Small Brands, Carefully Sourced, Extraordinary Finds
Recently, we heard someone use the term “professional noticer,” realizing that it perfectly describes us. We also love to share and we take gift giving very seriously. Our discerning tastes lead us to companies that are small-makers, who source with care, and often help their local communities too. Our product recommendations are often handmade, or made in small batches.
EXCITED TO GIFT
1. The Daily Stone - Known for very clean and effective ingredients, this founder has set the gold standard for lotion bars. -A
2. Knight Chess Piece Candle -These sculptural candles are conversation pieces. Each design is beautifully detailed and will be appreciated by anyone who is a lover of chess, horses, or uncommon objects. -A
3. Chocolate Penguins - A most festive way to say Happy Holidays, these handmade chocolate tuxedoed penguins are presented in a beautiful wooden box that makes this gift feel extra special.
4. Jot Block - For anyone who might have a creative moment at any given time, this invites drawing and doodling when inspiration hits! -C
5. Wonder Valley Discovery Set - Color me intrigued. This company is another with a squeaky clean ingredient list and slightly different approach: using the finest local olive oil. This sample set includes their best sellers for skin and hair. Perfect for those who love to try new products, we are looking at you JoJo. -A
6. Tote - Blanch + Mimi + Steele is the ultimate collab. We think Martha Stewart would approve as she has been a long-time fan of Steele bags. -A
7. 44 Mini Ecopods of Soil-based Watercolor Set - If we have been newsletter friends for more than a minute, you already know we are obsessed with color. This season, we offer another fabulous find. The quality of the colors and palettes is simply beautiful. This family owned business invites you to use their ecologically friendly watercolors to slow down and create together. -A
8. Mahjong Card Clutch - Mahjong is taking over! And who doesn’t need a clutch to protect their National League card. -A
9. Exfoliating Sappho Fig Soap - In an effort to keep the aroma of figs and glowy summer skin all through the winter months, this handcrafted soap brick nourishes, and restores even the dullest skin. We are more than a little obsessed with everything Flamingo Estate. You can confidently gift this. -A
ON OUR LIST
1. Waxing Moon - I LOVE the beeswax scent and the shapes are just beautiful. I have been longing for a collection of these on a tray. -A
2. Watering Can - Angelena: I want this! Christine: I want this too! Plant moms for the win.
3. Ritual Belt - Don’t crush the ta-tas! This is better than a weighted vest as it anatomically mirrors your iliac crest and balances weight distribution. I like to walk and this is a comfortable way for me to add a challenge and minimize impact on my spine. -C
4. Puzzle - While it may be snowing outside, this is my kind of Christmas puzzle. -C
5. Leather bag - 100% real leather, I love all of the color choices and their canvas purse organizer is essential (which is free right now with the purchase of this bag!). For the conversation about ethical practices in fashion, this is a company you want to support. -A
6. Custom Cooler - It’s no secret that I only love the season of Summer. While everyone is watching holiday movies and singing favorite christmas tunes, I will be picturing myself in my pool with this cooler by me filled with canned mules and Highnoons. We can’t change who we are, but we can elevate ourselves with accessories (I can’t remember which famous philosopher said this). -C
FOR YOUR FAVORITE FOODIE
1. Cheerie Lane Pro Popper Set - This cheerful gift comes to you from a 5th generation farm family. Heirloom kernels, anti-oxidant rich cacao butter and clean fresh flavors. Watch it disappear. -A
2. Kinu Chocolate Single-origin Truffles - For the discriminating chocolate lover. Zorzal cacao combined with fresh cream from the northern island of Hokkaido creates exquisite and complex truffles. -A
3. Rose Cardamon French 75 Kit - I love a great French 75 and so when I found this kit from Land and Local, I had to try. The rose cardamom meyer lemon mixer is packed with a citrus forward, floral punch, and a hint of spice. I am serving these at my next holiday craft and cocktails girls night! -C
4. Rivsalt The Original - Like tearing bread, grating salt adds a certain personal and communal touch to dining. Your foodie will love the beauty and tactile experience of this product.
