49 Small Businesses to Support on Small Business Saturday and Beyond

After Thanksgiving and Black Friday comes Small Business Saturday, a chance to celebrate and discover small businesses. Big box stores have made it incredibly easy to shop thanks to fast, free shipping and incredible deals throughout the holidays but don’t forget about shopping small businesses that make up a fabric of a community.

Whether you’re buying produce from local farmers, shopping for handcrafted goods from artisans around the world, or supporting the entrepreneur who took their passion and created a sidegig through an Etsy storefront or transformed it into a full-time career, every dollar shopping small businesses on Small Business Saturday and beyond matters. Your purchase makes a huge difference to the individual(s) behind the brand so I’m happy to present you with my very first Guide to Shopping Small Businesses on Saturday and Beyond.

This post includes a whopping 49 small businesses categorized by type that you’ll want to support during the holidays and beyond. Also be on the lookout for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers in italics from certain small businesses that you’ll want to take advantage of this weekend!

DC Area

Local readers! From favorite independent bookstore, Politics & Prose, to the myriad of independently owned restaurants you frequent, there is no shortage of places to shop on Small Business Saturday in the DC area and here are 3 more worth having on your radar.

• Shop Pinwheel Consignment Boutique in Olney
• Book a massage from Tailored Relaxation in Kensington to destress before, during, or after the holidays
• Make a plan for Rachel Rosenthal help you get organized in the New Year. With 2000+ clients, Rachel is THE organizing expert you need in your life. Plus she’s super nice!
• Let coffee transport you to another world with a cup of Turkish coffee accompanied by baklava or Turkish delight during a stop at Turkish Coffee Lady, located outside Lord & Taylor at Tyson’s Corner Center

Handcrafted Jewelry

Lisa Lehmann Designs ($24 and up)

My Haitian jewelry finds and pieces purchased from Lisa Lehmann are favorites that are in constant rotation on my hands, wrists, around my neck, or adorning my ears. I first fell in love with Lisa’s designs thanks to a necklace she made that was a benefit for the 2010 Haiti earthquake and have adored her creations since. You can never go wrong with any one of her beautiful silver pieces of jewelry as a gift or as a treat for yourself to a custom made piece or one with gemstones because after all, you deserve it!

Belle Belier ($39 and up)

Sustainable, attainable fashion in the form of leather and vegan tassel necklaces? Yes, please! I was just introduced to Emily and Eleanor’s line from Charlotte, North Carolina and am already a fan of how they use leather remnants and scraps to create beautiful pieces of jewelry that look good while doing good.

Loopholes Boutique ($7-12/pair)

Started by entrepreneurial tween and teen sisters at a yard sale in their Philadelphia suburbs, Loopholes Boutique is a darling and affordable line of earrings are available through their Etsy store and locally at Monkeyfish Toys. First featured in my Mother’s Day Gift Guide, Loopholes Boutique is always adding new handmade clip and pierced styles to their online shop. Look for earrings featuring beads, fabric, or vintage finds procured during the family’s global adventures and an occasional necklace or two. Whimsical earrings are just the right length for tweens with recently pierced ears while clip-ons make for fun gifts for younger siblings who look forward to having their ears pierced. Other styles would be fun gifts for fashionable teachers, affordable choices for a teen’s gift exchange, or just a thoughtful thinking of you gift.

Woodcut Earrings from More than Thursdays ($20/pair)

Lizz from More than Thursdays designs and cuts gorgeous earrings made of cherry or maple that feel like nothing on your ears. Earwires are stainless steel but an upgrade to gold can be had for $5/pair and any earring design can be converted into a necklace for the same price!

Also check out:

• Oz of Salt Jewelry– These sparkly and luxurious sophisticated necklaces are curated by diamond obsessed Jen Oliak who comes from a line of jewelers. Each necklace is beautiful on its own or can be worn layered. Regardless of how you wear them, they’re a great splurge for yourself, someone you love, or to add to your wish list.
• Touchstone Crystal– Shop for all things sparkly or get advice from Independent Consultant, Annie Stow, about an exclusive and affordable gift made with exquisite Swarovski crystals for a friend or loved one.
• iCervoni– Colorful statement necklaces, rings, and earrings will turn heads and make for great conversation starters. Also look for wedding and bridal jewelry, perfect for bridesmaids because you can order sets of 3 or 6 at a discount.
• Handcrafted by Jacqui– Lots of great finds in this Etsy shop especially for sea glass lovers!
• Charmed Tribe– One of a kind charm bracelets
• Steam Zen– Hand stamped steampunk, geeky, and fan-based jewelry that also features original art

For the Home

Gigi Seasons ($25 and up)

