Is it just me or does EVERYTHING happen in spring? Graduations, Mother's day, Father's day, Easter, spring birthdays, weddings, you name it and it's happening in spring. Personally, I've been buying gifts and making an effort to stay local and/or handmade. If you've ever made a similar pledge, I bet you found it as difficult as I have to shop small! Unless you go to a market every weekend, it can be super tough to find exactly what you're looking for.
WELL a bunch of small businesses and I have collaborated to bring you an offline market of sorts: A curated gift guide for everyone in your life this season. In a world where we are all becoming more intentional with our purchases, I want to use this platform to uplift some rad boss baes that are doing gorgeous work.
For your space queen friend:
Phoebe from Cotton + Clay Co is an all-around badass. I love love love her instagram and how she truly, truly acts on supporting other women entrepreneurs-- that's what I'm all about! You don't have to take my word on it-- her reviews speak so highly of her work-- and each launch is swiped up in seconds. (Turn on instagram post notifications so you don't miss out!) Although these gorgeous Reign earrings are currently sold out, I wanted to include Cotton + Clay in this guide anyway!
here's an excerpt from Phoebe's website:
What once started out as a boho baby line with macrame teethers and nursery decor using macrame and clay wall hangings has morphed into a cotton and clay accessory line (while still doing commissioned pieces). My goal is to encourage women, whether in the work force, battle field, stay at home mom (which sometimes feel like a battlefield am I right) college student...WHOEVER....to live their life BOLDLY, FIERCELY, and JOYFULLY.
I want my earrings to evoke a sense of playfulness and joy and silliness. I want them to remind woman of the dreams and passions they once had in their hearts as a little girl and encourage them that they are never to old to chase those dreams.
Is that too much for a pair of earrings to do? Maybe! But I will keep creating them with the hopes that they will change lives!
Enjoy! And please remember, you are precious, and fierce, and oh so wonderfully made.
xoxo,
Phoebe
For the abstract thinker:
Sea of Love 8x8 original watercolor and ink on cold press.
If you haven't heard of Quinnarie Paper Co., ... I don't know what to say. Quinn Dimitroff is an Artist. yes, I capitalized that A on purpose. From renovating a bus and living tiny to painting murals to creating emotionally stunning abstract watercolor pieces, Q does it all. While being an amazing mother in the most gorgeous part of the pacific northwest-- the shore of the salish sea.
For the person that lights up a room:
Okay, I'm really vibing on that bright yellow in Quinn's watercolor painting-- and I know you are too. Why not grab that and a super cute bag to match??
Maechen of Maechen Marie combined her love of sewing and pretty fabric with her mission to eliminate single plastic use. When she couldn't find reliable reusable bags that were also modern - she started to create her own. All bags are sewn in her home studio with her cat Yoshi by her side.
I have several of these bags-- and I can vouch for the quality! they are amazing. I use on as a purse, one as a mail bag when I ship out orders, one as a diaper bag, one as a grocery bag.
You can grab this sunny bag here. Use the coupon code PAIGESENTME for a sweet discount!
For the hand-quilter:
If you know anyone that does any sort of sewing by hand with needle and thread-- hand quilting, cross stitch, applique, embroidery, etc-- they need Ponderosa Thread Gloss.
Buy it here! Just $5.75 AND you can send back your empties for a huge discount. Reduce, reuse, recycle, y'all! There's six blends and you can preorder them here.
Thread gloss is a specially formulated wax and oil blend that coats your thread to prevent tangles, fraying, and brittleness. Think of it as a deep conditioner for your thread and embroidery floss.
For your friend that is super into embroidery:
You can't go wrong with an embroidery kit! Treat your pal to new supplies. Kits come with thread gloss, printed fabric templates, hoops, scissors, thread, needles, and instructions. All kits are customizable-- add what you want!
Shop embroidery kits here.
For your Vegan friend:
Hive Conscious Candles is a Vegan, all Natural, Essential Oil based candled company located in the Heart of the Pacific Northwest, hand crafted by local candler Mary Schuler. Mary and her husband are avid bee keepers and the inspiration for her candles are the bees themselves. Hive Conscious Candles uses vegan coconut wax opposed to bees wax because of the amount of work and energy required for the bees to make just one candle. Mary believes in leaving enough honey and wax for the bees year round to insure they sustain their survival. Hive Conscious Candles use all natural coconut wax with essential oils that burn clean for several hours. These coconut wax candles can be used on the skin as a moisturizer when warmed, are non-toxic, and are anti-fungal & antibacterial. Save the Bees and choose coconut wax VEGAN candles!
