Businesses you should support this holiday season!
This holiday shopping season, we’re shouting-out spectacular businesses that not only offer sensational gift options, but are businesses that we are proud to patronize! This list has everything you need to buy the ultimate present from businesses that truly deserve and need your support, especially this year! This list is full of unique small, local, black-owned, women-owned, LGBTQIA+ owned, community engaged, eco-friendly & sustainable businesses that offer products that your family and friends will love to receive!
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The Goods: Woman owned, plant and plant accessory shop based in Maryland!
The Why: They have an incredible selection and the website makes it very easy to choose the perfect plant for your environment! You can shop categories based on light (low-high), type (succulents, moss balls, etc.), or concept (bundles, diy kits, etc.). You can also make a charitable contribution while shopping if you choose designs from the “Takoma Park Together Fundraising Campaign”- proceeds from these designs benefit Takoma Park's Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program and the Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA).
The Goods: Woman owned, modern ceramics shop based in DC.
The Why: All of her products are handmade, mostly on a pottery wheel, and hand painted with care and attention. Inspired by modern art and abstraction, she has so many different types of products that will fill your home with unique and dope art!
The Goods: Women owned, plant shop based in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Why: Not only is this an incredible shop for plant life (as you can tell, we love plants) but they also use their platform to support their community! Right now they are doing a “Bless The Block” initiative on their website in support of Change Today, Change Tomorrow’s winter holiday giving program that benefits Louisville's West End!
The Goods: A whittle/craftsmen Etsy shop in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The Why: they make great home products, especially for the kitchen. Send a one of a kind piece to your Mother-in-Law to make the season bright! All orders are custom and unique so get those requests in now!
She Loves Me, A DC Flower Shop
The Goods: Fresh-cut flowers, plants, dried floral arrangements, in-person and virtual workshops, flower design for events.
The Why: With two locations in Washington, DC, She Loves Me is a blossoming store with beautiful floral arrangements and design services. You’ll often find Erin working at their pop-up events and singing the praises of this woman-owned business.
Apparel and Accessories
Image Source: https://shoptuesday.com/products/collared-cape?_pos=1&_sid=cdbc8b05e&_ss=r&variant=32943480930365
The Goods: Black and local owned children’s apparel and toy business in Richmond, Virginia.
The Why: “Inspired by hip hop culture, curiosity, and a sense of humor, Little Nomad is a fresh, modern alternative to typical kid's fashion.”- Little Nomad (Website). This children's clothing is unlike any other! That’s probably why even though it’s located in little ole RVA, it still has managed to draw celebrity attention (Solange Knowles and Leslie Odom Jr. have both shopped here in the past). While they specialize in clothing first, they sell far more than just that! They have dope games, puzzles, books, toys, and educational sets and kits - just to name a few! Whether you are shopping for the parents or a little tyke, they have perfect gifts for the young ones of the world!
The Goods: A small, woman owned jewelry store based out of Brooklyn, NY.
The Why: There’s no other way to say it: this jewelry is dope! It’s simple but nowhere near “plain”, which makes their products an ideal choice for gift giving. They even have a gift guide to make it easier- choose between price point or vibe!
The Goods: A size inclusive apparel shop owned and designed by illustrator, Tuesday Bassen (woman owned, small business).
The Why: This is where Erin buys most of her clothes, don’t you want to look like ELE’s It-Girl?! In all seriousness, these clothes are awesome and all based on Tuesday’s art, they are totally funky, fun, and unique! We also love the size inclusivity; her sizes range from XXS- 6X! When she says inclusive it’s not performative, she means inclusive of everyone.
The Goods: local, black owned streetwear store based in Richmond, VA.
The Why: “Chilalay serves as an outlet of creative expression through several different mediums; Style, Art, and Culture.”- Chilalay (Website). This is basic streetwear style, if that’s your thing, you’ll love their selection!
Food and Drinks
The Goods: Premium cocktail and mocktail mixers! Made with handpicked fresh fruit and a blend of spices.
The Why: Honestly, they are just delicious, scrumptious, our favorite pick-me-up! Mixed cocktails are always a great idea, but especially during this holiday season! This year we’re replacing bar hops with drinking in our living rooms, so set yourself up for festive celebrations by getting yourself the gear to make this holiday season nice and boozy (oops, I meant naughty)! They have so many delicious flavors, choose between individuals or sets, you can’t go wrong!
The Goods: Small, black woman owned chocolate and confectionery shop in DC.
The Why: “They have AMAZING cookies… no seriously the best cookies” -Erin Leonard. I mean do you really need more reasons to treat yourself? In case you do, please understand these aren’t your regular, run-of-the-mill sugary snacks! The mastermind behind these creations, Ashleigh Pearson, has a pastry diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. She combines the best of her two culinary worlds- her treats are rooted in French techniques and inspired by American traditions!
The Goods: Local, black woman owned African baked goods shop based in Louisville, KY (specializes in cookies).
The Why: Not only are her baked goods absolutely delicious, but it’s also exclusive- classic cookies we all know and love with a twist from Uganda? I think yes! As an immigrant, her various cultures and experiences influence her flavors and packaging, and her story of entrepreneurship is inspiring, to say the least.
Other Gifts (& the places that have a little bit of everything)
The Goods: A black, female owned bookstore and gallery space based in Chicago!
The Why: They are committed to community change and have clear initiatives to support that. Every month they host a “clear the shelves” event for Chicago Public School students where students can take books free of charge
The Goods: Etsy shop that creates handmade, unique cards for any occasion!
The Why: Who doesn’t love a good holiday card?! These cards are intricately designed and beautifully made. On top of the great quality, the shop is named after the married owners, Michael and Angelo, we love LOVE. Support a small business and the US Postal Service simultaneously this holiday season!
The Goods: Black and locally owned business in Chicago that makes merchandise ranging from apparel to stationary.
The Why: This business has a wide variety of products all with a social conscientious approach. They use their artistry to educate and inspire all while using eco-friendly/ repurposed materials! “Our items combine art, fashion, and eco friendly materials together to create unique items you can wear and adorn your home.” - Reformed School (Website).
The Goods: Local DC shop that sells a variety of products by the best artists, craftsmen, brewers, artisans, designers, bakers, and all other creatives based in DC.
The Why: This retail initiative’s mission is to support and grow DC’s artists and makers. Support the incredible talent right here in our Capital City! This shop sells approximately 5,000 products from over 200 DC creatives, and all of their products are chosen with great care and attention! Additionally, they are hosting socially distanced events, if you’re looking for a fun time in DC this holiday season!
The Goods: A package delivery service/ shop, created by Reactor Design employees at the start of Quarantine to spread love.
The Why: This mission is amazing and so important. Let’s support each other even more during the holiday season, which can be a very isolating and emotional time, even before a pandemic. Also their merchandise is too cute! They recently released some holiday goodies, check them out! “S.S. Nice was created to spread the niceties and remind people they can still find something nice even when the times may suck.” - Send Something Nice (Website)