It is officially December, which means Christmas is in full swing and shopping is already underway. While I’m trying to wrap up my Christmas shopping in anticipation of our little man, I thought I might share a few gift ideas.

This year, I’m focusing on unique gift ideas and small businesses that I just love. I’ve been doing some serious shopping lately, and I really think I found some really great products, sold by some really cool people. I love meeting people who have created a business out of their passions and I love to support that as often as I can. For me, that looks like attending craft shows, finding some creative gifts and getting to know new people.

For example, when I went to find a Henlopen CandleWorks stand at a local market to pick up a candle for my sister’s birthday, I got to talk to the owner and creator of the candles, Jeanellen. She told me about the trial and error that comes with creating each individual scent, and how they smell different when they’re cold vs. the scent they give off when they burn. I told her how I came to find her candles and couldn’t believe how fragrant they were and made my whole house smell amazing, while lasting a really long time. Jeanellen shared with me a new line she was working on with Rita’s, creating candles for popular water ice flavors - she’s still trying to nail down the perfect Mango, but her Swedish Fish is on point! Not only was I able to pick up a birthday gift, but I was able to make a friend and support her dream at the same time.

We’re all given a purpose and a passion. We’re all put on earth with a. specific skill set and job to do. I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to do what I love every day, and I want that for everyone. I want that for the photographers, jewelry-makers, shop owners, writers, musicians, crafters, and I want that for Jeanellen. So if you have the opportunity to shop small this season, take it. It means more than you know.

shop small.

Check out some of my absolute favorite small businesses while shopping for loved ones this year!

(I’m not kidding, I spent a Saturday afternoon hunting down one of these shops just so I could grab my sister's favorite candle for her birthday. They’re that good.)

unique gift ideas

Spa gift card - mani/pedi, facial, massage, etc.

Datebox subscription for your favorite couple

Tickets to the zoo, aquarium or local museum - The Franklin Institute is hosting a Disney exhibition starting in February!

Gift card to a fun new restaurant - bonus if you offer to watch the kids so mom and dad can have a night out!

Kindle Unlimited for a year

Candle-Making with Kent County Candles - These events look so fun! They have them all over the state.

Tickets to a show - Everett Theatre, Milton Theatre, Wilmington Drama League, The Grand Opera House

Wilmington & Western Railroad Train Ride

Out of the Box DIY Kits

Spotify/Apple Music subscription

FabFitFun box subscription

If you’re looking for additional/last-minute gifts on Amazon, head over to my Holiday Gift Guide page for ALL the ideas.

If you’re like many this year and struggling to put food on the table and buy gifts for everyone on your list, please know that a gift doesn’t have to be anything grand. Some of the best gifts come in the form of homemade cookies or hot meal, time, handcrafted ornament, skilled labor, a family recipe or even a handwritten note in a Christmas card. I’m not a parent just yet, but I know that an offer to babysit is priceless.

There are so many ways we can give gifts this year that are precious and meaningful, without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, it’s not about the gifts we exchange, it’s about the gifts of love and hope that we celebrate with our loved ones this season.

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7