Description: New Cactus Flower & Jade smells like walking into a floral shop filled with fresh cut flowers, its amazing.
Description: New and improved PNW Rainforest is a combination of Frasier Fir and Pine. Smells deliciously fresh just like walking into our beautiful forests here in the PNW
Description: Hand Blown Tea Light Holder comes with a pack of 4 tea lights of two scents.
For your brand new grandchild:
Nothing captures love more + over the decades more than a custom quilt!
These aren't boring quilts with dated fabrics-- shop modern heirloom quality quilts here, including made-to-order options!
For your BFF:
A one-of-a kind tote for your one-of-a-kind BFF. The pieces are randomly sewn together and this is a one-of-a-kind bag. DETAILS: - Made with 100% cotton - Bag measures approximately 12 1/2" wide x 11" tall x 4" deep - Front pocket measures 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" - Zippered top - Interior zip pocket - Black lined interior
shop Raw Stitches here.
For your super hip friend's first baby:
ARROW BABY BOOTIES
These one of a kind, fun, fashionable baby booties from Made With Love By Caty are the perfect gift for baby! The non slip material on the sole and toe help your little one from slipping and sliding while providing a comfy cover for their feet.
DETAILS: - Soft soled baby booties
-Size: 12-18 months or 18-24 months
- 12-18 month size is approximately a size US 5, length is about 5.5”
-18-24 month size is approximately a size US 6, length is about 6”
-Made of 100% cotton and non slip Tough Tek material
-Lined with fleece and elastic to help keep a snug fit around the ankle
-Recommended for indoor use
GRAB A PAIR HERE.
For your mother dearest:
Check out this super cute mama necklace from Simply Jess Boutique!
*MAMA ingraved
*comes in gold & silver
*bar pendant
Shop other Simply Jess Boutique goodies here!
For your geeky friend:
DARTH VADER POUCH
Modern Darth Vader medium sized quilted zipper pouch. DETAILS: - Measures approximately 9" x 7" - Black interior lining - Made with 100% cotton - Zippered top
Shop Raw Stitches here.
For the gender-neutral yet outdoorsy-pastel baby shower:
these look so comfy! It's a bummer Caty doesn't make these in adult sizes!
MINT DEER TALL BABY BOOTS
These one of a kind, fun, fashionable tall baby boots are the perfect gift for baby! These little cuties keep your baby’s feet comfy and add a fun little flare to any outfit.
DETAILS:
- Soft soled baby boots
-Size: 9-12 months
-Size is approximately a size US 4, length is about 5”
-Made of 100% cotton and suede cloth soles
-Lined with fleece and elastic to help keep a snug fit around the ankle
-Recommended for indoor use
Grab a pair of these booties here-- the perfect baby shower gift! All attendees are guaranteed to faint from cuteness overload.
For your well-traveled aunt:
Freehand painted, reclaimed, decorative pepper carved wood dish
From Susan Clark of Suno Henna:
This spicy little pepper dish would be perfect set atop your entry table to welcome guests with a sweet treat, or leave it empty to enjoy the Moroccan henna inspired design. It is 4 x 8.5 x 1.25 inches, and is *probably monkeypod wood, although there is no identifying sticker, and I source all of my wood from second hand. Freehand painted with non toxic acrylic paint, sealed with beeswax and mineral oil. Food safe. Not intended for liquids. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
*an educated guess from the regular handling many different types of wood
Find this stunning gift here.
For your sister's baby that keeps drooling on you:
Get that teething baby something to chew on!
NATURAL WOODEN TEETHING RINGS
Teething can be very hard on babies. This teething toy is a great way to help kiddos get through it and have something fun to gum on. Makes a great baby shower gift too!
DETAILS:
- 3 inch Hardwood Maple Ring sealed with organic Beeswax and Olive Oil
-Made with 100% cotton and flannel fabric
-Machine washable (remove wooden ring before washing)
Grab a few here and have something on hand next time you're handed a drooling monster!
