Inspiring Stories of Our Owners

12 Days of Holiday Gift Guide

December 12, 2024
7 min read

‘Tis the season for the most magical gift guide you’ve ever seen! Get ready for 12 days of extraordinary small business finds that will make your gift-giving absolutely unforgettable this season. Keep scrolling to unwrap a carefully curated collection of amazing small businesses – from artisanal chocolates to cozy candles, soothing premium teas, festive cocktail garnishes, and so much more. Help spread the joy of the season by supporting these incredible SMBs!

1. Sister.ly Drinkware From bustling dinner parties to quiet morning coffees, Renee Pettiford noticed something missing: drinkware that’s both stunning AND sturdy enough for real life. As a busy mom and host, she asked “why doesn’t this exist?” moment into a mission—creating elegant drinkware that can handle whatever life throws at it (sometimes literally! ). But it’s more than just cups and glasses for Renee. Each piece is designed to elevate your everyday moments and make celebrations even more special. Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or enjoying a peaceful solo sip, Sister.ly Drinkware adds that perfect touch of practical luxury to your day. Shop here

2. Canoodle Company Starting as an Etsy shop and growing into something truly special, Canoodle Company captures the joy of celebrating life’s precious moments with our four-legged family members. Each custom embroidered dog bandana is a work of art, handcrafted with love to mark every milestone like wedding day “Dog of Honor” moments, birthday celebrations, “gotcha day” anniversaries, holiday festivities, and all the special days in between! Looking for the perfect gift for the dog parent who has everything? These unique, personalized bandanas are more than just accessories – they’re keepsakes that turn everyday moments into memories. Shop here

3. Popadelics Born from a brilliant blend of Chinese heritage and modern culinary innovation, Popadelics aren’t your ordinary snacks – they’re a flavor revolution! What makes Popadelics special? It’s the first-of-its-kind crunchy shiitake mushroom chips. The best part? Every bag you gift supports the Fun-Gal Snacks Foundation’s health and wellness initiatives. Talk about snacking with purpose! Shop here

4. Soap Cauldron What started as a mother’s mission to create gentle, natural products for her premature baby has blossomed into a 13-year legacy of pure, powerful self-care – crafted by three generations of women who believe in nature’s wisdom. Their secret? Taking the finest ingredients straight from nature’s bounty and transforming them into effective, beneficial bath and body care that never compromises on quality. Each product is lovingly crafted in their “cauldron” with the same care and attention as when they first began their journey. Shop here

5. For Bitter For Worse After saying goodbye to alcohol, founder Shelley Elkovich couldn’t find mocktails that matched her sophisticated palate – so she created them herself! These aren’t your average alcohol-free drinks. Each bottle is crafted through a unique “reverse bootlegging” process using certified organic botanicals (no refined sugar or artificial flavors here!). The result is bold, award-winning cocktails that have earned 18 international medals! Looking for the perfect gift for your host, the wellness enthusiast, or anyone who appreciates exceptional drinks? For Bitter For Worse delivers all the sophistication of craft cocktails, just without the spirits! Shop here

6. Elavi When founder Michelle Razavi saw loved ones struggling with autoimmune conditions and diabetes, she knew there had to be a better way to enjoy treats without compromise. Each Elavi creation is thoughtfully crafted to be packed with clean ingredients, are high in protein and low in sugar, are vegan and gluten-free, and are free from artificial additives and seed oils. Elavi is the perfect gift for the health-conscious foodie, fitness enthusiast, friend with dietary restrictions, busy professional who loves clean eating, and anyone who believes healthy should taste amazing! Shop here

7. Namascents Candle Co. Inspired by founder Ash Boston’s grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community, Ash is carrying forward a powerful tradition of creating meaningful impact through Namascents Candle Co. Each Namascents candle is more than just a beautiful fragrance – it’s an experience handcrafted with intention. Using clean, non-toxic ingredients and sustainable soy wax, these Afro-boho inspired creations transform everyday spaces into sanctuaries of warmth and welcome. From cozy gatherings to peaceful solo moments, their thoughtfully curated scents set the perfect mood for every occasion. Each candle is a celebration of inclusive luxury, clean living, and the art of creating vibes that feel like home. Shop here

8. BrainPOP When Sierra Hooshiari couldn’t find a clean, jitter-free boost that matched her professional lifestyle, she decided to create one. After working alongside UCSF physicians and surgeons, she created BrainPOP. What makes it different? It’s created with a unique botanical caffeine blend, real fruit purees from ethically-sourced farms, and zero preservatives or artificial anything! Need a thoughtful gift for your productivity-focused friends or colleagues? BrainPOP delivers clean energy without the crash – because the best kind of boost is one that keeps you thinking clearly! Shop here

9. Modi Toys When Avani Sarkar couldn’t find toys that celebrated Hindu culture for her little one, she didn’t just wish for change – she created it. Modi Toys beautifully weaves Hindu heritage into every product, from enchanting illustrated books that share Hindu theological wisdom to adorable plush toys that bring these cultural stories to life. These thoughtfully designed toys and books help families connect with their roots while creating joyful moments of learning and discovery together. Each piece is crafted to spark curiosity, foster cultural pride, and inspire the next generation of storytellers. Shop here

