Small Business Gift Guide

As a small business owner, I fully understand the impact of shopping small and having the support of your local community and the community that can be built online.

My favorite holiday guide is below along with sales/promos these businesses may be offering during Small Business Saturday.

If you have not already attended a local maker/vendor market in your community, I encourage you to look up a schedule of events happening this Holiday Season. Attending as a vendor is always the highlight of owning a small business. It is a way to connect with customers face to face & discover other amazing artisans in the community.

The Homestead Haven – Offering 30% off on Small Business Saturday. Specializing in curated & meaningful home decor items. A portion of all proceeds is donated to a charitable cause each quarter. The gift that keeps on giving. Shop the Together is our favorite place to be, as pictured, and other favorited items.

Elle Woods Co. – Beautiful reclaimed home decor which can also be customized. Each piece is unique and skillfully curated with so much passion and an eye for design. Shop her shirts & sweatshirt sale going on now.

Pierce & Hide – Leather earrings & statement jewelry. Small Biz Saturday – Buy 2 get 1 Free. This mom boss is a total inspiration! Not only does she strive to offer affordable & beautiful jewels, she has used her shop to help others in need by offering special sales and then donates to charitable causes. This B2G1 sale is a great way to shop for others & treat yourself at the same time!

Greenhouse Picker Sisters – Specialty events and styling. One visit to their warehouse for a Galentine’s event with Restored for Moms, I knew they were my kind of people. Their selection of decor that you can choose from your event is un-believable! Prepare to be in awe of their stunning creations. If you’re in need of an event planner, they are your gals.

Honor & Grace – Beautiful special collection handcrafted bows for girls (mamas too). Two mom bosses who are spreading so much goodness with their curated goods & positive messages found in their posts.

Porch Dog Pots – Locally made (NC) ceramics. They are SO beautiful! Having recently spent time with Caitlin for a special anniversary date night with my husband, I can attest to the craft involved in curating these beautiful pieces. She went above and beyond to make our workshop special. Find her at local holiday markets here in NC.

-I’ll be sharing a blog post on how you can give the gift of experience with your spouse to celebrate an anniversary involving the traditional gift of pottery.

Herban Roots – Crafted organic skincare that bridges the gap between luxury and natural efficacy. Did I mention she’s a total mom boss?! Upon opening my Everything Salve, I was transported to memories at the spa. The fresh scent and quality product has become part of my daily regime. They have everything you need to start/end your day with a pure skincare regime.

Confetti Scout Gifts – So many sales and free shipping available in her shop! Owner, Jill, and mom boss, is ALL about spreading HAPPINESS & LOVE through our unique, handmade Confetti Art, and decor! One visit to her shop and you will have all. the. feels of happiness & love.

Freshly Pressed – Custom SANTA LETTERS for your littles?! Need I say more? Oh but her shop offers so much more. See her post (Santa letter as pictured above) for a chance to win a letter from Santa, a coupon for 20% off custom stationary and qualify for a giveaway of a half-dozen box of Christmas cookies by @ohsugarcookiecompany! Custom stationery – letterpress, design, and calligraphy. One visit to her Instagram and you’ll want to redo your wedding all over again just to have her customized invitations.

Linden Handcrafted – 20% off with code Thankful20. Hand-casted concrete products that are repurposeful. Their all natural soy scented candles are divine! I’m currently burning the Blue Spruce which smells like Christmas. Once burned completely, the mold can be used as a planter! How cool is that?! They also offer unique home decor goods. If you love a good candle & also love adding new plants to your home, you will want to shop these small batch products.

Holiday Gift Guide for KIDS

Let’s be honest, if you have kids and/or nieces and nephews, kids bring new life back into Christmas. I can remember the first Christmas our first born was old enough to understand the meaning of Christmas and Santa. The pure shock and excitement on his face as he peered into the living room from the upstairs loft and then squealed “Wow! Santa came!”, is something I will never forget.

Now our boys are ages 5 & 3 so I predict this year might be one of the best Christmases yet.

I’ve gathered some of their favorite toys in the below gift guide that I hope will help with your gift giving this year. Below the image are labeled items with links I’ve sourced for the best deals at the time. Also included are a few items not pictured that are great gift ideas.

Magic Sketch Pad – Works well for carefree doodling and a learning tool with the interchangeable inserts.

Kindle Fire HD for Kids – Easily download learning apps, have access to Prime movies when traveling all while your little one can easily hold their very own tablet because of the easy grip cover.

Discover Rock Tumbler Kit – For the outdoor enthusiast and rock lover.

Strider Balance Bike– I kid you not, our oldest went straight from this bike to a big boy bike without training wheels or assistance. I nervously was forced to let go as he confidently said “I’ve got it mom, let go!” Then off he went around our cul de sac. We cannot say enough about starting your little off with one of these bikes.

