2020 Gift guide!

It's that time of year!! Every year I try to complete my holiday shopping by supporting exclusively small handmade businesses. Normally I'm vending at markets so it ends up being pretty easy! But this year is obviously very different with no in person markets. So a gift guide will not only help me with my online shopping, but maybe you'll find something great to get for a loved one (or yourself!)

This list can be used beyond the holidays. Random gifts (especially in the colder upcoming months) I find to be even more special when it's unexpected :) Each category is someone I have to shop for, with maybe a few bonus categories! I'll update this blog post as I discover more shops on my holiday shopping journey.

If I include their instagram, that means they typically sell out within a day or two of their shop updates, so you might have to keep an eye out if you want something. I also made sure to make this list is diverse; more than half of the shops listed are owned and operated by people of color.  

On to the list!

The great outdoors

• Cinder + Salt - An eco conscious clothing brand with tons of designs celebrating the outdoors. They even use salvaged screen printing ink! Great for those who love a good hike
• Quest for the Beasties - Handmade one of a kind plushies and illustrations; forest sprites, bat friends, and so much cuteness! Might be best to check the instagram for shop updates. @questforthebeasties on IG
• Etch Hold Arts - pottery for those enchanted by the creepy crawlies. Rustic and delightful! @etch_hold_arts on IG 
• Bark + Vine - Bring the outdoors inside! This shop makes plants accessible and approachable; and they ship these plants with great care!

The Foodie in your life

• Adobo y Soul - My sister finished culinary school and just started her own business! She makes adobo and sazón from scratch. Tastes better and better for you! 
• La Comida De Jeremie - Art inspired by Puerto Rican food with a vegan twist! @lacomidadejeremie on IG 
• The Spice Beast - We're all cooking more and I bet ALL of our spice cabinets can use a refresh! These spices pack a punch, vegan friendly, and free of artificial fillers! I love the idea of a combo pack.
• The Vegan Potter - Lyndsay's pots are some of my favorite for every day use! her work truly highlights the food for foods sake.
• Dave's Angry Sauce - we all have that ONE person who looooveesss spicy (I am that person). They would love to try some small batch, artisan sauces and jams, trust me.

Fantasy, Magic, and TTRPG

• Zunda Illustrations - You will not regret commissioning Sara to draw your D&D party! One commission, five gifts am I right? There is also plenty of original work to drool over, like her new journals or handmade dice sets!
• The Monster's Inn - Have you seen these mimic mugs??? Every fan of monsters needs a trusty mimic mug. Buyer beware! 
• Mint Coven - Magical yarn goodies that make me feel like a druid in the faewild.
• Pottery Witch - magical mystical pottery with a nice dose of plant love!
• Lindsey Dillon - I'm not the only one making pottery for gamers! Her work is sleek in it's simplicity while still celebrating the game.

All the media! Anime, TV, Movies, etc...

• Jag Ink Studio-  Jillian is an illustrator who has similar taste in shows as me, clearly! From the ABC's of Broadway to a map of Schitt's Creek, I can't recommend her shop enough. 
• Teal Teacup - I am in love with these pins! Such a unique style. Some fandoms include: Steven Universe, ACNH, Adventure Time, Studio Ghibli, as well as original works!
• Adorned by Chi - I have been wanting something from this shop for a LONG time! There are so many shirts and crew necks that show off the love we have for anime. And bread. The bread shirt is cute too :)
• Iggy Starpup - makes some of the cutest felt art in embroidery hoops! So many characters from our favorite games and shows get a moment to shine in these one of a kind hoops @iggystarpup on IG 
• Unicorn Crafts - I fell in love with their Como La Flor pin and stayed for the polymer clay earrings! so many cute and colorful options for gifts, especially for the Disney lover in your life.

Self Care is the best Care

• Natural Annie Essentials - My favorite candle company! the scents are absolutely delicious and decadent, guaranteed to transport you with their scents.
• Payne & Comfort - handmade hot/cold packs for those weary bones. So many prints to choose from, whether they love geometric or a spooky floral!
• Florapothicarie - Vegan, handmade, and 100% natural beauty and skin care! Find something luxe for every gender. 
• Melanin Haircare - If you rock natural tresses like myself, hair products are not a weird gift! The style cream is my go-to ;)
• Crown Paint Colors - Know someone who loves to color their hair? Hair wax and shadows are fairly new to the scene but I'm loving them! They coat the strands, look much more natural than a spray, and wash out in one shampoo; they even work on dark hair WITHOUT BLEACH.  


• Woah what a list! I hope this helps you to find something unique and awesome for your loved one while shopping small, or at the very least sparked some ideas for things to buy! 
  
  Happy shopping!
  ​-Avé