One of the things I try to do each holiday season is shop small. When you make the decision to shop from a small business you are doing much more than offering financial support, you are supporting a dream. I can tell you from experience that each time you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance.
Buying from a creative maker means so much more than buying an object, it means buying the countless hours of failures and trial and errors. You are buying days, weeks, months of frustration and moments of pure happiness. You aren’t just buying an item, you are buying a piece of their heart, a moment of someone’s life. Most importantly, you are gifting them more time to do what they love.
Traditionally “shop small” is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. But I truly believe that we should not only shop small during the holidays, but all year long.
This year Eight Pepperberries has been selected as a top holiday pick in the Rising Tide Gift Guide! By supporting creative entrepreneurs, you make it possible for hundreds of brilliant makers, artists, and creatives to continue building a business that they love. Their holiday gift guide (see it here) simplifies your search for the perfect gift, while supporting the creative economy in the process!
Today I’m sharing my top 10 favorites from the guide. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday shopping season!
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
SCRIPT & VINE – Hand crafted heirloom goods inspired by nature. The anemone linen wall hanging is beyond gorgeous and includes a wood frame. How pretty would it look in your entryway?!
PAPER AVE – Focusing on gift wrap embellishments that were meant to be used as keepsakes for all the hard work and time put into wrapping a gift as well as crepe paper flowers. This wall hanging is adorned with 3 handmade paper blooms including a ranunculus, peony and rose – be still my paper loving heart!
THE PAINTED PRESS – In a world where automated manufacturing is taking over, The Painted Press works hard to ensure that gifts are still personal, intentional, and affordable. Each of their jewelry dishes are molded, stamped, and painted by hand. I’m loving the spring inspired whimsical bee dish.
MAKEUP BY SARAH LORD – A quick spritz on your pillows before bed, an afternoon pick-me-up at the office or an easy hair refresher leaving a light scent. The possibilities are endless with this product! Makes the prefect gift for the beauty loving gal in your life.
OAK & OATS – Specializes in air plant and succulent planters that are 3D printed (ugh how cool is that!) and hand painted. The mountain artist series is so calming – place on your desk, windowsill, or mantel.
DANYELLE WOODS DESIGNS – Danyelle is continually inspired by nature and the infinite wonders placed around in the most unexpected places. Her plaques are swoon worthy and she offers customization on almost all her designs, they make house warming and wedding gifts!
WIGHT TEA COMPANY – Finally, after a long day, you’ve found yourself in your favorite spot on the couch with a little peace and quiet, both hands wrapped around your mug. You breathe in deep; with your first sip, you leave all your stress behind. The evening tisane tea blend sounds dreamy.
EIGHT PEPPERBERRIES – Start your day with a mug of hot coffee because today is going to be a brewtiful day! This hand lettered white and black speckled ceramic camper mug features a witty pun. Whether you are a coffee lover pouring yourself a mug in the morning, or a tea enthusiast who loves afternoon tea, remind yourself that you are beautiful.
JEN NEAL STUDIO – Jen is a fiber artist inspired by the colors and textures in vintage textiles, the organic shapes found in nature and the soft feeling of wool in your fingertips. From her beaded earrings to her wall hangings, she tries to create little wearable tapestries that the owner can take out of the home and into their daily life.
PORTLAND APRON COMPANY – Aprons and pinafores sewn from luscious linen and organic hemp. Erika creates simple designs in flattering, functional styles that are just as durable as they are beautiful. Natural fabrics, thoughtful stitches, and direct communication with people is the ethos of PAC.
Thanks for shopping small this holiday season! You’re the bee’s knees!
xo, kaitlin
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