7 Small Shops to Support This Holiday Season
Now that we’re a week in to November, I hope you guys are finally accepting all the holiday content that’s infiltrating the blog! I don’t feel that bad, actually, at all. I got the Thanksgiving Food Magazine issue in early October and my personal inbox has already been bombarded with gift guides. Something tells me now is the exact time we should start talking about all things holiday. We’ll have a few more posts in the next month sharing gift ideas but it all kicks off with small online shops to support. I’ve pulled together a list of my favorite e-stores by fellow bloggers and entrepreneurs to shop from. Shop small and support the people you love. Instead of just hitting "like" the next time you see something from a shop or blogger you follow on Instagram, head over to their shop and see if there’s something you can purchase to support them and cross a gift off your list. And hey, I’m all about self gift giving so if you see something you like, go for it!
Cuss It Out
For the funniest and most relevant mugs, accessories and tees, my friend Jennifer’s shop “Cuss It Out” is a one-stop-shop. She has laugh out loud products that will take your Monday from unbearable to bearable. I have the “Shit Happens, Coffee Helps” mug and it’s definitely my No Effs to Give day mug. As a passionate collector, I believe that the mug you drink from each morning, afternoon, and night is a complete reflection of your mood. Like today, as I sip from my Grinch mug, I bought years ago for $12 at a small shop in Lakeview. Her designs come in a variety of mugs, tees, sweatshirts and totes.
Photo c/o Cuss It Out
My Newest Addiction
These next two shops are for all the planner addicts out there. I don’t know about you but I can’t survive without my planner. It’s always open on my desk, a constant presence so that nothing is forgotten. It’s also the only creative outlet for crafting that I have. Back in the day, scrapbooks were my jam. I put them together all the time and loved decorating them. I don’t scrapbook any more but I do enjoy glamming up my planner pages. My Newest Addiction has everything from sticker pages to decorate at your own leisure to full monthly packages to deck out December, January, and so on with a specific theme. She just released her December Monthly Kits and a Merry Christmas themed kit so make sure to go scoop them up before they’re gone! I’m a bit obsessed with the December one and hate myself for already designing the remainder of 2018 in my planner.
Follow My Newest Addiction on Instagram
Nicole Alexia Designs
I’m a fan of variety and each designer on this list for planner accessories is super talented in their own right. Nicole Alexia Designs is another fantastic shop to support this season. Shop by collection, which is essentially a theme, and choose between planner layouts and sizes. Nicole Alexia Designs has a fun $2 Tuesday promotion where certain products and sticker sets are only $2! It’s a great way to stock up for yourself or DIY a collection for a friend or family member you know is planner obsessed.
Tees by Fashionably Femme
Fellow Chicago blogger and a good friend of mine, Dannie, launched Tees by Fashionably Femme last year before rebranding from Stile. Foto. Cibo. I mention this because you may have seen her around these parts before. Lou Lou and I have even modeled for her shop, as you see below, in my favorite t-shirt that I currently own. Tees by Fashionably Femme are for the blogger, the writer, the hard working gal, femmes, LGBTQ supporters, and just about anyone else. There are a few different types of tees to choose from that range from tanks to hoodies and even mugs! I know the mug with the same design as my shirt is high on my wish list. Tees by Fashionably Femme is currently having a free shipping promotion through December 12th on US orders of $45+! Use code “FREESHIP116d028c” at checkout.
The Knottaire
Another shop by my friend Jennifer, The Knottaire was a way for her to turn a passion (knitting and crafting) into a business. Jenn creates gorgeous pieces from decorative pillows to accessories to ouchie bags for kiddos. The Knottaire has designs that have been around for a while and became favorites like much of the hoop art Jenn creates but she’s also adding new designs regularly, especially now with the holidays coming up. Her shop has ornaments which are always a lovely gift especially when you need something thoughtful but smaller scale. What’s even better, 25% of proceeds from The Knottaire go towards Reaching Out Romania, an advocacy group working against human trafficking in Romania. So not only are you supporting a small business owner and an amazing person, you’re also supporting a great cause.
Photos c/o The Knottaire
The Official Lattes, Life & Luggage Shop
Not to uhh...promote myself here but I would be eternally grateful if you were to support my shop this season :D The Officially Lattes n’ Life Shop has two main designs: “Rome Today” and “Taking Charge.” The inspiration behind these two designs is wanderlust. They’re designed for women who love to travel and have at least a small inclination for coffee. The shop has quite a few different mug sizes and designs, tote bags, notebooks and more. Free shipping is currently available through December 12th on US orders $45+. Use code “FREESHIP11” at checkout.
The Trendy Sparrow
One more shop to support! The Trendy Sparrow is yet another Chicago blogger. I fell in love with Lindzi’s shop several years ago when she originally launched with mugs and tees. She’s famous for Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls inspired designs, like my “What Would Serena Van Der Woodsen Do?” mug. Since then, she’s grown her shop into a full-scale business with all kinds of clothing, graphic tees, and more mugs and accessories. A note of caution, her mugs sell out fast so if you see something you or someone you know would like, grab it now. Don’t wait! My Serena mug is no longer available and she doesn’t always bring things back into stock to leave room for new designs.
