This year – more than ever – the need to shop small is strong! Many small shops have already sadly had to shut their doors this year as they were unable to withstand all the turmoil and changes, but these ones are still kicking and it’s so important to me that they last!
Many of these are owned by individuals I know personally or have had the pleasure of working with in some way, while others I’m simply an avid fan of.
As you are doing your holiday shopping, please take note of these brands and considering shopping from them!
Many shops and brands have started their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales early which is amazing! I’ve included any discounts below and will update if more are added!
Also, I’ve divided this post into categories so you can scroll to the category you need. I hope this is helpful!!!
Non-Toxic Products
Primally Pure
My love for the Primally Pure deodorant knows no bounds. I’ve talked about it ad nauseum and even wrote a whole post dedicated to it, so I won’t say much more than this: Hands down the best natural deodorant on the market and a little goes a long way!
The deodorant makes a great stocking stuffer. Just saying, that’s how I got Matt to try it!
*DISCOUNT: Their sale won’t start until Black Friday but I got word early of the discounts and they are GOOD. Not only will there be a sitewide sale and free shipping all weekend long, but you can use the code MKM25 for 25% off your purchase of $50+!!!!! They’ve never done anything like this and I’m so grateful that they took notice of me posting about my love for their deodorant so many times on Instagram that they gave me a code for y’all!
Puracy
This brand of natural and organic household products was a new discovery this year but quickly became a staple in our home. I started with the surface cleaner and then quickly acquired the hand soap, body wash, stain remover, and dishwasher pods. Everything works even better than the conventional stuff, smells amazing, lasts a long time, and the best part: they offer refills so you don’t have to buy a whole new product every time! Better on your wallet and the environment.
If you know someone who is a new homeowner, a basket full of some Puracy products would be a great gift.
*DISCOUNT: Free shipping and 25% off sitewide with daily deals up to 60% off. I restocked basically everything because I’ve never seen prices this low!
Biossance
Another slippery slope brand. I tried the Biossance eye cream and now have tried… well basically everything they make. You open my medicine cabinet now and it’s green bottles everywhere. What gets me is that nearly every purchase qualifies for a gift with purchase so I try new products that way and then get hooked. Their products are pricey but they’re luxurious and an investment in your skin and your health. Plus, clean ingredients that you can trust.
I’d go with one of the gift sets so you can try multiple products – all of which are paired to complement one another – at a discounted rate. Otherwise, my three favorites for first-timers are the Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum (for drastic results in 2 weeks), the Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream (for night), and the Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel (for morning).
*DISCOUNT: Use code BF30 for 30% off sitewide. I already placed my order and it feels good to have a few people done!
Fitness
P.volve
My FAVORITE at-home workout program. Prior to P.Volve, I was someone who needed a group fitness class to stay motivated, but P.Volve changed that. With so many different types of classes and so many filters (sculpt, cardio, 30 minutes, express 10 minutes, stretching, multi-week series, the list goes on), you are bound to find whatever you are looking for on any given day.
Most workouts can be done without the equipment, but it certainly does help intensify the workouts. If you are new, I would start with the P.Ball and the P.Band – they come together in this kit with the P.3 Trainer which is the piece I have on my wishlist!
*DISCOUNT: 50% off kits and memberships with code BF50.
Basis
Move over Gatorade, there’s a new electrolyte drink in town! With clean ingredients, only 4 grams of organic sugar, and 1,000 mg of electrolytes as compared to ~275 mg in standard sports drinks, Basis drinks are a game-changer.
I relied on them heavily when I struggled with dehydration while I was pregnant but they are also great for intense workouts or any day that you feel like your blood sugar is all over the place.
Pair their new hydration mix packets with a Lululemon giftcard or some new activewear! Or, if you have a friend who is pregnant, she will LOVE you forever for this seemingly random gift – just trust me.
*DISCOUNT: Their new individual to-go hydration packets are on promo right now. Buy one, get $5 off, buy two, get $10 off, buy three, get $20 off (codes listed on the site). These would make fantastic stocking stuffers!
Clothing
Bee Co Bags
Handmade in my hometown by a darling girl I knew in high school, Bee Co bags are exquisite. A few features I love: the straps are removable so you can mix and match those to your outfit and the inside is lined with vintage fabric so each bag is unique!