If you’re looking to deck your halls with decor that reflects your style rather than your relatives, Gigi Seasons is a refreshing alternative to your hand-me-downs. Gigi Seasons is inspired by the owner’s Aunt who did Christmas differently every year, and made the holiday surprising, fun, and about your individual style. Like whites and shimmery silvers? You’re a little Bougie. Prefer a grittier warehouse meets farmhouse look? Go Rustichic. Crave a cozy cabin in the Himalayas? You’re pure Boho Lodge. Gigi Seasons can help you have the Christmas of your dreams thanks to gorgeous trees, ribbons, ornaments, and stockings that you’ll love. Gigi Seasons has a sitewide sale this Black Friday and Cyber Monday and you can use these codes to save:

• On Black Friday, use BLACKFRI30 for 30% off any order or BLACKFRI40 for 40% off orders over $100
• On CyberMonday, use CYBERMON30 for 30% off any order or CYBERMON40 for 40% off orders over $100

Fraction Holiday Print Sale ($100/photograph)

If you’re looking for gorgeous original photographs to adorn the walls of your home that you can purchase directly from artists , Fraction Holiday Print Sale (HPS) is THE place to shop. Started in 2008, this sale has always served as a way to give back to Fraction photographers since buying items from HPS not only  supports the artists but also shows that you admire and appreciate their work. Artists ship items directly within five days of purchase.

PotahtoHome

Mid-century modern inspired plant stands, hanging plant holders, serving trays, accent pillows, blankets, and more can be found through this Etsy shop where select items are on sale for 30% off until November 26.

Also check out:

• Preparation Insight’s emergency provision kits and 5 day survival sets to make sure your family is ready for any emergency.

Personalized Creations

Houseful of Stitches  ($22 and up)

If you’ve ever looked longingly at fabric and dreamed of what you’d use to create a custom bag, Natasha Nicholes from Houseful of Stitches can help! Her Etsy store features a delightful array of backpacks, messenger bags, totes, pouches, and wristlets in cheerful prints and solids or contact Natasha to have her help you create the customized bag of your dreams. $22 and up

Scenic Life Designs ($8 and up)

Order custom Christmas items such as ornaments ($8), Santa cookie plates ($15), Ts ($10), rustic signs ($20), or cute reindeer mugs ($14) and items for lovers of musicals and books. You’ll find Hamilton, Wicked, Jane Eyre, Dear Evan Hansen, Harry Potter, To Kill A Mockingbird, Rent, Anne of Green Gables, and more inspire affordable keychains, necklaces, and bracelets for fans of literature, screen, and stage.

Also check out:

• Bespoke Pet Portraits ($95 and up)- Our furry friends are family members so why not have Alexandra draw or paint their portrait! Choose from the options of pencil drawing or painted canvas, along with a size, and your pooch will be forever immortalized in a piece of fine art.

Kid Stuff

The Mother Company ($12.95 and up)

With a mission of helping parents raise good people, founders Sam and Abby have multiple award-winning shows and books that engage and entertain children ages 2-7, but also nurture the social and emotional skills essential to become kind, communicative, and compassionate citizens of the world. Favorites include the Feelings Gift Set ($44.95) that helps kids navigate all kinds of feelings in positive ways and the Safety Gift Set ($49.95), a great gift that reinforces lessons on safety, empowerment, and peace of mind. All products are also available individually through The Mother Company shop.

SuperLunch Notes ($1.50 and up)

SuperLunchNotes by Designer Daddy are sure to put a smile on your child’s or spouse’s face when they open their lunch box. The Designer Daddy Shop features full-color printable lunch notes as well as coloring page versions of the notes featuring heroes and characters, with new ones always being added. 50% of every sale is also donated to Food & Friends, a DC-area food bank that prepares and delivers meals to men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other live challenging illnesses.

Usborne Books

If you’re a fan of Usborne Books, rumor has it that there are some great deals to be had this weekend! Visit my Usborne consultant’s stocking stuffer sale to see what special prices she may be offering during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Almost Perfect Y’all ($5 and up)

Personalized water bottles, darling personalized birthday decor, fun chalkboards to commemorate birthdays or countdown to Disney trips, teacher gifts, and more customized gifts can be found in this Etsy shop. The personalized wooden hearts are a personal favorite that I can personally attest to them being even more fabulous in person and makes a perfect gift for a special family’s new home.

Also check out:

• Back to Calley ($1.99 and up)- Digitally download these darling coloring sheets to keep little hands occupied while traveling, at a holiday dinner, or just for fun.
• Creations Baby B– Adorable dresses for little girls perfect for the holidays, special occasions, and every day wear.

Apparel

Brave New World ($26)

I dare you not to find something you want from Brave New World. These stylish, cool, advocacy-oriented shirts are a personal favorite of mine (I currently own 4!) because I love the designs, the company’s dedication to making the world a better place, and the fact that the 20% of the purchase price of each shirt is donated back to a nonprofit. Free shipping on all orders now through December 3.

