I could say how small businesses have had a really rough year and frame this as a pity post that we should all support them. But we’ve been doing that crap for years with small business Saturday. It’s like they only need one big day to survive and thrive all year long. That’s just not true.

These business owners have all branched out on their own, with whatever money they had saved to create a local business. They have all taken the less-traveled path, ventured into the unknown with an idea, and are constantly trying to figure out how to make it all work with limited resources, time, and money. They alone cannot compete with Amazon, it is up to us as consumers to recognize the importance of these businesses in our communities across the US.

These small businesses are more than just places to buy things, they are community centers, where people meet and chat and shop and get to know our neighbors. They create local jobs and support other local artists and makers by giving them a place to showcase and sell their products too.

They also carry products that are generally made in the US, simply because they don’t have the capital or the space to place large orders to save money from other countries. The products are made with integrity and love and not just rolling off the factory floor by the thousands.

We’ve spent the better part of this year in our homes. Take a look around at the things you love and the memories you have created. Many of my favorite things and nooks in our home are made of memories from trips taken, from a cute shop discovered while walking around Portland on vacation or something a friend or family member made.

Let’s slow down this year and buy our holiday gifts with intention. Not just for the recipient but being intentional about where they are made and who we are supporting with our hard earned money.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite places to buy holiday gifts this season. Some of these contain affiliate links, where I could earn a small commission for purchases. That is what helps keep this website going, so it is greatly appreciated and I will never promote Amazon or big box store products just to make money.

East Fork Pottery

Asheville, North Carolina

I am in LOVE with East Fork Pottery. Not only is everything absolutely stunning, they source materials regionally and have a exceptional commitment to doing more than just making pottery. They have created a space with a pathway to equity for 80+ employees that focuses on equitable hiring, a ton of charitable fundraising and equal representation.

Shop pottery, glassware, incredibly cute candles, textiles and more at East Fork Pottery.

East Fork x Momofuku Launch

On December 3rd at Noon EST, East Fork is launching pre-order for a new collaboration with Momofuku. Look how gorgeous this new collection is!

Seek & Swoon

Portland, Oregon

I know I post a lot about Seek & Swoon, but I can’t help it. They make sustainable, American Made throw blankets that are incredibly soft and gorgeousness!

At first I just loved the patterns and colors, but Jala Smith-Huys was very supportive and warm on Instagram when I first launched (we don’t know each other at all). I can tell in our few short DMs that she has a heart of gold and does a ton to organize giveaways and events to help support numerous Portland businesses, not just her own.

Push Pin Travel Maps

Denver, Colorado

I know we aren’t traveling much this year, but the reason that I like Push Pin Travel Maps so much is because they also have state maps and other ways to look at traveling within the US. No airports or planes needed. I also think the lack of travel has been hard on a lot of people and this is a great way to have something to look forward to. Great for someone that wants to explore their state more, take a cross country RV trip, visit all of the national parks or baseball stadiums.

Wild Minimalist

San Anselmo, California

I’d like to believe that given the opportunity, most people would buy eco friendly products (as long as they work well). Some people simply don’t know how to find and shop for eco friendly products, because you definitely aren’t going to find them at your local Target. Help get a friend or family member started by introducing them to Wild Minimalist, run by a cute wife and husband team, Lily & Max.

Jiggy Puzzles

New York, New York

Kaylin founded Jiggy Puzzles a few years ago and they are by far the most beautiful puzzles I’ve ever seen. She started “dreaming up a puzzle that would be beautiful for both the doing and the decorating, that would look good before, during and after completion.” I couldn’t agree more.

There are currently a collection of hand-drawn puzzles supporting artists and Covid-19 relief efforts Each is a one-of-a-kind 500pc Original, proceeds are all donated.

Even better, each JIGGY puzzle includes the tools you need to preserve it, or you can frame it.