5. Fishwife Tuna Belly JUST DROPPED…Tuna Belly is a most luxurious tinned fish. Prepared by hand in very limited quantities. IYKYK -A
6. Clumpies Ice Cream Signature Pints Pack - My kids rip open the box the minute it arrives! This beloved Chattanooga staple makes each small batch by hand. The big red box is our signal that the holidays have arrived. -A
7. Pica Maica Hibiscus Chile Citrus Sprinkle - Your secret weapon for flavor. Rim your next margarita. Move over Tajin, it’s delicious on fresh fruit. Grab a bag of potato chips, squeeze some lime for clinginess and a sprinkle of Pica Maica for a tasty snack. -A
8. Diaspora Co. Cozy Beverages Collection - A truly singular company focused on revolutionizing the spice industry. Single origin, no pesticides, no fillers, lab tested, fair pay for farmers, Diaspora Co. offers a select variety of spices. I love this collection. -A
9. Pastured Pork Rib Chop Bone-In - Fire up the grill! Our long-time family favorite, White Oak Pastures, is doing everything a farm should be doing. A 6-generation Georgia farm that practices regenerative land management, humane animal husbandry, revitalizing their rural community, and teaching their methods to other farmers. Fantastic flavor is the payoff! -A
FOR THE CHEF
1. Persimmon Vinegar - They had me at “Japanese sunshine in a bottle.” -A
2. S’mores Roaster - In the middle of winter and feeling stir crazy from being inside all day, my kids love to bust this out and make s’mores indoors. It really is a great gift for the s’mores enthusiast! -C
3. Petal Spoon Rest - Simple, but elegant design. -A
OH TO BE A KID AGAIN
1. Big Stuffed - Imagine waking up to this on Christmas morning. -A
2. Drum Bag - The most magical accessory for the child who loves dressing up! -C
3. Cuddle Goose- If only I had found this when my boys were littles. Destined to be a favorite lovey, this German company uses natural fibers and fill to create heirloom friends for your child. -A
4. Simple Machines Made Simple - The most charming way to introduce the simple concept of mechanics to a young child (and maybe the parent too?). -C
5. Gibbon Balance Board - Perfect for a kid who loves to move and always on the go. -A
6. Cloud Mini Basketball Hoop - For sports fans AND art lovers, you pick! -C
7. King of the Road - Flexible design and can be used on almost any surface, including water! Endless imaginative play. -A
8. Levitexa Nimbus - What builder wouldn’t love to have their masterpiece levitating on display? -A
9. Skater Trainers - Master tricks fast with the help of these cool trainers. Great for any level. -A
TEEN GIFTS THAT DON’T SUCK
1. Keychain Camera - Sometimes teen trends can be cool and this is a perfect example of that. This gift is mom-approved! -C
2. Yardball - A ball and a glove all in one. Seriously understated coolness. -A
3. Car Fast Food Tray - Not sure there is a more perfect gift for any 16, 17, or 18 year old on a friday night. -C
FOR OUR FAVORITE GUYS
1. MagSnap - Angelena showed this to me saying it would be a great gift for our husbands possibly. I think she secretly wants one too though…because she is very handy and isn’t afraid of a home project. A family-owned business that started with a dad of 3 boys who just wanted to be more organized. We. Can. Relate. -C
2. Log Carrier - Heavy duty canvas for lugging firewood…as Paris Hilton would say “that’s hot.” This company designs and hand makes all of their bags in Hood River, Oregon so the quality is excellent and waste is low. Everybody wins! -C
Want more ideas? Check out our previous Nearly Famous Gift Guide and Our Nearly Famous Gift Guide Volume 2.
Advent Time! We collected the most beautiful, tasty, and cult-favorite Advent Calendars. You can find this list here.
Want to host the most charming Holiday Cookie Decorating Party? It’s never too early to start planning! Click here for details.
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