Gifts from Around the Globe

Alaska Wild & Free ($5 and up)

When Kristi Trimmer decided to put down roots after being a full time solo traveler for 4 years, she settled in Anchorage and her love of Alaska shows in her product line of stickers, coloring books, and apparel. Alaska Wild & Free features great gifts for nature lovers and everyone who has ever been to Alaska and would love to return.

ARTisAnetwork ($6 and up)

It’s no secret that I love buying art when I go to Haiti. Over the years I’ve collected some of the most beautiful metalwork, papier mache, soapstone, and horn and bone items handmade by talented artisans and now these exquisite pieces from my favorite artists are available through ARTisAnetwork. Unique tabletop, home decor, one of kind pieces of art, and holiday items handcrafted in local workshops throughout Haiti can be delivered directly to your home.

Haiti Projects ($12 and up)

This past February I had the opportunity to visit the women artisan of Haiti Projects. Watching them embroider delicate flowers on crisp white nightgowns, sprigs of lavender on pillow cases ($25), and traditional Haitian veves on zippered pouches ($18), makes you realize exactly how much your purchase means to the women who is in front of you. Haiti Projects provides women in rural Haiti with employment where they earn fair wages for their work that helps improve the quality of life for those in need.

Myabel

During a trip to Haiti, I had the pleasure of meeting Regine who introduced me to Myabel, her line of Haitian food products where local ingredients like passionfruit, cane sugar, and mangoes  from the countryside of Haiti are transformed into delicious bottled sauces and craft cocktails. Regine works with a vast-network of farmers in five locations in the Haitian countryside of Haiti to source ingredients for her gastronomy line and the direct relationship with farmers eliminates waste, encourages reforestation, and sustains livelihoods.

The Red Sari

The Red Sari is a socially responsible fashion design company with a mission to create and sustain jobs for women in Nepal and their Vintage Sari Collection, their signature line, is a result of a collaboration with a woman’s felting group in the Kathmandu Valley. Fused wool fibers with vintage silk saris results in beautifully textured scarves and one-of-a-kind handbags and accessories. I have two scarves and some felted clutches from The Red Sari that I absolutely love! They’re unique works of art that everyone wants to know more about when I wear them! I also have two winter white pompom wreaths as part of my holiday decor collection that are absolutely beautiful!

Atelier Calla

Christelle Paul’s Atelier Calla is my source for my Haitian horn and bone jewelry, Obeche wood products, and housewares when I’m in Haiti but if you’re not planning to be in Port au Prince anytime soon, shop her line of products available online from 2nd Story Goods, Elisha C, Purple Shoe Project, The Marketplace, Bottega 360, and Donni.

Also check out:

• Unquote Travel– If you’d prefer to personally select gifts from around the world during your global adventures and prefer small group travel that feels more like independent travel, check out Unquote’s lengthy list of destinations to help you cross countries off your bucket list.

Gifts for the Hostess with the Mostess

Rustic Spooncarver ($35 and up)

I adore my wooden spoons and am smitten with these hand carved one-of-a-kind spoons made out of cherry, maple, or walnut because they are treasures that will last a lifetime of cooking and longer!

Roost Crate

If you’re traveling for the holidays and spending time with friends or loved ones, it’s always nice to express your thanks after your visit. A delivery from Roost Crate is like having farmers’ market arrive right at your doorstep. Each beautifully packaged box contains carefully curated artisan goods that are introduced on a card bearing the theme and a list of items with product information. I don’t think there is a hostess out there who wouldn’t love receiving a box like Breakfast in Bed ($125), Coffee Bean ($75), or the Pamper Me Box ($45)!

Popped Passion ($20-25)

Developed out of a passion for popcorn, these delectable handmade popcorn cakes that are made to order make a delicious treat at any holiday gathering or a wonderful gift to friends and relatives after a visit. Choose from festive Holiday Popcorn Cakes, Chocolate Lover, or the Peanut Butter Lovers Popcorn Bundt Cake that’s mixed with marshmallows, plain, peanut, and peanut butter M&Ms, Reese’s Cups, Oreos and topped with peanut butter and chocolate drizzle. Can’t decide which flavor to get? Gift yourself Popped Passion with a subscription that will bring different flavors of popcorn cakes to your door each month! For a limited time, purchase 3 months of large cakes for $60 or 3 small ones for $40 which is a substantial savings from the regular price of $75 and $60.

Find Your Zen

Life Coaching with Elena Sonnino

What would happen if you believed you could harness all the energy that you currently spend on excuses and self-imposed barriers – to actually feel the way you want to feel? My friend, Elena Sonnino, will help you realize that everything you need and crave is inside you, just waiting to be unlocked. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, Elena invites you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to explore any questions you have about coaching and learn about 3 options for working together here. Elena also has a fabulous podcast called Sunrise in  Your Pocket that is available online, on Spotify, or on iTunes.

