It’s that time of year – time for my small business gift guide! As a small business owner myself, it means the world when people support my dream, and I love being able to share that love back with others.
Growing up, my family starting giving experiences over gifts, which is a tradition I’ve always loved. There would be a few gifts given, mostly between my siblings and they always felt very intentional. As my friends and I gave gifts throughout high school, college, and beyond, it was always fun to think of unique and creative gift ideas. Sometimes that meant making gifts and other times finding them at local boutiques or shops. Once I became a small business owner, I’ve focused on finding gifts from other small businesses to support this time of year.
Here’s the small businesses I’m loving this year!
Courage & Clay
Instagram: @courageclay
Etsy Shop: courageandclayco
Courage & Clay is a handmade jewelry company founded in 2020 by owner, Brittany Wisner. Brittany is a jewelry-lover and lifelong crafter. She combined her love of both because she wanted to make it easy for women to look and feel their best with earrings designed to fit any outfit or occasion. Courage & Clay’s goal is to help you find the perfect accessory without having to search high and low for it. Every piece is made with love from start to finish and designed with the intention of elevating your everyday look.
Earrings are my favorite accessory and I absolutely LOVE the detail and colors of these. There are a variety of sizes and colors in her Etsy shop!
Posted Design
Instagram: @posteddesign
Etsy Shop: posteddesign
Posted Design is a small business creating gifts and decor with their Glowforge 3D laser printer. From gift tags, ornaments, cake toppers, personalized cutting boards, and keychains – the possibilities are endless with what they can create!
Caitlin, owner of Posted Design, and I knew each other in college and it’s so cool to see this business she has created! She gifted me this Name Night Light that is so fun in Saylor’s room. You can customize your child’s name, along with adding their middle name or illustrations. Other gifts I love from her shop include laser engraved cutting boards, ornaments, diaper tags, and name puzzles.
The Mommy Hanger
Instagram: @themommyhanger
Etsy Shop: themommyhanger
The Mommy Hanger was founded in 2020 by a stay at home mom, just 6 months after founder Rachel’s first baby was born. Rachel’s heart is to create a wardrobe that helps moms get dressed easily in the morning. These t-shirts and sweatshirts are durable enough for the messiest littles and craziest days, while also being cute so you can still feel put-together.
Rachel and I met in fourth grade and have been friends throughout many seasons of life. I love seeing how she created this business to support her family, while also pursing a creative dream. This simple “Midwest” sweatshirt is perfect for working from home and being with Saylor! She has some fun options in her Etsy shop, but you can also reach out to her for a custom design as well.
Made for More
Instagram: @madeformoreandco
Website: www.madeformoreandco.com
Made for More creates art that combines pieces of our belongings and the materials that make up our lives. The founder Michelle’s hope is to create pieces for you that bring hope to the mundane moments of life, whether with biblical truths, inspiring quotes, simple paintings, or modern prints. These pieces can brighten any room and help you to see not only the more in the everyday materials of our lives, but the more within yourself.
A portion of Made For More’s profits will be given to ICCM Life Center to spread love and positivity among the community in a tangible way. ICCM is a beacon of hope for the Minneapolis, MN community; whether they are spreading the love of Jesus, providing a meal, or supplying clothing & basic necessities, they show people each day what it means to be made for more.
When Michelle sent me this landscape painting inspired by mornings at the lake in Minnesota, I was amazed by the detail! She has Christmas prints, custom canvas signs, wood banners, and more in her shop.
Minneoats
Instagram: @minneoats
Website: www.minneoats.com
MINNEØATS started in 2017 out of a college apartment at the University of Minnesota. They operated as a “cafe” where they served friends hot & fresh bowls of oatmeal. With lines out the door & encouraging feedback from customers, MINNEØATS took the concept off campus & started catering events. Since serving their first bowl, their mission has been to share the love of Jesus through wholesome food & meaningful community! Today, MINNEØATS operates as an oatmeal catering & granola company.
This granola is SO good! It’s perfect for those in your life who love to host since it’s a great item for breakfasts with family and friends or everyday life. It has been making my early mornings with a baby so much sweeter 🙂
They also have a signature oatmeal base that gets topped with fresh fruit & nut butters. You can book them for catering or find them at coffee shop pop-ups & local events.
Earth Clay
Instagram: @earth.clay
Website: www.earthclayco.com
Earth Clay was started by my friend Grace and is one of my absolute favorites! She creates sculptures & paintings of National Parks and other nature inspired designs. Over the years, I’ve loved giving her earrings, clay necklaces, shirts, and prints as gifts. We recently added this beautiful watercolor print of Denali National Park to Saylor’s nursery as a memory of our trip to Alaska this summer.
Follower Favorites
This year, we have a few more small business ideas to share in the section I’m calling “Follower Favorites.” These are companies that my followers have shared with me on Instagram and I want to share with you!
Woolly Bear Knits
Woolly Bear Knits is a shop with cozy, modern knit accessories. Everything is knit by hand with highest quality, ethically sourced natural fibers like Peruvian or merino wool. You can use code WILLABYWAY for 10% in her shop!
Backgate Prayers
Backgate Prayers was started by three moms who set out to create a simple, beautiful reminder to help families around the world make prayer for their loved ones a daily habit. I love that they have prayer cards for marriage, kids, grandkids, and life. You can also order personalized cards where they’ll incorporate photos and names of your loved ones.
Temple Co.
Temple Co. was started by one of my friends, who is also Saylor’s Monday nanny! Her goal is to create products to equip you in creating a healthy home and care for our bodies as temples, made in the image of our Creator.
I love the lip balm, especially as we enter the winter season!
More Gift Ideas
If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out the small business gift guides from the previous years below!
2021 Small Business Gift Guide
2020 Small Business Gift Guide
Free Gift Tags
You can download the free gift tag printable below HERE. If you add them to your holiday wrapping, I’d love to see! Tag me at @willabyway so I can share too 🙂
Thanks for joining me in supporting small businesses this holiday season! Wishing you the best during such a wonderful time of year.