For your long distance soul sister:
BestieBox is the perfect personalized gift box bursting with tasty, delightful goodies for your bestie! Choose your premium handmade earrings, pick your treats, customize a card, and boom - the most adorable gift for any gal in your life, wrapped up in a cute box! BestieBox is sent directly to her mailbox and guaranteed to make her day, whatever the occasion.
some words from the owner of LoomGhost, a badass woman-run company!
Hey! I'm Mallory and I own the small biz LoomGhost. My goal with LoomGhost is to bring modern-boho, cozy-chic vibes to you and your beautiful home through weavings, textiles, and jewelry. Color, shapes, and textures are super interesting to me and I love to incorporate as much as possible for maximum impact and style. I'm alllll about creativity, and having fun, and spreading love. LoomGhost is basically the pinnacle of each of these things. Creating and becoming friends with each one of my clients gives me LIFE!
For your BFF:
All these cool gifts but wanting a new and functional way to package presents for your bestie?
These durable, quilted zipper pouches can hold an arsenal of makeup, art supplies, candies, and more-- and look hella cute while doing it.
Pick from a variety of unique bags here!
For the business idol:
Treat that cool pal whose work you admire to some rad new branding goodies! Stickers and other merch often falls through the cracks and is the first thing to go when scaling back overhead expenses in a small business. Show that rad boss bae how much you support them + love their work by ordering some rad custom logo stickers from Cooke Co!
From Tosh of Cooke Co:
Stickers can be cut in any shape. Most of my clients like the die-cut option where the cut is made around each curve of the image, but I can also do regular circles or squares, too!
Stickers are cut on high quality, bright white matte sticker paper.
There are three typical sizes + quantities that most of my customers choose.
2" which typically yields ~60 stickers/set
2.5" which typically yields ~36 stickers/set
3" which typically yields ~18 stickers/set
Custom Sizing - Please specify in notes at checkout
order custom stickers and mailing stickers here!
For your very cool wife:
You make your wife carry your stuff when it won't fit in your pockets anyway, might as well get her a cool bag to carry it all in... and Maechen Marie bags can fit a lot of stuff! Perfect for beach days, grocery runs, college classes, play dates, you name it.
About this bag:
--- Sewn with 4 different color strips ---Vertical and Horizontal Lines are Quilted with Coordinating Thread on Either Side ---*Both sides are the same ---Lining - Light Gray Solid Quality Cotton ---Bottom - Black Background with White Lines to form triangles ---Strap - Solid Black Cotton ---Lining & Pockets - Solid Light Gray Cotton ---Triple stitched at the bottom and all stress points for extra durability. ---Quality Cotton for Durability
Find this Fuschia & Grellow MaechenMarie bag and others here.
For your domestic goddess friend:
12x12 "Home is wherever I'm with you" canvas, $18 (includes shipping). Email Jacqui at jacqui@craftijacqui.com to order & receive information about payment.
Crafti Jacqui makes custom painted canvases that can be used to give as gifts, decorate your home/apartment, or to get just-because! Each one is handmade and painted by Jacqui Robinson (the owner), and is made with care and love.
For your green-thumb pal:
Or, for your friend who keeps singing Post Malone's "sunflower".
12x12 "It is well with my soul" canvas with sunflower background, $24 (includes shipping). Email Jacqui at jacqui@craftijacqui.com to order & receive information about payment.
For your Boho friend:
Freehand painted, reclaimed decorative wood tray.
This 13.5x7.75" walnut tray is waiting for you; ready to catch your crystals, candles or necklaces. It is made of walnut* wood and has a gorgeous oval carved center. There is a small discoloration: from repairing a crack.
There is no identifying sticker on the piece, and I source all of my wood second hand. Freehand painted with non toxic acrylic paint, sealed with beeswax and mineral oil. Food safe; dry goods only. Not intended for liquids. Wipe clean with a damp cloth: do not submerge.
*an educated guess from the regular handling many different types of wood
grab this small decorative boho tray here.
Thank you for supporting small businesses! If you'd like to add your products to this gift guide or nominate a small business for inclusion, send me an email.
--Paige
