Shop Small: a Small Business Christmas

It’s that time of year again (how!?). 

The holidays are upon us, and with that cup o’cheer, you’re also probably thinking about all the extra things you’ve got to do. We’re gonna be sharing about how to fight festive fatigue in our newsletter next month, (you can sign up here if we’re not already in your inbox: we promise genuine content, no spam), but FOR NOW, we’d love to share some of our FAVORITE small businesses to shop from this season. 

We know you know this, but shopping small is the best! Not only are the goods and services of smaller businesses significantly higher quality than what you will get at a big box counterpart, but you also get the power to vote with your dollar for businesses that make a direct impact in the communities you care about. Supporting small businesses also means we get to champion ideas and communities that don’t always get a voice in big box stores. Many of the businesses below are owned by women of color or specializing in a niche we want to see more of!

And while we know shopping smaller also can cost more, it’s often because they are doing business right: paying fair wages to their partners in production, sourcing high quality materials, and actually charging what the item is worth for the time it took to make it. We don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of goods we want to invest in! 

Supporting other women through entrepreneurship is at the core of what we do at The Design Lab. We think that the more we can support those who are systemically disadvantaged the better off we’re all going to be. 

So three cheers to shopping small this season! Let’s support each other! 

(One last note. We personally love all of these small businesses we’re going to list below, and hope you do too! We’re not affiliated with any of these shops, and we won’t make money off any of these links; we just genuinely love them!).

Gifts from Small Businesses we Love 

• Want whimsy and fun? Look no further than Delight Patisserie. We’re talking Harry Potter-esque levels of magic in these perfectly lettered and buttery cookies. 
• We love the chic elegance of Myrrh Candle Co.. This boutique specializes in hand-poured, wood-wick, luxury candles. 
• We can’t say enough about the Diaspora Co. packaging!! But seriously, these guys are knocking it out of the park with single-origin sourcing, a commitment to paying their farming partners a fair wage, and incredibly high standards that speak for themselves in the flavor department.

• Posterity Paper is hands down one of our favorite shops for stationary and paper goods. Run by a mama of three, Tiffany creates spunky, modern, and inclusive designs that are heirloom quality. (Plus she was our first Waves of Change winner!).
• The concept at Zero Market is simple: creating package free products that make sustainable living more accessible. Their store is incredible, full of glass canisters with anything from laundry detergent to spices and teas to hand-knit dish towels and on-tap kombucha. It’s a crunchy dream, so if you’re ever in Colorado, go check them out. Or order online anytime! 
• Zach & Zoë is a family-run bee farm producing some of the country’s best 100% raw and natural honey. They were even featured in Oprah’s Favorite things!

• When passionate women pursue great ideas, magic happens. Erin is a client of ours, and her clean beauty brand, Erin’s Faces, is a delight. From incredibly high standards to (gorgeous) effective products and quirky branding? Yeah, she’s the full package. 
• Coffee-lovers over here, we’re obsessed with Nguyen Coffee, a specialty Vietnamese coffee bean importer and roaster. Sourcing from Vietnam, they roast locally in Brooklyn, NY – they’re sustainable, women-owned, direct trade, and 100% Vietnamese origin.
• Did we mention we love candles? Land of Daughters makes the loveliest hand-crafted candles and diffuser blends. 

• If you’re picking up a foodie theme, yes. Spicewalla is one of our favorite artisan spice sources. They are fresh, directly sourced, and – near and dear to our hearts – North Carolina locals directly impacted by Hurricane Helene. When you shop with them this season, 20% of sales will go to Western North Carolina relief efforts. 
• Adjourn Teahouse offers artisan, organic, hand-crafted, loose leaf tea + a wellness ecosystem that encourages you to pause. We love the creative work Latonia is doing! 
• “Botanical-forward skincare with a side of self-acceptance”? YES please, Cocokind. These products are super hydrating and made with clean ingredients. We’re getting perfect stocking stuffer vibes! 

• Okay, okay get this: healthier soft drinks you can mix. What?? Avec Drinks is brilliant. These are sugar-free, light and bubbly, made to mix, and concocted by a pair of friends. (Still smiling over the cleverness of the name – “with,” get it?!). 
• We love the beautiful work our wonderful client, Lisa, is doing over at Hand Lettered Design. She creates the most lovely hand lettering resources and courses to teach you how to take up a soul-filling hobby.
• A local-to-us staple, 321 Coffee is a roastery and coffee house that employs people with intellectual and development disabilities. You might have seen them on The Today Show! Their coffee is delicious, and their mission is even better. (Plus you can order online if you’re not local to Raleigh!). 

Good cheer for all 

Have a special small biz owner in your life and want the perfect gift to make them feel seen and appreciated? We do have a few ideas.

Think office cozy. Things like: 

• An Ember mug! 
• Comfy but profesh shoes that make them feel like the babe they are. 
• Great lighting, obviously. 
• A desk carafe because #chic. 

We also love gifting experiences like Masterclass or Skillshare classes! Investing in some self-care time when the brain doesn’t have to be focused on the demands of running a business is SO good. For that matter, for anyone, small biz owner or not! 

We love hearing your thoughts! Do you have a small business you love to support or a great idea for the small biz owners in your life? Please shout them out below in the comments!

Happy kick off to the holidays, friends! 

XOXO, 

The Design Lab team