We all know the eternal struggle of wanting to get great gifts for your loved ones without giving in to the allure of Amazon (and Amazon Prime). Over the past year, I’ve tried to be a lot better about ordering things from small businesses, especially after the pandemic began. During that time, I started to collect a list of small businesses whose products I absolutely love. Now the holidays are here and we’re all searching for gift ideas, so I thought I’d pass along some of my favorite small businesses where you can get the best gifts this holiday season.
- Posh Candle Co.
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I got the “Allergic to Bullsh*t” candle from Posh Candle Co. over the summer, and oh WOW is it the best thing I have ever smelled in my life. I was a little hesitant about buying a candle online without being able to smell it first, but I do not regret my purchase one bit. Not to mention, the candle scent names are funny and cute and you can definitely find one that fits perfectly for your gift recipient.
- Trident Booksellers and Cafe
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Listen y’all, I practically eat, sleep, breathe independent bookstores. I wish I could give an exhaustive list of all of the ones I love, but that would be an extremely long article. Instead, I’ll recommend the first one that I fell in love with: Trident Booksellers and Cafe. Trident is a great place to grab that cookbook that your mom asked for or the newest YA novel for your sibling. They have a wide variety of unique gifts that make it easy to find something for everyone all in one place.
- Emily Lynn Perelman
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Who doesn’t love a bright, ethereal graphic print to decorate their walls? Or if that isn’t the mood, some fun stickers for a water bottle or laptop case? I think Emily Lynn Perelman’s designs have such wonderful energy, and they’re sure to be a conversation starter. What’s even better is that she is a student at BU, and at Her Campus BU, we love supporting our fellow Terriers.
- Becca Rose
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If you have a friend who is into all things witchy, this shop is perfect for your holiday shopping. Items that I can personally recommend include Great Goddesses by Nikita Gill and the Star Spinner Tarot. They also sell crystals, oracle decks, sage bundles and much more for all of your mystical gift-giving needs. I think any of these are interesting gifts to receive, especially if you’re on the witch side of TikTok, also known as WitchTok.
- Amii Ceramics
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While these ceramics are on the more expensive side for gifts, they are so adorable. The Christmas Felix the Fox makes my heart melt, and this little “Chubby Bear” design with a flower crown has the perfect soft aesthetic. Or, if the ceramics are out of your budget, this artist also has some lovely prints and stickers, as well as a monthly “Happy Mail” subscription. And if you can’t get enough of these cute designs, the artist also has a Youtube channel where you can watch them make their products.
- Twenty Sided Store
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Board games are always a good idea. It’s a little tricky right now because you can’t get groups together to play, but it might be a great gift for your friend with three or more roommates who are being responsible and staying in. And if your gift recipient doesn’t have enough people around to make board games a good gift during a pandemic, puzzles are a great alternative! Back in March, I completed quite a few puzzles, and I can confirm that they’re a fun quarantine activity.
Since I’m trying to use Amazon less and less, these small businesses are great alternatives for holiday gift shopping. This holiday season, I encourage you to join me in finding small retailers to support instead of larger corporations!
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