You can also shop Bee Co Bags on Etsy if you prefer!
*Not a discount, but the new holiday collection launches on Friday!
Barrington Bags
Barrington makes high quality leather goods with TONS of customization options – there are literally hundreds of different combinations – go on the website and play around, it’s so much fun!
I own the zippered tote and it is hands down the most durable tote that works for every occasion – I’ve carried it as my work bag for over two years! You could carry these as your handbag, as a mom tote/diaper bag, as a work or school bag, or your carry-on when traveling.
DISCOUNT: Use code TISTHESEASON for 15% off sitewide plus free shipping. Discount increases as you spend more!
Home
Honey + Hank
With designs made up of the silhouettes of states, Honey + Hank’s whimsical designs are always a hit. Even better, the fabrication and construction are of the highest quality – the pillows are plush and so comfortable, while the napkins are so soft and wash fantastically. These are investment pieces that double as conversation starters.
At under $50, the napkins make a perfect gift. I may or may not have already purchased some tea towels and napkins as gifts – with so many designs, you can pick one tailored to the recipient and I can guarantee they don’t have anything like it!
*DISCOUNT: Use code EARLYBEE for 20% off sitewide plus free shipping.
Weezie Towels
Only adults get super excited about towels but I’m telling you, Weezie towels are the ones to get ecstatic about! They’ve nailed the combination of plush and soft while also being super absorbent (but not leaving you feeling dried out! I’m telling you it’s magic.) I’m telling you, they’re little luxuries. They even come with colored piping choices and the most beautiful monogram options.
Truly so many gifting options! Go with the starter pack for a full overhaul, the makeup towels for a gift under $50 (you could even split it into two gifts or stocking stuffers!), the robe for your mom or MIL, or one of the colorful beach towels!
*DISCOUNT: Free shipping through the weekend, no code needed.
Art
Inslee Fariss
One of the first illustrators I fell in love with many years ago! Inslee Fariss watercolors are whimsical and dreamy – she does everything from florals to bugs and I want it all. She offers prints and originals but also has the most beautiful monthly calendars every year. In the past she has also done milestone cards for baby photos and hand-painted ornaments so she’s one to keep an eye on for new products!
This year she did a collaboration with Anthropologie called The Twelve Days of Christmas that is so darling.
She’s also a great Instagram follow because she has the best sarcastic, self-depricating, dry humor; she’s hilarious.
For Such a Time
For Such a Time is a creative shop run by my friend Steph and her husband Neal where they design art prints that are made to encourage men and women to live an intentionally. With their faith background, each piece is a beautiful reminder of your purpose and value.
I have three of their prints in Elle’s room so she grows up remembering that she is a Daughter of the King, that she was specifically ordained for such a time as this.
Annie Montgomery Designs
Annie is another friend who is so creative it hurts! She is London-based sells a bunch of products on her website including calendars, ornaments, art prints, and greeting cards but you can also shop her illustrations as wallpaper and fabric (brilliant!!!) through Spoonflower to create something of your own with her designs and she also has designs on Minted that you can use for your Christmas or holiday cards! Annie really does it all.
Matt and I got to meet up with Annie and her husband when we were in London a few years ago and she is sweet as can be!
Missie Kay Art
A new artist obsession of mine, Missie Quirk is a Kansas City based artist who specializes in abstract pieces, some more vibrant and others more minimal. I am hoping to add some of her art to our home soon!
Jill Paz Illustration
Jill Paz sketches portraits that are just the cutest things ever. I had her do ones of Joe last year and they are so sweet – I’ll treasure them forever.
Sadly I already looked into commissioning a piece for Christmas and Jill is currently backed up until February – so maybe not the best for this year, but do keep her in mind for future gifting opportunities because her work is so special!
Riley Sheehey
You have likely seen Riley Sheehey’s work on Instagram at some point as she has worked with countless brands in the past few years – it seems like she is really blowing up! She designed the boxes for BFB Hair extensions (at least when they initially launched – mine had citrus fruits on it!), recently illustrated the fabric print for two collections with Dondolo Baby (the Dallas collection and the Grandmillenial collection), and a collection of home pieces with Moda Operandi including glasses and napkins.
