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Curating Joy: Holiday Gifts from Small Businesses I Love

Purple Star emoji 21 items
Extend the dopamine rush from opening a gorgeous present to the entire year! I've curated my favorite small businesses that embody the maximalist, bold, and cozy spirit. These are the colorful, joy-filled gifts that keep giving on the daily. Shop Sma...
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Bookish

I couldn't create a list without recommending a few of my favorite joyful bookish small businesses!

 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Scribbles Bookshop doesn't just sell signed books; they have gorgeous accessories, too!🎄 About the Ornaments: Fun fact: I have a Christmas tree dedicated entirely to bookish ornaments! So I absolutely adore this selection. They are so well-crafted a...
Bookish Ornaments
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
For the Romance lovers on your list! Scribbles Bookshop is dedicated to selling must-read signed romance books, which makes for the ultimate gift. They offer a truly astounding range of sub-genres (close to 200 books!) and carry both traditionally- a...
Signed Holiday Romance Books
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
You have to check out Corine Marie! This Black woman-owned small business created the innovative idea for the Book Carrier Bookmark. It’s one of the coolest and most creative bookish accessories I’ve seen! 🤩 About the Carrier: This is so cool! It no...
Book Carrier Bookmark
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
One thing about me: I love a craft fair! That's where I first met Hannah of Hannah Banana Fabrics. I was immediately drawn to her adorable, colorful patterns and her incredible quality. She truly has some of the best bookish accessories—you won't be ...
Medium Book Sleeve - Christmas Village
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Hannah Banana Fabrics is a must-shop small business for any reader, whether they're print or digital! Her booth and her accessories are always full of the maximalist color and joy I love. The quality and the meticulous, handcrafted work is top-tier. ...
Snap Kindle Case - Christmas Stamps
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Courtney Smith profile picture
Garbage Humans doesn't just make funny jewelry; they make gorgeous, subtly bookish items too! This LGBTQIA+-owned small business is full of wit and creativity. Every item is made in-house, and the quality is outstanding. 📚 About the Bracelet: This i...
Golden Books cuff bracelet
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Hannah Banana Fabrics creates the most beautiful, functional bookish accessories! I love supporting this small business because the quality of her sewing is unmatched, and the colorful patterns are always perfection. 🛍️ About the Tote: These are ser... book haul in here, or use it as your daily carry-all—it easily holds my laptop, my emotional support water bottle, and my current read. A practical and joyful gift!
Tote Bag in Rifle Paper Co. Navy Bookshelf

Jewelry

Wear your joy with you all day long with these gorgeous, handmade pieces of art. 

 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Plum Blossom Jewelry is my absolute go-to for gorgeous, handcrafted earrings! This amazing Asian Woman-owned shop offers most designs in both silver and gold, plus they offer non-pierced options. As someone who can't get pierced ears, I adore how wel...
Gemstone Saturn Earrings
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Reesabobeesa is who I want to be when I grow up (and yes, I'm almost 30, what about it??). This is one plus-sized baddie supporting another! I love everything she does, but her jewelry goes above and beyond with the incredible craftsmanship and creat...
Radically Soft Slogan Necklace
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
I can't recommend this Asian Woman-owned shop enough! Plum Blossom Jewelry is a gem—every pair of earrings is handcrafted, and she happily creates designs for both pierced and non-pierced ears (a game-changer!). I'm working my way through her entire ...
Monstera Leaf Earrings
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Courtney Smith profile picture
Plum Blossom Jewelry is your source for the most creative, handcrafted earrings. As an Asian Woman-owned business, their designs are so unique and personal. The fact that they can create almost any design in either pierced or non-pierced options make...
Rain Cloud Earrings
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
I always check Reesabobeesa first when I need new jewelry. She is my style guru! This is a small business that consistently delivers on creativity and quality—and you know I have to support my fellow plus-sized baddie creators! ✨ About the Bracelet: ...
Basic Beesa Bracelet
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Beyond the beautiful craftsmanship, I love supporting Plum Blossom Jewelry because they give back. This Asian Woman-owned shop is known for their quality (and the non-pierced options!), but their commitment to community is what truly stands out. 🇵🇸...
Hearts for Palestine Earrings
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Courtney Smith profile picture
Garbage Humans is on of the most relatable brand on the internet. This wonderful LGBTQIA+ small business makes every single piece in-house. I absolutely love following Cathy, the founder, on TikTok—she is so incredibly real! If you need an honest sta...
I Hate It Here Ring

Home Decor

Curating joy around my apartment has been a top priority in the last few years, and these small businesses have made that journey a fun and fulfilling one.

 
Courtney Smith profile picture
I just adore the owners of Of Moss & Flame! This local-to-Des Moines LGBTQIA+-owned business is dedicated to providing high-quality, sustainably-sourced, and handmade products that align with your spiritual and decor goals. Supporting them is pur...
Druzy Agate Moons
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Reesabobeesa is my queen! I love her business and her work goes above and beyond with the craftsmanship and creativity—it's always a joyful shopping experience. You know I have to support my fellow plus-sized baddie creators! 🧩 About the Puzzle: Thi...
Picnic Puzzle
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
I've been shopping at Art Terrarium for close to 10 years now—the number of plants in my apartment is... kind of wild! This amazing local-to-Des Moines business also ships US-wide, and their philosophy that "houseplants are for everyone" truly shines...
ZZ Plant
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Courtney Smith profile picture
Social Print Studio is a brilliant small business dedicated to superior quality AND social causes! I was an early customer when they launched in 2010 and have continued to patronage their business because the quality of their prints is just out of th...
Giant Photo Strips
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
If you're looking for ethically-sourced, handmade decor that enhances your space, check out Of Moss & Flame! This incredible LGBTQIA+-owned business offers products that are both stunning and spiritually aligned. They are my favorite source for c...
Crystal Tumbles
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
I highly recommend Social Print Studio for printing all your cherished memories! They are dedicated to not only providing a superior product but also to putting profits toward social causes. If you want a gift that truly keeps on giving, this is the ...
Custom Daily Photo Calendar
 
Courtney Smith profile picture
Art Terrarium is my top recommendation for all things green! They are passionate about supporting new plant parents and their dedication to service is outstanding. I love supporting this local business, and they ship their gorgeous products all over ...
Chive - Minute Planter