Liquid Courage Cosmetics ($17.99)

Liquid Courage vibrant pigmented lipsticks bring beauty to your home with one click. Founded by Roshell Rinkins, tom boy turned beauty enthusiast, Liquid Courage Cosmetics is more than a brand. Roshell sees her lipstick as war paint worn by courageous women worldwide and I love that her shades complement all skin tones. My personal favorites are Metro Red and Vixen matte lipsticks and Cherry on Top liquid lipstick Enter BLACKFRIDAY at checkout for 30% off

Also check out:

• Lōhm Cosmeceuticals – Lōhm Cosmeceuticals was built on the principles of biophilic design, a design philosophy that connects nature with human design by reducing stress, enhancing creativity and clarity of thought, improving our well-being, and expediting healing. I’m coveting the items that are part of their Sunday Night Ritual Must-Haves to start a new work week in a calm way.

Ways to Get Organized

MomAgenda

Despite the digital age, some moms really appreciate a paper calendar and I’m one of them. MomAgenda has been my go-to for years because it starts in August and stretches 18 months to December, slips nicely into a purse or laptop bag without a lot of added bulk, and the cheery color of the cover helps brightens any day where I dread the items on my to-do list. There are monthly and weekly views for the year ahead. I also love having access to both to see the month at a whole but then being able to plan out my days via the weekly pages. Plus the whole planner lies flat on which makes for a nice writing surface. Get 20% off sitewide on Black Friday with the code FEAST

Planning Collective ($39.95 and up)

Boss entrepreneurs, ambitious bloggers, and anyone else who wants to stay accountable and on track with their goals will love The Planning Collective’s array of planners that will keep you thriving at home while you build your empire.

ArtKive

Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of art your child brings home and feeling guilty about throwing it away? You don’t have to anymore thanks to ArtKive that lets you order a box, fill it with your child’s art, and return it using the prepaid label to have it professionally photographed and uploaded to your account where you can view it at any time and create custom books that will be treasured keepsakes, minus missing macaroni.

Also check out:

• New Blog Hosting– Thinking of changing your hosting, need a new domain, or some help with updates? David from New Blog Hosting is the one who keeps this site up and running while providing amazing customer service and for a mere fraction of what I used to pay. If you have website needs, David is the person to go to! Use the code BLACKFRIDAY2018 to get 20% off all services now through January 2, 2019.

NSFW

($37.95 and up)

Combining her love of books and her years of experience selling sensual adult toys at in-home parties, Thien-Kim Lam, founded Bawdy Bookworms because of her belief that every woman deserves a happy ending. Bawdy Bookworms’ quarterly boxes are shipped in plain boxes but their contents are anything but! Each box is centered around a theme found in the romantic book selection and includes some sexy surprises. The smart women who subscribe to Bawdy Bookworms also have access to an online community where they come together to talk about each quarter’s featured sexy book, share favorite reads, and chat just like your regular book club does. Not up for subscribing? Check out the standalone boxes like the Get Sleigh’d Deluxe Christmas Box, Joy to the O Box, and other items that will let you find your happy ending. Take 15% off the entire shop with code BF15 until 11/23 at midnight PT.

GiveAnEff

Foul mouthed friends would love anything from Give An Eff where a closer look is required of items that feature sweet vintage-looking graphics with swear words. It’s a great place to shop for f*ucks for someone who always says they have no f*ucks left to give!

Also check out:

• FatVegFemmeArt– This UK based Etsy shop features body positive art, cards, and jewelry and items featuring Christmas cats.

Disney Lovers

If you’re looking for a personalized embroidered shirt for your kids for any occasion, Michelle’s Embroidery Studio offers everything you could hope for and more! From holidays, birthdays, to your magical Disney vacation, this one Etsy shop could take care of all apparel and holiday needs.

Also check out:

• Glass Carriage Design offers Disney inspired shirts, ornaments, and more!

Have a small business that you’d like to add to this list? Leave a comment on this post with a link to your shop to help others find you! Please note: Comments will be moderated and shops will be vetted for quality! 

2018 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

AGE APPROPRIATE GIFT GUIDES:

• Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Early Elementary Ages (grades K-2, ages 5-7)
• Tweens (ages 8-12)
• Teens (ages 13+)

SPECIALTY GIFT GUIDES:

• STEM Gifts for All Ages (preK-teen)
• Best Subscription Boxes
• 9 Gifts that Make it Easy for Families to Give Back
• Gifts for Teachers (from the perspective of a former teacher, with input from current teachers)

No compensation was received for the listings in this post but affiliate links are included.