Refinery29
The Best Holiday Gifts Come In Small (Business) Packages
While plenty of mega-retailers from Amazon to Target are hosting big holiday discounts, this past year has proven that small businesses could use some additional support. With the pandemic’s effect still taking its toll, small businesses are struggling more than ever. This holiday season, we’d like to reinforce the importance of shopping small. In our search for surprisingly cool gifts to feature, we discovered that some of the best presents can come in small (business) packages. So put away your Prime account, if only for a gift or two, and discover the special gems you can find at these independent retailers ahead.At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Degen Face VesselComing Soon is our go-to stop when looking for whimsical, vintage-inspired treasures. Located at the vibrant intersection of New York’s Lower East Side and Chinatown, the shop carries products with the same creative cool energy that permeates throughout its downtown neighborhoods. If these handblown face vessels by Neal Dobbins don’t bring a smile to your face, then we’re not sure what will. DEGEN Face Vessel, $, available at Coming SoonPrismatic Plants Day & Night SetPrismatic Plants is an Instagram-worthy CBD brand that came to be through its female founders’ struggle with chronic health issues. The Day & Night Tinctures are crafted from a blend of certified-organic CBD and organically-grown hemp that’s meant to instill calm energy throughout the day as well as help you rest and recovery at night. These 5-star rated products are also delivered in eco-friendly and recyclable packaging materials, to boot. Prismatic Plants Day & Night Set, $, available at Prismatic PlantsBread Favorites-DuoBread delivers “hair care basics for not basic hair” with its critically-acclaimed selection of everything from glossy serums to conditioning masks and gentle shampoos all formulated specifically for 3a to 4c hair textures. This duo of everyday glossy hair oil and bread-puff hair scrunchie would make the perfect gift for any curly girl in your life. For additional amazing Black-Owned and female-founded businesses to support during the holiday season and year-round, we recommend checking out this story.Bread Favorites-Duo, $, available at BreadPineapple Collaborative The Pantry SetPineapple Collaborative makes beautifully packaged and sustainably harvested pantry staples all sourced from female farmers and producers. Pineapple Collaborative The Pantry Set, $, available at Pineapple CollaborativeQuebracho Charcuterie & Pies Monthly Empanada SubscriptionQuebracho Charcuterie & Pies is an immigrant-owned small business that specializes in savory and sweet treats. And, as we continue to work, play, and munch from home, something like their monthly empanada subscription feels even more mouthwatering. “We specialize in charcuterie and pies, but celebrating family and friends and replicating the experience of a family Sunday in Argentina is what truly lies at the heart of our business,” says founder Belen Rodriguez. (Veggies, don’t fret: there’s something for you, too). Quebracho Charcuterie & Pies Seasonal Empanadas (3 Pack of Squash and Bacon), $, available at Quebracho Charcuterie & PiesJ.Hannah Mini Nail Polish SetYou may be familiar with Jess Hannah’s jewelry, which we’ve featured more than a few times on our site — and if so, kudos. We’ve been longtime fans of the Los Angeles-based jewelry designer for years. Since launching her minimalist brand, she’s expanded into the beauty space with a collection of carefully curated nail polishes that complement her array of dainty and signet rings.J.Hannah Mini Polish Set, $, available at J.HannahPrimally Pure Autumn Home CollectionPrimally Pure was first brought to our attention by Olivia Harrison’s Talking Shop series, where she chats with owners of up-and-coming small businesses about their experiences running their companies in today’s economy. This natural skincare brand was founded by Bethany McDaniel in Southern California and crafts a range of non-toxic home and body products, which includes everything from aromatherapy, to body butter, to deodorant. And did we mention basically every item on the site has a perfect 5-star rating?Primally Pure Autumn Home Collection, $, available at Primally PureUnited Sodas of America Variety PackWith premium flavors like Pear Elderflower and Blackberry Jam, United Sodas of America has reimagined your basic carbonated beverage into something that is whimsical and will definitely add a pop of color to any fridge. All of their drinks are naturally sweetened and produced in the USA. United Sodas of America Variety Pack (12), $, available at United Sodas of AmericaKES Nude MasksKES likes to keep things local. The New-York based contemporary women’s brand, named after owner Lia Kes, utilizes local resources. All collections are organically dyed and sustainably manufactured right in its home city. KES Peace Covering Skin Complexion Bundle, $, available