10. WAWM Sauce Born from a desire to share her culture’s soul-soothing food traditions, Iman McDonnaugh-Brown created WAWM Sauces. These authentic pepper sauces are more than just condiments – they’re a celebration of heritage and joy. Each sauce is crafted to be non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, low sodium and packed with authentic flavor! From spicing up your cooking to creating zesty marinades (and even adding kick to your cocktails!), these versatile sauces are your ticket to flavor paradise. It’s the perfect gift for the foodie who loves to explore global flavors or anyone looking to add some Caribbean sunshine to their kitchen! Shop here

11. BāKIT Box Born from a mission to bring cultural diversity to family kitchens, these STEM-inspired baking kits are revolutionizing how families learn and bond together. Each BāKIT Box is a treasure trove of discovery, packed with pre-measured ingredients for foolproof baking, easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines, engaging STEM activities that make science delicious, and interactive cultural learning experiences! Perfect for young chefs ages 4-12, these kits aren’t just about making treats – they’re about creating memories while exploring the world’s rich cultures through the universal language of food. Plus, digital options are available for families with specific dietary needs! Shop here

12. Outpatch Tired of seeing throwaway souvenirs and corporate swag filling our planet, Henry Rosario and Rachel Willis decided to create something different – beautiful, meaningful patches that tell stories while cleaning up our Earth. Outpatch ingenious stick-on patches are made from 100% post-consumer plastic waste, embroidered into beautiful designs, easily attachable to anything (from backpacks to water bottles!), perfect for travel memories, and are actually good for the planet! But it’s more than just patches – it’s a movement towards mindful merchandising. Each purchase supports locally-led nonprofits in underserved communities from Honduras to Cameroon, proving that small products can make a big impact. Shop here

13. Poplinen When Desiree Gaitan-Buchanan discovered that eco-conscious clothing often came with an exclusive price tag, she decided to change the game. Made ethically in California, Poplinen crafts ultra-comfortable essentials from plant-based fabrics that love your skin back. But here’s what makes Poplinen truly special – it’s sustainable fashion that’s actually accessible and size-inclusive! Looking for the perfect gift for someone who values both style and sustainability? These versatile essentials are perfect for the conscious fashionista, the comfort seeker, or anyone who believes that great style should be accessible to all. Shop here

14. Uproot Teas After discovering tea’s complex colonial history and experiencing the magic of regenerative farming in Hawaii, Cindy Li knew it was time to write a new chapter in tea’s story. Each loose-leaf tea in Uproot Tea’s collection is thoughtfully sourced from small farms worldwide, where sustainable practices and biodiversity aren’t just buzzwords – they’re a way of life. From calming chamomile to nuanced sencha, every blend tells a story of heritage, connection, and care for our planet. Transform your daily tea ritual into a moment of mindful connection whether you’re a tea connoisseur or just beginning your journey. Shop here

15. Meadow When Mahwash Bhimjee noticed how many women in her life struggled to find intimate wear during challenging times – from breast cancer treatment to pregnancy – she knew something had to change. Meadow isn’t just another intimates brand, it’s a thoughtful collection designed for women navigating life’s different chapters. Whether you’re going through treatment, experiencing body changes, or simply seeking gentler options, these pieces were created with your comfort in mind. Because intimates should do more than just fit – they should nurture and empower. Shop here

16. HOMLI As a mother, wife, and dreamer herself, founder Mandi Nicolas understands the profound impact of having a space that truly nurtures your soul. HOMLI isn’t just another home fragrance brand – it’s an invitation to transform your daily routines into moments of luxury and intention. Each product is thoughtfully crafted to help you create that perfect sanctuary – because every woman deserves a sanctuary to call her own. Shop here

17. Luji’s Chocolate When Iyin Akinlabi-Oladimeji learned that West Africa grows 70% of the world’s cocoa but makes less than 1% of chocolate, she knew it was time to create a product that could be celebrated on the global stage. From her hometown of Ile Oluji, Nigeria, Iyin is crafting a sweeter, more equitable future with bold, adventurous flavors. But here’s what makes each bite even sweeter: every chocolate bar sold provides a cocoa seedling to local farmers, helping grow both communities and crops. It’s chocolate that tastes good AND does good! Shop here

18. PRIXEL Inspired by typewriter art and vintage letterpress, founder Brandon Gamm transformed modular thinking into a hands-on adventure that brings digital aesthetics into the physical world. PRIXEL is where LEGO meets letterpress – a complete creative playground that comes with a custom-designed press, geometric type pieces, and professional ink pads. It’s everything you need to start your printmaking journey, all in one beautifully crafted kit. Made with care in the USA, each piece invites exploration and endless possibilities. Shop here

19. BlueHenry After spotting a gap in the market for high-quality, time-saving garnishes, Adrienne Walker created something truly special – and six years later, BlueHenry is transforming how we finish our drinks. Beyond the gorgeous garnishes, this is a story of resilience – a small business that bounced back from both a fire and a pandemic, proving that great things come to those who persevere. Now, they’re not just creating beautiful products; they’re building community and showing that following your passion can lead to something extraordinary. From holiday entertaining to year-round happy hours, these premium garnishes ensure every sip is special. Shop here

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