Local Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your List
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Happy December!
Naturally, I'm SO happy it's finally Advent, and we're all free and clear to listen to all the Christmas music our little hearts desire. It's time for all the tidings of comfort and joy.
However, the logical side of me has to ask, "How's your shopping going?"
I feel as though "Cyber Weekend" snuck up on me and I wasn't ready to shop. I had barely even given a thought to what gifts I was looking for or even what gifts I would like. Naturally, I responded to this by referencing my holiday gift guide from last year, and updating it with new things I had discovered when browsing online Friday morning.
For years, I had shopped on Black Friday. We used to take a nap after Thanksgiving, get up and head out in the middle of the night to snag all the deals across the state. It was crazy.
Now, I am perfectly content to sleep in on Black Friday, have my coffee and browse online deals. I will say that I am grateful that the pandemic brought all the deals online, and now I can shop from the comfort of my own home.
What. A. Gift.
My goal this year (and for the past several years actually, but we won't talk about that) is to have my shopping done by mid-December. That way, I can relax and wrap gifts when I have time, and I don't have to stress about the least important part of the holiday.
That's right. The least important part of the holiday.
When I think of Christmas, I think of lights and Christmas cookies. I think of the warm, happy feeling I get watching the Nutcracker or enjoying a Christmas party with friends and family. I think of peace on earth and good will towards men. I think of the gift of a Savior.
I don't even think of gifts when I think of Christmas. Which is probably why this past weekend took me by surprise. Gifts are a part of Christmas, but they're not even remotely the most important.
For those of you who would like to join me in knocking out the shopping early, so we can enjoy the season, look no further. Today I'm sharing with you some of my favorite gifts and shops. I'm trying to be more conscious of shopping small when I can, so here are several of my favorite small businesses.
Photos by Connie Tseng Photography
Willow Marie
All their stuff is super cute and high quality, but I especially love this sweater. It sold out last year and I snagged one for our holiday photos, but this year they brought it back in more colors (and a discount!). It's super soft and thick and just so pretty.
bloom planners
Keri raves about these things all the time, and they're a local business in Delaware, so this year I had to grab one to try. I do love a good planner, and as much as I love my Posy Paper planner, I wanted to support a business close to home!
Kent County Candles
OMG. These candles smell so good, and they're non-toxic (which I just found out is a thing - oops!). I received one as a gift for my birthday, and I am obsessed!! I ran into her booth at a craft show last month and all of her candles are so fragrant. If you're looking for a clean candle as a gift, look no further than her Holiday At Hogwarts candle (it smells like Christmas).
Sincerely Clay
Another great local business that makes adorable and comfortable jewelry is Sincerely Clay. I have several pairs of earrings from her and they are so pretty and so light!
Loopy Cases
When I upgraded my phone in October, I also upgraded my case to a Loopy! It's super protective and has a rubber loop to comfortably secure your phone when texting, running errands or anything, really, without dropping it. I don't think I'll ever use another case. They're also a really sweet small business who personalizes every package, which I think is really sweet. This is the one I have.
Here are some creative ideas for gifts for those who don't want a material item (or don't have room!).
If they have a Kindle and love to read: Kindle Unlimited or subscription to the Brooklyn Public Library. The Brooklyn Library has an annual fee, and their selection of books is HUGE!
Music for a year (Apple, Amazon or Spotify)
Gift cards to local restaurants
If they love the outdoors: Annual pass to the state parks
Lessons to something they've always wanted to try (art, photography, candle-making, sailing, etc.)
Tickets to an event or show.
If nothing so far has sparked any ideas, check out my new 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! There may be some ideas over there that work for anyone and everyone on your list!
* also, here’s one of my favorite Christmas songs. It’s about finding the perfect Christmas gift and I just think it’s so cute and sweet.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17