at KESMax-Bone PB&J Dog TreatsBefore launching that brand, Max-Bone’s founder Parisa Fowles-Pazdro faced a problem many pet owners can relate to: a market that was severely lacking chic dog accessories that would pair well with her inclination towards design. She then set out to create Max-Bone, a luxury pet brand that creates aesthetically mindful pet gear made from high-quality materials. Max-Bone Peanut Butter and Jelly Dog Treats, $, available at Max-BoneSmile Makers The Frenchman VibratorVibrators have seen major changes from your mom’s Magic Wand Massager. Brands like Smile Makers are setting out to normalize the perception of female sexuality with sex toys that match modern sensibilities. By buying a product from the brand, you’re funding its sex education program that advises local governments and female health organizations. Smile Makers The Frenchman, $, available at Smile MakersOtherland CandleOtherland creates candles so pretty, you’ll Google every craft project possible to find a way to put the empty glass tumblers to decor use once you’ve burned through the wick. The hand-poured candles feature unique scents blended into its toxin-free coconut and soy wax. Otherland Manor House Weekend Candle, $, available at OtherlandOur Place Always PanOutside of a Le Creuset, we never dreamed a stovetop staple could achieve such fame. But the Always Pan has taken Instagram by storm. Our Place, the brand behind the millennial-friendly utility piece, is on a mission to promise ethical labor, an investment in responsible materials, and to give back to its local south L.A. community. Our Place Always Pan, $, available at Our PlaceCuyana Leather Laptop SleeveCuyana’s entire ideology rests on the motto: Fewer, better things. Female founders Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shaharla believe in mindful consumption. By investing in quality items, your closet and your home can remain uncluttered. The brand has an extensive sustainability pledge that’s focused on keeping items out of our landfills and finding ways to give products a second life through responsible recycling. Cuyana Leather Laptop Sleeve, $, available at CuyanaPiecework Punch Line PuzzleMeet the brains behind your chic new coffee table addition and your quarantine hobby. Piecework is leading the pack in the growing trend of design-minded jigsaw puzzles. Randing from 500 to 1000 pieces the puzzles’ themes are just as decadent as the high contrast photography that gives Ravensburger a run for its money.Piecework Punch Line 1000 Piece Puzzle, $, available at PieceworkKkCo Pierced Dog ShirtApart from the cute new dog shirts, KkCo (pronounced “Kay Co”) produces fun human clothing, too. The female-founded brand had a big hand in the tie-dye trend spike last year and has continued to create designs beloved by influencers the world over. All production is done locally near its L.A. atelier. KKCo Pierced Pet Tank, $, available at KKCoStoney Clover Lane Leather DuffleInterested in adding some color to your life? Then you’ll relate well to sisters Kendall and Libby Glazer, the minds behind Stoney Clover Lane. On the site, you’ll find an explosion of rainbow-colored travel accessories and even a Hello Kitty collaboration to boot.Stoney Clover Lane Classic Mini Duffle Bag, $, available at Stoney Clover LaneKrewe Aviator SunglassesFor non-NOLA natives, Krewe’s name may not carry much meaning. But for the New Orleans-based eyewear brand, it’s a direct tie to its physical roots. Traditionally affiliated with Mardi Gras, a krewe describes a group that stages a parade for a carnival celebration. The word has since become synonymous with your local community or a tight-knit group of friends. The brand itself has a mighty large krewe having been spotted on the likes of Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and many more. The glasses themselves are made from plant-based acetate, rilsan (a 50{a38ddb2ded6b05e28c8ae73a8db0e271c21f7193684bd9e4e28acae292f81d99} bio-waste-based material), and premium metals.Krewe Carver, $, available at KreweCatbird Baby Pearl Hoop EarringCatbird is a Brooklyn staple. The beloved Bedford Avenue store is home to an assortment of engagement rings, fine jewelry, sweet home decor, and kitschy finds. The shop is single-handedly responsible for introducing us to some of our favorite jewelry brands like Wwake, Jennie Kwon, Satomi Kawakita, and so many more.Catbird Baby Pearl Hoop, $, available at CatbirdSir/Madam Clear Rialto GlasswareComing Soon is your go-to stop when you’re looking for whimsical or vintage-inspired home goods. Located at the intersection of New York’s Lower East Side and Chinatown, the shop’s products carry the same creative cool that permeates throughout the downtown neighborhood. Sir/Madam Clear Rialto Glassware, $, available at Coming SoonSPF 30 Black Girl SunscreenTKBlack Girl Sunscreen Black Girl Sunscreen, $, available at BLK + GRNLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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