I really love shopping small. There is a whimsy and character to things that are produced in smaller batches. The products are usually of a higher quality, and made from materials that are better for our planet. Shopping small means that you're not helping a CEO buy another mansion or yacht, you're helping a small business owner support their family. Also, they are more likely to put their money back into their community as well - creating a positive cycle. Online shopping has revolutionized our access to goods, and we are able to buy things from small shops around the world. Next week is "Shop Small Saturday", therefore there is no better time! So, here are some of my favorite ideas for shopping small this Christmas season!
(I haven't been compensated by any of these shops, nor have they asked for these reviews. These are just some of my favorite products I've tried and/or admired for quite some time.)
(I haven't been compensated by any of these shops, nor have they asked for these reviews. These are just some of my favorite products I've tried and/or admired for quite some time.)
For the chef in your life -
This cookbook was just released, and I am thrilled to have one in my possession! It's by Špela Vodovc, who is a native of the Slovene capital Ljubljana. It's a compilation of Slovene recipes, sorted by season. Slovene cuisine is not very well known, however thanks to Ana Roš - a Slovene chef named best female chef in the world - it's becoming more renowned. With this cookbook you will help your most beloved chef be "in the know" about this up and coming trend.
This digital meat thermometer is so cool! My parents got one for Dan earlier in the year. It connects to an app on your phone, where you set the temperature you want to cook your meat to, and then it tells you the temperature of your meat, and approximately how much longer it needs to cook. So cool!
For your littlest loves -
For toddlers in your life -
We bought our youngest the Indigo Jamm doll house and camper for her birthday, and followed it up with the princess carriage for Christmas. The toys are ethically produced, and made from a renewable material, rubberwood. I love their colors (bright, but not offensive to the eyes), and I love that the doll house is for 18 mo+, while the other peg dolls are 12 mo+ - a rare find in the doll world! They have a wide range of peg doll toys, as well as imaginative play toys, like kitchen sets, tea sets, a doll high chair, etc. as well as ride-on toys.
I've saved the best for last (for this category)! These Dinkum Dolls are ridiculously precious! I love that they come in such a variety of skin tones and hair color - representation is so important, especially when it comes to modeling behavior to children. We purchased Poppet (the one on the far left) for our little peanut for Christmas, as well as an extra outfit. Grandma and Grandpa bought a second outfit and a "luggy" (wheeled basket) for her to take her treasures with her wherever she goes. This company also has the most adorable wicker doll pram the world has seen! <3
For your bigger kids -
This is what we plan on getting or oldest kiddo for his 6th birthday in February. These guitars have 3 strings, are perfect for small hands, and easily transition the child to a regular guitar once they're big enough. The one pictured is for kids 3+, and then they have an electric one for kids 8+. These loog guitars come with a book to help the kids learn the basics, and there is access to an app that helps teach them as well. It is meant to be easily self-taught or with the help of a parent. Oh! And they have the coolest colors! Rock on!!
A KiwiCo subscription would be a FANTASTIC gift for anyone, but especially for your budding scientist or engineer. These crates are sorted by age, and really are age-appropriate regarding their instructions and required skill sets. I love that they are educational as well as fun!
For your jewelry lovers -
I received a ring like this one with my kiddos' names on it last year from this jewelry maker. It is beautiful, and although delicate has held up really well, too!
I follow this jewelry maker on Instagram, and their pieces are just so feminine and intricate!
For your favorite baker -
These embossing rolling pins are so fun! They have ones for all different holidays, with different patterns, and well, they are just really beautiful!
For those "family" gifts -
This is my friend from college and super talented artist, Nic. She created this beautiful portrait of Anne Shirley for our little girl's nursery! She takes orders for personalized portraits, and they are just adorable! You can order them through her Etsy shop, or find her on Instagram.
For those unique ornaments -
I found this artist when I was looking for Anne of Green Gables dolls - she makes clothespin dolls and ornaments, and they are just darling!! She also does also do personalized "family" ornaments, however I believe her deadline for this Christmas has passed. You could always get a head-start on next year! :) All I can say is, "As you wish...!"
For your eco-conscious friend -
We've used these single-use-plastic-alternative food storage wraps for two years now, and they are fantastic! They are great for lids on bowls of leftovers, for keeping cheese fresh once it's open, and even for bread!
And there you have it! My recommendations for shopping small this holiday season. What are your favorite places to find unique gifts from local artists, or other small(er) business owners?
