Our Small Business 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Small businesses are all around us and while we should aim to support them year round, it can feel especially meaningful during the holidays as an opportunity to give unique and unusual presents.
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If you’re doing gifts this year, ditch the Amazon wishlist and opt to support one of these 8 independent businesses instead. I’ve thrown in the scores I would/have bought from each store for the people on my own list, keeping all suggestions at around $50 or less.

​Aged & Infused

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​Be your own craft bartender these holidays thanks to Aged and Infused’s kits ($25). These elegantly packaged mixtures contain ingredients which will liven up your spirits (alcohol and otherwise) with classic, nostalgic flavors like Rose Ceremony or Spike the Punch.

​Devi Arts Collective

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​Devi Arts Collective uses recycled metals and ethically cut gems to create elegant jewelry at a variety of price points. They make it easy to give a personalized gift through their zodiac necklaces ($58-$68) or for something with a bit more color, try the birthstone necklace ($52-$72).

​Nizhoni Soaps

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​At just 11 years old, Kamia Begay (along with her mom and dad) started Nizhoni Soaps to share her love of the Indigenous scents and ingredients. All the items in her shop make great stocking stuffers but my picks are the Navajo bath tea ($12), the bottled handpicked flat cedar ($10), fir and cedar wax melts ($12) and rez dirt soap ($10). Worth noting that all domestic shipping is free.

Ladyfingers Letterpress

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It’s hard to narrow down the best finds from LadyFingers Letterpress because this Colorado-based business offers a bit of everything; you’re almost guaranteed to find something for everyone here. But their cards are what got them started and are still my favorite. Spoil a penpal with their card lover’s gift box ($45) or load up stockings with fuckin’ A sticky notes ($12), Ew, David stickers ($5) or good vibes stickers ($5).

Dryland Wilds

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Dryland Wild focuses on wildcrafted, dryland plants of the American Southwest I was first introduced to through a gift of the greasewood hand balm ($12) which has since become my go-to. Since it’s my ultimate goal to one day retire to New Mexico, these scents remind me why. Though the hand balm is sold out now, you can find that amazing smell in this greasewood roll on ($32) or try something completely different  with their sagebrush + snakeweed beard oil ($18). The piñon plant water ($18) is a refreshing alternative to body spray or traditional perfume. I can’t wait to splurge on myself this holiday with the brand new the smell of new mexico in the fall ($68).

Diaspora Co.

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Diaspora Co. aims to decolonize the spice industry through its direct trade, single-origin business model. They offer quality, equitably-sourced individual spices great for stocking up your own pantry, but it’s their collaborations that really make unique gifts for foodies. Turmeric popcorn spice ($9) is perfect for adding excitement to home movie nights while their date chai caramel is any sweet tooth’s dream. As a “home barista” these days, my personal favorite is the turmeric latte blend ($22).

Rosewood Clothing

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​Rosewood Clothing has the most charming gift for the smoker in your life; these Holly Francis pipes ($40) which at first glance could be mistaken for jewelry. For actual minimalist jewelry pieces, check out these hoops ($44), gold chain studs ($56) or simple chain ($36).

Hathor’s Organics

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Hathor’s Organics brings you the healing power of plants through hand-crafted aromatherapy candles, herbal teas and smoking blends. The lemon-lavender candle ($15) makes your house smell freshly cleaned while the pumpkin-chai one will make you feel cozy and warm on a cold day. Go for the candle lover’s bundle with two candles at $27 and get one for yourself and one to gift.

Have you ever tried any of the businesses I listed before? Are there any you think are missing from the list?
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a longer version of this gift guide also appeared in the author's style blog, fescion.com