Shop Small This Christmas
It’s been a little while since I’ve shared anything with you on here! I’ve definitely missed it and am ready to get back into doing something that allows me to share my heart and my gifts.
We’ve decided as a family to do things a little differently for Christmas this year. One of those is to do as much shopping as we can with small and/or local shops. I have no desire to support the big box stores or any of the other large corporations. We will use them, but not to the extent we always have. In order to do this, we have to be more intentional, as it does require a little more work… and usually a little more money.
We don’t spend a ton of money on our kids at Christmas - they don’t need anything. However, I did have a conversation with them about what shopping small may look like. I made sure they knew they may not be getting as many things as they normally do, but those things they do get will be more personal and have more meaning. At first, Nicholas was not happy about this because he didn’t want personalized jewelry or a shirt with his name on it. :) We had to discuss further how many small and local shops there were and the range of items we can purchase this way. This goes to show we rely too much on big name companies.
I wanted to share with you some of the shops I’ve found. If you’re following along on Instagram, you’ve already seen some of the products I’ve received.
Smith’s Leather Balm - https://smithsallnatural.com. This is a husband and wife team out of Maine. They wanted to find a product that was all natural, so they decided to make one themselves. Will loves good leather and found this to be one of his favorite conditioners. Several things from their shop were on his list. If you follow his photography account (which is fantastic, by the way)on IG { @cameras_coffee_cutlery } you will see this show up in lots of his photos.
Jackie Blue Handmade - https://www.jackiebluehandmade.com I found this company while searching for Kentucky made products. Her shop is in Owensboro, KY and was born out of a desire to relieve some of the financial pressure adoption can bring. She and her team make gorgeous jewelry and knowing I am supporting a local family makes it even better.
Helms Handcrafted - https://www.facebook.com/HelmsHandCrafted916/. Haley’s work was recommended to me by a good friend, who had purchased multiple things from her. She is very local - about 25 minutes away. They have so many gorgeous options for personalized gifts.
Dead Sled Leather - https://deadsledleather.com/home The owner, Jonathan Baker, is a paramedic and has multiple leather products geared toward firemen/EMS workers. He makes purses, wallets, keychains, among a plethora of other items. Matt emailed him about Will’s interest in his company and products. With our order, he sent a personal note inviting Will & Matt to come to his shop and create something of his own, as well as to learn about the process. Of course, since Mr. Baker drives a 1979 Cadillac Hearse, the note was written on a “toe tag”. :)
KimBOO - https://www.kimboo.ca I found this shop on Etsy but they have a separate website, as well. We love wooden toys, so I ordered the balance board/swing for Benjamin. We are planning to hang it in his room. This not a local company but is a small business. It is based in Canada. This is the only “small shop” item I have not received. I will share it with you on Instagram when it arrives.
Colorado Farmhouse Addict - https://www.etsy.com/shop/COFarmhouseaddict/ I haven’t purchased anything for Christmas, but I ordered a beaded garland from Tracy earlier in the year and it was gorgeous. She makes the cutest home decor pieces.
The Little Earring Co - https://www.thelittleearringcompany.com She hand makes beautiful earrings. Again, I haven’t purchased for Christmas, but I did order a pair back in the spring and they are adorable.
I had a few recommendations for small shops that I didn’t end up buying from. I will share those with you, as well, because friends of mine highly recommended them.
Palmetto Wood Shop - https://www.palmettowoodshop.com I was told the quality on the TAC-FORCE TF606WS pocket knife is great and they can be personalized. The shipping was quick, as well.
Burn Bags USA - https://www.burnbagsusa.com/products This company is owned and operated by a lady who is a volunteer firefighter and EMT in NC. Her items are made from old fire hose and consist of purses, Dopp kits & wine bags. Each item comes in a muslin bag with a note stating which station the fire hose came from as well as suggestions to fill the muslin bag with treats for your local fire station.
Next Level Engraving - https://www.etsy.com/shop/NextLevelEngraving This is an Etsy shop that carries engraved leather wallets as well as engraved wooden watches. The wallets can be personalized inside and out.
I plan to continue updating this page as I discover new shops. If you have one you love, please share with me and I’ll post it here! I think in the last couple of years its been obvious how vital it is to live in community. God created us to live in relationship with Him first, then with the people around us. This is just one way we can support each other.
#shopsmall