Back to the point… she sells her watercolor prints and originals in her shop – one of these in a beautiful frame would make SUCH a good gift, especially if you need something for a kid in your life but know the parents don’t want any more toys.
She also experiments with mixed media from time to time, in the past she has done hand-painted ornaments, seashells, and hair bows (none are currently available but do yourself a favor and check them out here).
Kids
The Little House
My favorite shop here in Kansas City and thankfully they have an online shop so you can browse from wherever! The Little House curates classic designs from some of my favorite brands, including Bella Bliss and Kissy Kissy. More of the preppy side, their product selection is spot on.
*DISCOUNT: 25% off sitewide with code GOBBLE.
Lauren Alexandra
My other favorite shop in town, Lauren Alexandra is more hipster – your kid will be the coolest on the block. Brands I love like Quincy Mae and Jellycat Kids stuffed animals (the softest!). The owner actually has her background in interior design so they also sell incredible nursery decor as well as furniture pieces.
*DISCOUNT: Use code CURBSIDE for free curbside pickup if you are local.
Bella Bliss
One of my absolute favorite brands for the kids! Bella Bliss pieces are classics, wash so well, and most are pima cotton so they are beyond soft!
*DISCOUNT: 40% off select pieces with code THANKFUL.
Smocked Auctions
A classic standby for smocked and monogrammed pieces, I’ve dressed Joe in many Smocked Auctions pieces, especially that first year!
*DISCOUNT: Doorbusters as low as $9.99!
Cecil and Lou
Another favorite for smocked and monogrammed pieces, Cecil and Lou makes beautiful quality clothing for kids and babies.
Pehr
Made from organic cotton, Pehr is a great place for everyday staples in fun designs that aren’t childish. Think stripes, bug prints, citrus fruits. They also have the most stunning mobiles and great storage baskets.
Both of our kids’ sheets and bedding are from this brand. Not only are the designs adorable but I like knowing they are sleeping on organic cotton without any toxic chemicals. Plus, they hold up in the wash!
You can also shop Pehr via Nordstrom or Maisonette if you prefer.
*DISCOUNT: Use code TGIBF for 25% off sitewide.
Namebubbles
For the moms with small children, this is something that once you have them you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Namebubbles makes customizable stickers that can be applied to your children’s bottles, bowls, backpacks, and clothes! There are so many designs and color options and you can play around with it on their site to see what your final product would look like.
Your kids’ bottles will never get mixed up at daycare ever again, and bonus (!) people often ask me if I got my kid’s bottles custom-made because the circular nametag fits perfectly in the circle on the side of our bottles haha!
These make a great stocking stuffer or gift for a really little one who really doesn’t need gifts (I got Joe these for his first Christmas).
*DISCOUNT: Use code BF30 for 30% off sitewide.
Religious
Chews Life
These brightly-colored, baby-safe, chewable soft rosaries are all handmade by Catholic mamas in Michigan. The nubby ridges on the cross and the silicone beads make these the perfect teethers for little ones. The mission of Chews Life is to introduce our children to the power of the rosary from a young age – so beautiful!
With so many color options to choose from, grab a few for friends who recently had kids, new nieces or nephews, or upcoming baptisms for your godchildren.
*DISCOUNT: They are doing something I’ve never seen before, a “beat the clock” Black Friday sale. The earlier you shop the larger discount you’ll receive!
Every Sacred Sunday
Especially as many churches have temporarily done away with the missalettes right now for sanitary reasons, the Every Sacred Sunday Mass journals would be so appreciated by any of your Catholic friends! These are beautiful and incredibly well-made while also being super functional.
Each Sunday includes the readings along with reflections and places for notes in addition to introductions to each of the different liturgical seasons and special reflection prompts for each season.
Buy for a few friends and receive a small discount with their bundle pricing offers!
Wow that was a lot! But I hope those suggestions give you some inspiration as you begin (or maybe wrap up) your holiday shopping. As I mentioned above, I can vouch for many of these brands, either having been a customer or knowing them personally, and they are true gems that deserve our support. Thank you for considering shopping small this year!
