Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are enticing and economical — no doubt about it. However, Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday that stands out for its own reasons. The most appealing of which is finding unique items you couldn’t on shelves at mass retailers or big-box stores.
This Small Business Saturday, let's recognize the individual artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs behind the merchandise. They’re the ones throwing the clay that turns into your new favorite coffee mug, knitting the hat you’ll gift to your sister for the holidays, and personally curating the crystals in their wellness shops. It’s for this reason that purchases from a small business can feel a bit more special, rare, and transparent when it comes to which local owners and communities it’s supporting.
That said, you could take a real-life approach to Small Business Saturday and visit the ones within your hometown, but thanks to sites like Etsy, a slew of them are available in one easy-to-navigate place. For merely a sampling, take a look at the 17 gems ahead from independent businesses across the U.S.
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Brooklyn-based Muddy River Knits calls this the “chunkiest hat in the shop.” And if that’s not enough to make you hand over your credit card, this Etsy store is stocked with tons of brightly colored headbands, scarves, and gloves that might. Each are knit by hand and come in a range of colors and patterns.
Shop: Muddy River Knits Super Chunky Pom Pom Hat, $48, available at Etsy
For those with a penchant for conversation-starting jewelry, My Moon Seed’s designs will speak right to your bold style. The handmade acrylic and wooden designs come from artisan Cathy Charles in Charleston, South Carolina. Gift them to the most daring dresser you know, or try a pair for yourself to amp up a simple jeans-and-T-shirt outfit.
Shop: My Moon Seeds Blue Acrylic Geometric Statement Earrings, $37, available at Etsy
Calendars are the most obvious purchases to make this time of year. But why not select one that’ll make you look forward to the entire 12 months it’ll hang on your wall, instead of just the first two or three? Orlando, Florida’s Bloomwolf Studio’s Plant Lover design is one that tops our list for this reason. It’s also the only plant guaranteed to stay alive in your home all 2020.
Shop: Bloomwolf Studio 2020 Plants Monthly Calendar, $30, available at Etsy
Charleston, South Carolina-based, For The Host, is a small-batch shopping destination perfect for securing a gift for this year’s holiday host. We suggest this charming cutting board and kitchen utensil set with a hand-painted dipped design made of solid maple and beech wood, respectively. Don’t be surprised if your hosts unwrap them and put them to use right away.
Shop: For The Host Paddle Cutting Board and Kitchen Utensil Set, $65, available at Etsy
Palermo Body is a Brooklyn, New York-based brand with shining reviews on Etsy for its selection of handmade serums, scrubs, soaps, and anything to improve your self-care routine. The Detox Body Scrub sounds especially enticing for its ingredients of Dead Sea salt and pumice stone that’ll soothe inevitably dry winter skin.
Shop: Palermo Body Detox Body Scrub, $56, available at Etsy
Meet your new favorite carry-everything bag from Brooklyn handmade brand AnnieBukhman. Composed of 100% cow hide, this bag is big enough to tote around your laptop and reusable water bottle in its slouchy shape, but its clean aesthetic is timelessly chic. We’re keen on the metallic finish, but the brand offers tons of classic black and brown leather options as well.
Shop: AnnieBukhman Georgia Leather Tote, $275, available at Etsy
This handmade, leather toiletry kit from Las Vegas-based ByPage is an upgrade to anyone’s travel routine. Available in three sleek finishes, this piece can be personalized with the initials of the lucky recipient you’re gifting it to. Or if you prefer, treat yourself to this practical pouch as you prepare for your own busy holiday travel schedule.
Shop: ByPage XL Leather Toiletry Bag, $39, available at Etsy
Created by Frankie Print Co, in North Carolina, this homemade and eye-catching throw can transform your living space with its bold graphic. Simply drape it over a couch or chair to add a touch of cool color to any room, or keep it close by when you’re cozying up for a winter movie night. Available in three sizes, this piece can also be made bigger or smaller to fit however many people plan to cuddle under it.
Shop: FrankiePrintCo Color Block Woven Throw Blanket, $79, available at Etsy
For the youngest friends on your holiday gift list, opt for a special toy they’ll love for years to come. This wooden bowling set by San Diego-based Tangerine Studio Co is not only beautiful and minimal in its wood composition and non-toxic-paint finish, it’ll also be an instant crowd pleaser for any toddlers and young children.
Shop: Tangerine Studio Co Wooden Bowling Set, $30, available at Etsy
Each of the ceramic pieces in Bebe Federmann Designs shop feels like they have a personal dose of TLC. Handmade in Brooklyn, every piece has an organic clay finish that makes each plate, vase, and mug feel unique. However, if we had to choose just one, this blue marbled design is an obvious stand-out.
Shop: Bebe Federmann Designs Multi-Colored Blue Marbled Mug, $48, available at Etsy
Create a cozy environment with these Turkish robes that come by way of Atlanta, Georgia. These full-length styles are composed of absorbent, soft cotton and come in a range of colorful patterns. If you’re looking for a gift that says “you deserve some down time," this is it.
Shop: EasternWoven Unique Unisex Robe, $83.40, available at Etsy
Most of the designs in Brooklyn-based Everli Jewelry’s shop are clean, unfussy, and perfect for everyday wear. But this silver piece is special for its modern dome shape. It’s perfect for anyone who loves an eclectic ring stack or prefers to stick to a singular, minimal piece of jewelry. Also available in a gold option.
Shop: Everlijewelry Dome Ring Silver Statement Ring, $70+, available at Etsy
Holiday cards are the one item that can be purchased just about anywhere this time of year. However most of them are bad, cheesy, and look exactly the same as every other holiday card you’ve ever received. Thankfully brands like Brooklyn-based Quick Brown Fox Letterpress offer designs that actually feel exciting to send to your loved ones.
Shop: Quick Brown Fox LP Seasons greetings card, $6, available at Etsy
For the friend who first told you the difference between malachite and rose quartz, be sure to check out Auramore from Utah. The shop is stocked with gifts that will encourage creativity, cleansed chakras, or welcome more love into their life. For something even more personal, peruse the crystal healing sets for every astrological sign.
Shop: Auramore Inspiring Creativity Crystal Healing Kit / Energy Stones and Crystal Display Shelf, $18.25, available at Etsy
New York may have a wealth of fine jewelry store options, but Ferkos Fine Jewelry is a small business not to be missed. If you’re in the market for a special piece to give or to treat yourself, its diamond cluster designs are especially beautiful. This necklace is favorite of ours but you really can’t go wrong.
Shop: Ferkos Fine Jewelry Cluster Necklace in 14k Gold, $295.20, available at Etsy
Socks get a bad reputation for being a boring gift, but we’re here to assure you that’s not the case. And especially when looking at the items from Seattle, Washington-based Peony and Moss Socks. Using recycled cotton, these handmade socks — as well as tights, leggings, etc. — are cozy and feature a colorful fair isle design you won't want to hide inside your winter boots.
Shop: Peony and Moss Socks Women’s Knit Socks, $14.40, available at Etsy
From Placerville, California, Shop Among The Flowers is another Etsy small business that’ll help you indulge in your stay-at-home, draw-a-bath, turn-your-phone-on-silent instincts. Start with this lavender bath bomb that’s soothing with shea butter and essential oils, then feel free to add on any of the brand’s body butters and face masks.
Shop: Shop Among The Flowers Bath Bomb, $9, available at Etsy
