It’s the holiday season…
I love this time of year! Christmas carols on the radio, glittering snow, houses decked out in lights, and, most important of all, the feelings of joy and generosity.
This past year has been filled with challenges, especially for the event industry and small businesses. I am endlessly inspired by our industry friends and colleagues who have adapted, worked harder than ever, and achieved great successes at such a difficult time. Small businesses continue to need your support! Not only will you get high-quality special gifts for you or your loved ones, but you can know that each purchase truly matters to a small creator or shop owner. I am sharing a few of our favorite small business gifts below. Shop small and make a big difference!
Bauble Stockings
Spring Dreams Stocking
Photo courtesy of Bauble Stockings. Stocking design by artist Sarah Watson, photo by Kathryn McCrary, styled by Ginny Branch
Bauble Stockings are hand stitched stunning small stockings backed with luxurious velvet. They are sure to be the star of your tree or mantle.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kate, the creator of Bauble Stockings, a few years ago and fell in love with her story. At Christmas, Kate’s mom would receive her last special gift in a needlepoint stocking hung on their family Christmas tree. Her dad called this a bauble stocking and, on a good year, it was filled with a special piece of jewelry. When Kate got engaged, and learned bauble stockings were only a tradition shared by her family, she set out to make them for us all.
What is truly so special about Kate and Bauble Stockings is their commitment to making a difference. Every gorgeous stocking is hand stitched and finished by a community of moms in Haiti and this partnership has also allowed the community to build a school for over 120 children. Kate also donates 5% of the stocking profits to the Atlanta Children’s Center. Kate is one of my many talented Kappa Alpha Theta sisters. The gorgeous Theta pansy inspired stocking shown here also benefits Theta’s charitable partner, with 10% of profits donated to CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. A bauble stocking will grace your home for years while giving much needed support to others.
https://www.baublestockings.com
Deborah Nadel By Hand
2021 Desk Calendar
Photo courtesy of Deborah Nadel
One of my favorite parts of every new year is putting out Deborah Nadel’s new desk calendar. Deborah is one of my most talented industry friends and her calligraphy is astoundingly gorgeous. Her calendar will be the star of your desk with its gold frame and shimmering gold numbers and lettering. Trust me, you have never had this much fun keeping track of the date! All of Deborah’s cards and calendars feature her captivating calligraphy on beautiful high-quality paper. If you have a paper lover or a stationery fiend in your life, these are the gifts for you!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeborahNadelByHand
Belle Fleur
Box of Blooms
Photos courtesy of Belle Fleur
I am always overjoyed to receive flowers. They brighten my space and my mood. Talented NYC florist Belle Fleur has made the joy of flowers even more fun. With their Box of Blooms program, your gift recipient will receive breathtaking flowers along with access to an instructional video from talented founder Meredith Waga Perez who will guide them through every step of enjoying their gorgeous blooms, from unpacking and conditioning to design suggestions.
Boxes of Blooms come in three configurations and current boxes feature striated red Amaryllis, red berry Ilex Verticillata branches, and snowy white Ranunculus. These red and white beauties are sure to be the centerpiece of your (or their) holiday décor! Belle Fleur offers a new set of boxes approximately every month, so you can continue to gift your loved ones the best flowers the season has to offer. I cannot think of a more fantastic gift for a flower lover!
https://bouquets.bellefleurny.com/products/box-of-blooms
Vancouver Candle Co.
Yorkville Candle
Photo courtesy of Vancouver Candle Co.
I love the cozy warm glow of candles, especially in the winter! One of my favorite small businesses and candle brands is Vancouver Candle Co. Each of their artisanal candles and diffusers are handmade and hand poured in their Vancouver studio and feature premium soy wax, pure cotton wicks, natural essential oils, and perfume grade fine fragrance.
I could buy dozens upon dozens of Vancouver Candle Co. candles and my favorite fragrance will always be Yorkville. Part of their Neighborhood collection, Yorkville is the perfect mix of woody, herbal, and sweet notes featuring notes of amber, sandalwood, and vanilla.
https://www.vancouvercandleco.com
Bon Vivant New York
Assorted Petit Cakes
Photo courtesy of Bon Vivant
I have loved petit cakes since I was a small child and my grandmother used to take us to afternoon tea. Petit cakes are the perfect fanciful snack. They are bite size, delicious, and beautifully decorated. I feel the same joy from my childhood when I see Bon Vivant Petit Cakes. Each delicate cake is topped with the finest almond marzipan, dipped in a deliciously smooth fondant icing, and perfectly decorated. This is not just a feast for the eyes. Cakes come in a variety of delectable flavors including Bourbon Vanilla, Lemon Zest, Coffee Cream, and many more. While all of their baked goods are delicious, the petit cakes are the true standout! If you are looking for a gift for a special someone with a sweet tooth, look no further!
https://bonvivantnewyork.com
I hope you love gifting the small business goodies shared above. Don’t forget, you need a holiday present too and there is nothing wrong with a present given from you to you, especially in 2020! Please shop small and have a very, very happy holiday!