Some of you know that I occasionally sell leather earrings in my Etsy shop, Ox and Plume. I started this when my kids were babies to make affordable jewelry for other women, and I haven’t done a lot to grow the business since I work full-time. However, each time I get a sale, I’m nearly in tears — and I can only image how it feels if your small business is your livelihood.
2020 has been really hard on lots of businesses but especially on small businesses. If you’re still doing holiday shopping, consider buying from a small shop instead of mindlessly buying the next big thing from Amazon. Your money helps communities grow and families to thrive. It puts food on the table and pays the electric bill in many cases. And it brings shop owners so much joy that they desperately need. Here are a few of my favorite small shops to support.
Remie Girl. I’m sure I’m not the only one whose little girl adores twirly dresses. Norah is completely obsessed with Remie Girl’s soft, colorful dresses and wants to wear them to church every week. As an added bonus, I bought almost all of her dresses in summer 2019 on a screaming sale and they still. look. brand-new. I’m not joking. They have pockets, they twirl beautifully when she spins around the house (which is often), and they wash well. Did I mention they’re made in the USA by a cute mom and her mom? They’re also having an amazing pre-Black Friday sale that you should jump on fast. We love, love this brand.
Decomod. If you live in my neighborhood, you have noticed the different holiday garlands I have hanging in my living room window. They are all from this shop, and I adore them. Made of thick, high-quality felt, these banners and garlands last forever and don’t curl up around the edges. I bought some of my banners (I think I have 20 now for different seasons/events) more than six years ago, and they still look amazing. The shop is also in Utah and only 40 minutes away from me, so I love supporting a fellow Utahan. Not sure where to start for a gift? Norah has the rainbow garland hanging in her room, and I gave my sister-in-law this cute Little Man garland for her baby last year.
Tom Design. I found this shop back when the owner lived in Idaho Falls, just 45 minutes from where I grew up. She now lives in Utah, so I feel like I’m still supporting a local business. I love personalized jewelry and have several necklaces from her shop, including a longitude and latitude bar, a heart choker, and a necklace with my kids’ handwriting. If you have a family member or friend who’s really hard to shop for, check out her beautiful personalized necklaces and bracelets. I really like her birth flower necklaces, too.
Letterfolk. This brand has given me heart eyes ever since they launched their premium felt letter boards years ago and jumpstarted that trend. I never bought a letter board, but I finally got my hands on a tile mat during their ding-and-dent sale this summer. Saying I’m obsessed is an understatement. I love putting colored tiles on it and spelling witty messages, and it’s SO durable. I plan to never buy another mat again. Letterfolk is so innovative and fun. I desperately want this modern cuckoo clock and will someday get one.
Wunderkin. A few years ago, I saw an influencer wearing these flower clips and fell HARD. Since then, many other shops have copied Wunderkin’s design, but the clips originated here. I love the vintage feel and colors, and I love that they actually stay in my daughter’s hair. I’ve even worn them and not looked like a 6-year-old. Norah also has many of their velvet bows, and they are the BEST quality. Seriously. I plan to keep these and give them to future grandchildren, because they’re that good. Prices are a little steep, but join the Wunderkin Facebook group or follow them on Instagram for deals. I promise the quality and the beautiful colors are worth it.
Now share your favorite small shops with me! I’d particularly love to know some that sell men’s gear, because my husband is hard to shop for.
