Over the last few years I’ve come across (and worked with) some pretty cool small business owners and products on the blog, so instead of scouring the net trying to find a generic list of products to share with you guys, I’m going to highlight a few of my local Memphis faves. They all can be ordered online, with a few having studios/shops in the city as well. I do have one exception* though, but that’s because their products are so good I just couldn’t leave them out.
Question the Answer Sterling Silver Simple Stack Ring, $16. Lauren Carlson makes some pretty amazing jewelry, and these sterling silver rings are classic but still on trend. Her designs are modern and minimalistic, so they can easily mix + match with your current collection.
Downtown Candle Company Lemongrass Soy Candle, $15 These are seriously some of the best candles I’ve ever used in my life. They’re extremely fragrant w/o being over-powering, and have cedar wicks so they burn cleanly. I light candles daily, and I like that these are affordable and long-lasting. I go for clean scents, but they have many different kinds to choose from. Paper & Clay Handmade Copenhagen Mug in Mint 22k Gold, $64. I’ve met Brit McDaniel in passing, and last year I won a drawing at the Indie Holiday Market that included one of her handmade ceramics that rests on my mantel. I absolutely love the foil design on this mug and think that it would be a fun way to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea every morning.
Amelia Mustard Zipper Linen Pouch, $24 I have the coolest flask (yes, real women carry flasks, lol) from Amelia, and I think that this screen printed linen pouch is so cute and cheery. Imagine pulling your makeup out of this bag every day. Kris Keys 2015 Fashion Illustrated Calendar, $30 Kris is such a dope illustrator, and this calendar is perfect for the fashion lover. I probably wouldn’t even use this as a calendar, and would frame them instead. Don’t Blink Screen Printed Headphone Pillow, $30 This is a gift I’d get for a music lover (or even a guy). Unique throw pillows are hard to find, and I love that this has a slightly masculine feel to it. The designer, Brittney Bullock, makes handmade jewelry as well, so gifts for him + her are covered.
ByAndreaFenise Urbane Opulence Bookmarks, $24.99. One of my favorite gifts to give (and get) are books-but I never seem to have a bookmark (just a pen for notes). That has to end, lol. These are handmade, stylish, and if you’re shopping for multiple people this season, a pack would be great for extra stocking stuffers.
Maggie Russell Art The Definition of Cool Greeting Cards, $18.50. Maggie is such a cool artist, and I love, love, love these greeting cards. It’s so hard to find unique ones, and while this isn’t a traditional Christmas gift, I think these would be cool for yourself to keep on deck for those days when you have something to share with a friend and Hallmark just won’t do.
*Whipped Goods Queens + Kings Holiday Sampler Boxes, $20. Lauren Wiley kinda changed the body butter game when she launched Whipped Goods a few years ago. I always trusted her advice when it came to skin + health recommendations, and her Whipped products are Ah-mazing. I’ve used the scrubs, body butter, and hair therapy, and they’re all so good. They’re offering multiple sampler boxes to choose from, but this is a pretty good introductory one.
It’s so important to support your local small businesses, especially during the Holidays. So much work goes into creating their products, and supporting local also offers you the ability to gift friends + family with truly unique gifts. Happy shopping!
*Ohio based
What’s on your holiday wish list?