Gift Guide To Shop Small This Holiday Season

holiday warm and cozy vibes

Small businesses are the heartbeat of what we believe in – living the American dream, courage to step outside the box, creativity to run a business how you want, generations of Americans continuing the tradition of their parents and grandparents, families working together to bring their dreams to fruition, and less government (more freedom). They are the soul of this country. This support may look one way for some, and different for others. You can buy goods, or services. Some ideas are to order food to-go from a local restaurant, buy gift cards at local restaurants and stores, get that photography session of your family with a good local photographer, or buy from a local maker. Let’s support them (if your means allow), because they need us more than ever! If you have any other favorite small shops, let us know about them and we can feature on our Instagram. Below are some faves. Support Small Business Gift Guide shop small cancer gift guide

  1. Sunday Candle Co.: This company is woman-owned and based in our hometown in Denver, Colorado. Her packaging is so pretty, candles look beautiful and we can smell them now. Give the gift of warm and cozy.
  2. LA Antler Co.: Addie had me hooked on antlers years ago when she helped me with this fun photo shoot for Real Simple. She lives in the Rocky Mountains, and not only is she fun and amazing, her antlers are special, too. They are as authentic as you can get. You can buy them for chic mountain home decor, or as a necklace, keychain and ornament. I have a necklace, and this year I want the twine-wrapped antlers for my home.
  3. Shop Gage Huntley: There is no censorship to the custom jewelry you can buy at this shop. They make us laugh, and some products are things we want to say, but never do. We will let the pieces speak for themselves.
  4. Copper Fox Company: These personalized wood cutting boards make a lovely gift for families, newlyweds, parents, grandparents and even those who love to play hostess. Charcuterie boards are hot as ever, and it would be fun to have a beautiful board to display those meats and cheeses on.
  5. Made by Mary, Faith Over Fear Necklace: THIS is amazing. I asked for this for my birthday. All the worries and fears cloud my head way too often, and I just need to breathe, and remember to have faith in God, in the people I love, and in myself!
  6. Oxford Pennant: We love a good pennant, and Oxford has something for everyone. We love so many, it was hard to choose, but this forever mistletoe brings us so much cheer this holiday season! Gimme Some Sugar on Christmas, and everyday after.
  7. Olivia Care: Jenna loves this hand sanitizer spray. It’s made in Cali and smells amazing. Plus it softens your hands and does not dry them out.
  8. Harper Made: We bought this mountain necklace as a gift, and wanted to keep for ourselves. This is a beautiful gift for the mountain loving girls in your life, and a good price point, too! The mountains are calling…we must go!
  9. AVYN, bras for the modern mom: I am not breastfeeding, and wear this bra all the time – I love it (Jess). If you are breastfeeding, or know a new mother in your life, get her this! These women are awesome, and their bras are comfortable and cute. We SO wish we had this when we were moms of babies, and breastfeeding.
  10. Cole and Dainer: We love Nicole, the owner of this shop, and her products are so cozy and beautifully made! The prints are our favorite! Whether your shopping for a baby blanket, home throw, burp cloths or even masks, her products made a lovely gift for a friend (or yourself).
  11. G Michelle Designs: This is a local Colorado girl who can make custom signs, anything for weddings, personalized mugs, and ornaments for Christmas. She’s dang good at calligraphy and barre, too! These ornaments are totally customizable (color background, no color background, names, shape, etc.) and the gnome ornament are new and our favorite! Prices are $12-$15. Gnomes are hot again this year – spread gnome cheer to everyone on your list! Email her at gmichelledesigns@gmail.com to order!
  12. Ski Town All-Stars: This cool company designs and customizes hats in Vail, Colorado. You can get hats made for your company, or maybe a funny phrase you’ve always wanted on a hat for friends or family. They have some already made, like this Corona one, or you can make your own. Check them out.
  13. Aksels: This company has really fun hats for kids and adults, especially if your in CO. We love their printed socks, too. My son loves the feel of their masks. You can pick up at their warehouse, find their products in stores, or ship from their website. If you’ve ever been to a concert at Red Rocks, you need these socks. One of the best concert venues ever! Yes, please.
  14. Not pictured, but on our IG is this adorable CIAO bag we can’t get enough of from the ever-so stylish Brooke at Antlers & Rose.

Favorite Locals Shops We live in Colorado, and there are a few shops we just love. They have gifts for everyone, and well, they are the cutest!! Stop in to say hi, and keep them busy (and open)!

  • Fleur de Lis, a paperie: Jenna can create Christmas cards, invites for baby showers, parties, and wedding invitations is really her thang! Show her some love with all your paper and invite needs!
  • Andiamo Oils: We LOVE ourselves some doTERRA essential oils! Seriously, we use them daily. Jodi has the knowledge to help you if you want to add (or diffuse) oils. We love some of the other face and vitamins products, too. You can set up an account for $35 and get 25% oils for the year, or just order through her to see if you like them. No minimum purchase every month, which we love. SOOOO good!
  • Patterns and Pops: These girls are the cutest. They have try on shopping parties on IG, which are really hard to not shop because it’s so easy and the items are so cute. Shop in person, IG or online. IG is our favorite!
  • Valleygirl Boutique/Ruby Jane: They have several locations throughout Colorado, so wherever you are, you can find them. If you’re not in CO, you can shop online! We love the Edwards store, and the Highlands one. They have great, affordable fashion at all price points, and home and gift items, too!

Happy gifting!

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

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I (Jessica) shared tips on how to make a small space feel like home for Christmas on Real Simple, and not only was it a dream to write for Real Simple (pinch me), it was an added bonus to keep the holiday decor I bought and made for the post. I’ve been in the Christmas mode since October – I like to think of it as just extending the joyful season!

Part of this photo shoot was homemade, and the other half store-bought, just the way I like it. I always love a homemade touch, but life was simplified by buying the rest. One of my favorite parts of this shoot was the small businesses in the Vail Valley I got to work with, such as the Cole and Dainer (blanket) and the LA Antler Co antlers. Jenna made the cute Merry and Bright printable (available in our Etsy shop  here for $5, as well as two others).  I made the wreaths, color-blocked the white houses from Target with black paint, and I’m just mad for those plaid paper fans on top. The cozy fireplace from Home Depot has been keeping us warm, too.

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Thanks to all the amazing people and vendors whose products made it feel so festive! Check out their stuff below – they make excellent Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, housewarming gifts, etc.

Chestnut Hill 68” Electric Fireplace with Sliding Barn Door: Home Depot
Blanket: Cole & Dainer
Antlers: LA Antler Co
Artwork: Merry and Bright and Deer Print
Gnomes: Rubyjane | Valleygirl
Metallic Candles/: West Elm Deco Mercury Candleholders and Organic Shaped Mercury Candleholder
Plaid Paper Fans: Parties That Pop

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See more from the photo shoot, and all the holiday space-saving ideas here.

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