments, the meaning behind this himalayan salt heart is genuinely so beautiful. At just $12, this is such a meaningful gift. It makes me think of the quote ‘Find Your Tribe, Love Them Hard’. It is my daily reminder that we are always building our tribe, and how reminding our friends just how important they are - to us and to the world - is critical. This heart is just one of the beautiful handmade items in this mama’s shop.
Kakao Ceremonial Drinking Chocolate
I recently ditched coffee to curb anxiety, and was introduced to the wonders of cacao. The owner of Kakao, Makenzie, started stone-grinding, producing, and blessing (YES, she blesses every single batch) thousands of pounds of KAKAO in her own place, and recently moved production to Lima, Peru to increase impact. Kakao is a high-vibe ceremonial-grade drinking chocolate made from whole cacao beans. You can buy it in 1lb or 5lb bags, but can also purchase individual sachet’s for just $3.99. KAKAO is a beautiful connector and a great counterpart with not just meditation, but also writing, setting your daily intentions, or even connecting with a friend or romantic partner. What an intentional gift to give this holiday season!
Chalk Full of Love ‘Choose Joy’ Mug
I originally fell in love with this mama’s hand-lettering guides, but her shop is filled with the absolute best gifts with the sweetest sayings. She is also a fellow Gilmore Girl enthusiast (patiently waiting for her ‘I Smell Snow’ mug to return!). I love the message behind this mug, and believe that this year, above all others, we must choose joy. I can see an adorable combo of this mug and a Kakao satchet for your friend or sister.
Beautycounter Polish & Protect Lip Duo
This is the lip care set I never knew I needed, and have no idea how I lived without it. Share some lip love with your bff with this safer lip duo that exfoliates and conditions. The lip Polish gently buffs and softens, while Better Balm protects and visibly smooths. It is the sweetest set, perfect for girlfriends of any age. Cue the smiles!
Do you have a favorite female-owned/small shop that I did not mention?
Send me a message and I’ll make sure to check them out or add them to my list! Happy Holiday shopping!!