Shop Small Gift Guide!
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(Updated December 2021) I'm passionate about supporting small businesses. Since I run my own small business I know what goes into making it all happen and how much work it takes. I basically wish I could spend all my money, like ALL my money, with fellow artists and makers. While I can't exactly do that, I hope spreading awareness of some of these badass small businesses will lead to them having at least a few new customers. Read on and please, please, please tap those links to familiarize yourself with these folks and their work!
Also, you can comment in the box at the very bottom of the page with other businesses you would like to give a shout out to! I'd love to know who you love!
Stationary & Books
EYESEEME CHILDREN'S BOOKSTORE A Black-owned bookstore in St. Louis, MO that is devoted to promoting positive African American images and history through an expansive collection of books for children, teens and adults. Books are available for purchase online.
PAPILLON PRESS A father-daughter team who create elegant, colorful block printed and letterpress notebook, stationary and more. They use sustainable papers and inks and make monthly donations to causes they believe in.
JAX GOSWICK/RAINBOW BABE Colorful and whimsical body-positive illustrations by Jax in the form of stickers, prints, notepads, cards and tote bags. She also draws adorable corgis if you're a corgi person :).
CACTI OASIS Beautiful, botanical, desert-inspired watercolor cards, stickers, puzzles, calendars and more by my girl Adela. Her illustrations of the beloved and ephemeral cactus flowers are top-notch. She also offers custom Plant Portraits of your favorite special plant!
NIEVES MONTANO Nieves is a talented photographer in Tucson who sells her breathtaking images as cards, notebooks and much more. She also available for your photography needs!
For the Home
BOTTLE ROCKET DESIGNS From planters to furniture and kitchen countertops, Bottle Rocket Designs has awesome home goods made to last with concrete and re-purposed glass. Tucsonans, look for them at markets and enjoy free local pickup and delivery.
PATAGONIA FLOWER FARM A small organic flower farm in Patagonia, AZ, in the beautiful Sky Island region an hour south of Tucson. Aishah Lurry grows and creates the most gorgeous bouquets. Treat yourself to a subscription if you are in the area. It is an absolute delight to have her flowers in your home.
CARLY QUINN TILE DESIGNS Hand-painted tiles with the most dreamy, rich colors. Individual tiles are each a piece of art that can be used as coasters, or combined to make a custom mural or address number set.
JAMILLE TEXTILES A woman of many skills: Tasteful textiles with gorgeous screen-printed designs, art kits for kids and adults, as well as a line of herbal salve and balms. Check out Adia's doula offerings as well for prenatal and postpartum support. Her offerings should be in each of the categories here ;)!
AVI FARBER CERAMICS Hands down one of my favorite ceramic artists. Avi wood-fires much of his work for a totally organic, exceptionally crafted outcome.
PLART Adorable stained glass cacti ornaments and decor items. They're cute and perfect gifts for the desert-lover.
Handmade Clothing
UNA PLUMA Organic cotton clothing designed by a small, woman-owned business based in Portland. The clothes are made in Kathmandu by craftspeople paid fair wages and working in environmentally safe environments
THE SOLSTICE STUDIO It was a joy to discover Elana Bloom's wonderful creations. I am in love with her plant-dyed silks and appreciate her slow-fashion, environmentally conscious approach to small-batch clothing, textile work and art.
NA WAHINE LOLE Super fun handmade swim wear made by a mama in Hawaii for all sized bodies.
OF EARTH AND SALT A small California clothing company that sources their fabrics sustainably and makes super comfortable clothes! Think: the perfect leggings.
Jewelry
CORNERHOUSE JEWELLERY Absolutely lovely faceted-stone (think elegantly sparkly) jewelry by Kandy, a mom of two who silversmiths in her 1-bedroom NYC apartment!
TAYLOR SALEEM JEWELRY As a silversmith I am floored by Taylor's jewelry. The look and feel are exquisite. Please do yourself a favor and follow her work.
JESS GUERRIERI JEWELRY Jess's skill with enamel and her ability to capture an array of floral patterns and color in her jewelry is incredible.
LUNA + SAYA Statement earrings in eye-catching geometric shapes and colors made of polymer clay. They're lightweight, funky, stylish and made by the loveliest human, my friend Marina.
DIDIROSE JEWELRY For all your desires in full karat gold with precious gemstones, Benedicta has got you covered. She makes clean, timeless designs from engagement and wedding jewelry to everyday more simple pieces.
DILLON ROSE A dynamic and thoughtful husband-and-wife-led jewelry business. From custom bridal jewelry to stunning silverwork, they create heirloom quality jewelry to their customers while being a strong part of their Tulsa, OK community.
Okay, last "rose" in the list...
LUMENROSE BEST SELLERS Because I had to include a few of my favorite everyday jewelry items ;). Many of these best sellers are made-to-order and perfect gifts under $80
Skincare
PEAK SCENTS The most delicious, effective skincare products I've found out there. All natural and created by a clinical herbalist in Flagstaff, AZ
KAELEN HARWELL SKINCARE Non-toxic, organic spa-quality skincare products. Kaelen founded Tucson's natural beauty school, Pure Aesthetics.