I started my Christmas shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving when the Christmas Village and Dilworth Park Holiday Market in Philly opened. Admittedly, I ended up buying more things for myself than for other people that first weekend. But no worries, I still had plenty of time left in the holidays to do my shopping. The Friday after Thanksgiving, I checked out the Bryant Park Holiday Market in NYC, and when I got back to Philly the next day, I kept the momentum going in Old City for Small Business Saturday. Pretty much all my holiday shopping was done over those two weekends, and I’ve been dying to share what I bought ever since, but I held off until now because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise for my friends receiving the gifts. Although the timing of this post is too late to inspire your own holiday shopping, you can keep these businesses in mind for birthdays or other special occasions!
Lovepop (BOS) // Nordic gnome sleigh 3D card. These stunningly intricate 3D popup cards are gifts in themselves!
StitchPrism (PHL) // Aerium. For the plant lady. But also for the friend with the brown thumb. I bought myself an aerium thinking that it wouldn’t take much to maintain but I might be killing it anyway. We shall see. It comes with an aerium care guide on a postcard!
Sarah Draws Things (PHL) // Ice cream bouquet print. You might recognise this print from my apartment tour. I bought another print from this artist to gift. I love the textures and fantastical scenes.
Omoi Zakka (PHL) // 36 Views of Philadelphia postcard book. This Philadelphia-based business is inspired by Japanese boutiques and sells stationary and lifestyle products. I bought myself this postcard book and bought cute sticker sheets and other knick knacks to gift.
Kimmy Makes Things (PHL) // Corgi butt tote bag. Quirky illustrations for cat and dog lovers as prints, pins, cards, and totes.
Kristiana Parn (NYC) // Nothing Is Ordinary print. I bought a box of cards with bunnies sitting on Philly’s LOVE statue in the snow, and was tempted to buy this fox print for myself.
Carol Stamper (PHL) // Coffee art hedgehog print. For the coffee addict. It took me so long to decide on my favourite prints to buy. I resisted buying anything for myself but was tempted by a coffee painting of an otter swimming in a cuppa coffee.
Philly Socks (PHL) // Fight Like A Girl. Work appropriate clothing killing your sense of self? Flaunt your personality with some socks.
Three Bluebirds (NYC) // Country chickens Swedish dishcloth. For the sustainable friend. Swedish dishcloths can replace paper towels and sponges, clean most household surfaces, can be washed 200 times, last several months, and are biodegradable. And they have cute illustrations on them!
Pamela Barsky (NYC) // I Am Only Pretending To Be Organized pouch. There’s sure to be a cheeky pouch for every personality! Who needs a boring monogram when you’ve got a clever one of these? I bought six to gift.
Anethum Jewelry (PHL) // Single boob ring. My roomie Georgina and I bought each other breast friend rings, and we’re planning to buy three more for the rest of our squad, as soon as we figure out everyone’s ring sizes… I also love looking at Anethum Jewelry’s earrings.
The Little Apple (PHL) // Good At Naps throw blanket. There’s much more in their physical store than on their online store, so if you’re in the area, check out The Little Apple! They have beautiful storefront displays, and my favourite products of theirs are their homeware. I was very tempted to buy a ceramic mug and tray set labeled “milk” and “cookies” respectively, a ceramic jar labeled “reindeer treats,” and a set of small ceramic stackable dishes labeled “nuts,” “coal,” “sweets,” and “treats.”
Got your own small business? Link it below & I’d love to check it out!