small business gift guide 2022

Object-Matter Ceramic – joyful ceramic mugs

If you have a friend who perpetually buys cool mugs to add to their collection, Object-Matter Ceramic is a great option.

A quick look at their page, and you just feel joyful. Bright and happy colors. Some neotenic shapes. You can shop mugs, lamps, blankets, incense holders and more.

The founder, Carrie Lau, currently resides right near me in Highland Park, Los Angeles. But she was born and raised in Hong Kong. She uses her art-making process as a way to achieve mindfulness and experiment with her curiosity.

YOWIE – small artist curator

YOWIE isn’t a single brand, but rather a collective of amazing makers and artists. It’s based in Philadelphia, but you can shop online, too.

The founder actually comes from a corporate fashion design background, but she launched this as a passion project, and it has grown over the last couple of years.

The whole vibe of the shop is just fun and lively.

They do have some YOWIE-branded products, but they curating tons of amazing collections from other great, small brands.

No Sleep Club Montreal – wooden LED-lit signs

I recently received one of these signs as a gift, so it’s almost fate that it needed to be included on this small business gift guide.

Every sign is handmade, and I can personally vouch for the quality. It’s been a great addition to my office wall.

There are tons of options for the design and wording on the signs, but you could also create your own custom sign.

Just a heads up, these do take several weeks to come in since everything is made by hand. So keep that in mind and shop early.

Growin Womxn – plants, figures, and affirmation accessories

Shoutout to the Atlanta art events for introducing me to this lovely lady.

She has a range of products that are all related to mindfulness, wellbeing, and affirmations. And what better way to show your loved ones that you care than by giving a gift that shows that you prioritize their spiritual health?

I bought one of her body figures with an air plant in it, and I get so many complements on it. But you can also buy plants by themselves, crystals, and affirmation and plant accessories.

Rua Carlota – sustainable fashion brand

This is a pricey one, but SO worth it if you have the budget to splurge a little.

You might’ve seen them on Instagram before. It’s a cool ass brand that’s trying to challenge waste culture by turning fabric scraps or used clothes into works of art.

Charlotte, the owner, makes everything by hand. And everything is one of one. So every single piece you get is a completely unique art piece.

Fun fact: the owner was actually a mathematics graduate, so she uses lots of her background in geometry when creating these pieces.

I want one of everything

Happy Hooker ATX – crocheted products

Whether you are looking to gift someone a cute rainbow or cactus pillow, a wall hanging or a groovy crop top, Happy Hooker ATX is your go-to. Her brand is full of happy, 70’s-inspired goodness.

You can even get crochet tutorials to make your own accessories.

I interned with the owner, Micayla, when we were both in the wedding planning biz, so it’s so exciting to see her grow and perfect her craft.

She crochets every single order herself, but you couldn’t tell: you could definitely fool me that it was professionally produced.

If you’re in the Austin, TX area, make sure you check her out at the many popups she’ll be at. Otherwise, you can order online!

Urbn Rewrrk – repurposed vintage fashion

Urbn Rewrrk is another small brand that has a mission of making fashion more sustainable.

Instead of creating pieces from scratch, the owner LaMicah, reworks vintage items to add her own flare. Whether its mixing two pieces together, reshaping pieces, or adding interesting stitching, every piece is an immediate statement.

She’s from Ann Arbor, MI (woot woot, go blue!) but currently resides in Brooklyn, NYC.

gldeng6rl – surrealist artist

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve probably seen this artist before. I’ve been absolutely obsessed ever since I discovered her over a year ago when doing research for my Black artists you should support post.

She has one of the most unique surrealist styles I’ve ever seen. Her art pieces blend photographed photos and illustration is such a unique and compelling way.

Whether the person you’re buying for has more of a muted or colorful style, there is a huge range of prints that can fit whatever their style is.

If your friend is an art enthusiast, this will be a great addition to their collection.

bean & Bean coffee – coffee subscriptions

This small coffee shop is a mother-daughter duo. And though they’ve grown to 4 different locations since launching in 2008, I still wanted to include them on this small business gift guide.

One of their missions is to help close the gender pay gap that appears in the supply chain of coffee. So if you buy from them you’re supporting a great cause.

They also have a subscription program that can help you show some love to your coffee-loving friends. You can get them either a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription to deliver yummy, ethical coffee right to their door.

Citizen’s Supply – small brand marketplace

Citizen’s Supply is another collective that curates collections of several different artists and makers.

There is such a variety of products here, from candles to clothing to leather goods, even chocolate. And all of them are created by small businesses.

Their online offering is pretty thing, but if you’re in the Atlanta area, I would absolutely recommend checking out their huge store inside of Ponce City Market.

LoveDrizzlesPottery – Drippy planters

We all have a plant lover (or two or five) in our lives. And the great thing is, it’s really easy to get them a gift they’re going to love. So grab a planter from a small business this holiday season!

And LoveDrizzlesPottery will definitely catch their eye like it did mine. Their products make you hungry because they look like melting ice cream. The subtle ombre pastel colors, the drips. Just *chef’s kiss*