Small Business Holiday Gift Guide

Dec 4

by Brooke Forry

Gift-giving is self-care in its own right — it feels great to give to others. This year, many of us are missing loved ones, keeping the holidays simpler to save money, and also hoping to support more small businesses with the dollars we do spend. In addition to a Balance Bound Planner for everyone you know (obviously!), here are some of our favorite small businesses to support.

books

Harriet's Book Shop

You know I love a good book, and there are so many great titles out right now. (Here are a few of my faves.) Skip Amazon when holiday shopping this time around and buy from Harriet’s, a Black-owned, woman-owned bookshop in Philadelphia. Or, find your own local, independently-owned bookstore on Bookshop and buy safely from them online.

experiences

Indigo Organizing

Know someone who is drowning in too much stuff and doesn’t know where to begin with the decluttering process? Or someone who can’t get a handle on adopting the right processes and routines to stay productive? Amanda Jefferson of Indigo Organizing to the rescue. Amanda offers virtual packages for anyone needing a little help getting their act (or space) together.

CFIT

Have a loved one who is looking for a new at-home workout routine? For only $30 a month, get them unlimited classes from the ladies of CFIT. Sisters Carly and Victoria run this fantastic studio in my hometown of Springfield, Pa. Since taking their classes online in March, now anyone can take any of their 500 (yes, FIVE HUNDRED, and counting) on-demand classes in anything from barre to kickbox, hip hop, HIIT, and everything in between. They’ll also make you laugh to get your mind off the torturous (in a good way) workout they’re putting you through.

stocking stuffers

Three Potato Four

I pretty much want everything this family-owned company makes… every item evokes nostalgia and/or straight joy. And yes, in fact, I did buy ten of those “thank you for being a friend” key tags for all of my girlfriends.

Girls Gone Happy

Their clarity, motherhood, loss, and money card decks inspire “‘aha!’ moments and amazing intimate conversations.” Perfect for anyone going through a period of curiosity, growth, or change — or a great activity with friends from afar.

Vellum St. Soap Co.

At one of the last networking events I attended before the Covid shutdown, I bought some lemon ginger oatmeal all purpose balm from Vellum St., and I am now obsessed. I wear it as lip balm every day and it smells positively delicious!

art

Jen Hewett

In addition to creating the Imaginary Basket design that is part of our 2021 planner collection, Jen also has a shop with beautiful scarves, prints, and pins. Her limited edition items sell quickly, though, so act fast if you have your eye on anything!

Tina Crespo

Tina’s colorful art is incredibly happy-making. From prints to calendars, ornaments, and gift wrap, there’s a little bit of something for everyone (or the perfect gift wrap embellishment to knock the socks off your recipients).

Atwater Designs

We created Sarah’s branding for Atwater Designs a few years ago, and we have loved watching her business grow and grow ever since. Her home decor items are perfect for the blue-loving, nature lover in your life.

What favorite small businesses are you supporting this holiday season?