3 Wheel Scooter– The three wheels are much easier to learn on. Another go-to favorite for both of our boys.

Magic Tracks with Remote Control Car – Options to build and change the tracks with easy to snap pieces. The best part about this one, they glow in the dark and the car has headlights. This toy has provided hours of entertainment for our boys. Highly recommend!

Dance Ribbon Streamers – We first saw these at our downtown music events. The family shared ribbons with our boys which then provided endless entertainment as they twirled ribbons, danced and made new friends. Great stocking stuffer idea also.

Magna Tiles – Hands down worth the investment. You can add on with other Magna tile bundles at anytime making this a gift that lasts for years. Our oldest has made some of the most impressive builds with these. They allow for your children’s imagination to run wild. Smaller start kit can be found HERE.

Dig It Up Eggs – Fun activity on a rainy day or a perfectly sunny day spent outside.

Fishing Pole – This has been the perfect starter pole for our kiddos (Spider Man themed of course). The rubber fish bait is a perfect weight for them to cast and reel back in before the real hooks and bait are added to the line for actual fishing.

Golf Clubs – This has been requested from Santa this year. Based on research, these appear to be a great starter set.

  • Golf Shoes – A great addition if your little is serious about the sport and taking lessons.

Ride on Plasma Car – Fun for all. We have had family friendly races down the driveway on two of these. You must get one for each kiddo.

Step 2 Roller Coaster – A fun activity to set up on a sunny day, birthday parties, and when friends are over for playdates.

Nature Bound Bug Catcher – Our boys love the outdoors and catching bugs. I like that this bug vacuum keeps the bugs from their hands. The chamber can be closed off then attached to the bug box lid, reopening the chamber for the bug to enter safely into the box.

Saucer Swing – fun and relaxing swing the kids love.

Walkie Talkies – Again, another toy that has provided hours of entertainment. Not to mention, it’s fun for parents to join in the fun.

Books – Wordy Birdy & Little Blue Truck

Little Tikes Trampoline – A great way for the littles to burn energy when outdoor play isn’t always the option. We have ours on the screened in porch as the weather has been fairly mild this Fall.

Here’s to hoping you and yours have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-Amanda

Holiday Gift Guide for HIM

Shopping for my husband & other men in my life (my dad, father-in-law, etc) has never been easy. They always seem to have it all because they typically buy when they need/want something leaving the gift-giving task more of a challenge.

I’ve put together some of my husband’s favorite items that I hope will serve as a starting point for you as you create your shopping lists.

Patagonia Pro Low Trucker Hat – Great to wear casually.

Patagonia Fitz Roy Schoop Hat – Second option to wear casually.

Yeti Rambler Mug – Large handle grip, perfect for on the go coffee.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket – The only winter coat your man will need, it’s sure to keep him warm.

Patagonia Better Sweater Vest – Both Stylish and warm, this vest will keep your man warm when you don’t need the full coat. It also layers well under a jacket for extra body warmth.

Patagonia Nano Puff Vest – Because vests are best and keep you warm. They are favorites of ours as NC winters are somewhat mild. Worn solo or layered with a jacket.

Magnetic Car Mount for Phone – Great stocking stuffer. Provides safety and keeps the phone accessible while driving.

Pearl Izumi Men’s Cycling Shoes – For the avid (or beginner) cyclist, both indoor spin and road cycling.

  • Bike Cleats – Needed with Cycling Shoes. Favorite cleat options of ours that make snapping in and out of pedals easy but a tight enough clip in that you won’t pop out without trying.

Suncloud Polorized Optic – (a Smith’s sunglass owned company and a fraction of the price) They are my husbands go-to with so many style options.

Carry-on Spinner Bag with USB – 4 wheels is the only way for a roller bag. A favorite for that traveling businessman in your life.

Weber 1200 Gas Grill – Compact, easy to travel with for tailgating or camping, small enough for a porch, and a great grill for perfect cooking. I personally love it because of the ease to lite it.

Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes Watch – This watch looks great worn casually and with business attire. My husband loves this classic style and the thin face – no issues with the face getting caught on his shirt sleeves.

Personalized Monogram Watch Box – For the watch collector – personalized and a nice accent piece for your loved one to display his beloved watches.

DJI Drone – For the tech lover. My husband has had his for 3 years and loves that he can also navigate the drone via phone & ipad (for larger display screen). Takes wonderful pictures and videos.

Robotics EVO Drone – A second drone option with high reviews as well.

Customizable City Coordinate Sign – Great for the home or office decor.

Stay Humble/Hustle Hard Sign – Perfect office decor and a simple daily reminder.

SEE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER – HERE