If you don’t have a favorite small online business and want to stay extra eco-friendly this year, then gifting something from a local business is a fantastic idea. For example, some items you can tend to find at farmers markets include:

Soaps

Many farmer’s markets have locally-made bars of soap. They make great stocking-stuffers and are perfect for the environmentally conscious friend who prefers low waste gifts! Speaking of low-waste items you could pair with local soaps, Little Seed Farm is a small online business which amazing creates low-waste deodorants. Another small black owned business I love is Dam Soap & Supply Co. With a focus on being eco-friendly and using organic ingredients you can feel good gifting any of these products to your loved ones!

Jewelry

Jewelry is always a nice gift and local pieces can be very beautiful while usually staying inexpensive. If you’re traveling, bringing back jewelry as a souvenir and gift for a loved one is always appreciated. If for some reason you can’t find local jewelry you want to gift, you can also support a small online jewelry business like MadeByKwest.

Candles

Usually, the same sellers of local soaps create lotions and candles as well. If you’re creating a wellness basket curated with small business items, pairing the soaps with candles and matching scented lotions would be a perfect idea! Light By Liv is a favorite of mine for eco-friendly, beautiful crystal infused candles that will bring joy to anyone! Another fun option is Natural Annie Essentials which is black owned with candles that will make anywhere feel like home.

Local Candy, Popcorn, or Fruit Baskets

The key to our hearts is usually food, so why not compile a basket of delicious locally-made foods and pastries for your loved one? If you are in NYC, Cheese & Things is a great option to have delicious charcuterie board delivered to your friends or family! This black owned business offers a variety of boxes that can be made for one person to bigger spreads for 12-15 people, and even custom orders! A perfect pair to these snacks, The Bad & Boozy Cocktail Co. delivers fun premade small-batch cocktails in NYC. With a little research in your area, there are always innovative small businesses delivering goodies that will bring a smile to your loved ones!

For a taste of NY anywhere in the country, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company offers national shipping! The bagels arrive parbaked so they can be stored in your freezer and only require about 8-12 minutes in the oven to have a fresh NYC bagel on your plate! These are my favorite bagels in NY and their shipped boxes are just as good! I have had them shipped to friends and family on many occasions and now everyone is hooked!

Art

If your friend or loved one appreciates art or just moved into a new room/apartment, local art can be a very thoughtful and meaningful gift. If a hometown friend recently moved away, gifting local art could also be a heart-warming reminder of home. For innovative art that is unique and minimalist, Anaya Arts is inspired by the desire for more representation. Etsy is also always a great option for finding small artists who can create custom, meaningful artwork for your loved ones!

Other Ideas

For the eclectic friends or friends who seem to have it all, it may be more difficult to settle on an ordinary gift from the above list. If you have extra time and want to stay local, maybe spend time looking around local boutiques for unique items that remind you of this person. You may end up finding a perfect item they never knew they needed or even a hilarious gag gift if that’s more your style.

If it’s too difficult to choose a physical item and you prefer gifting the freedom of choice, the below options are also great ways to support small and local businesses:

Gift Cards or Certificates to Non-Chain Restaurants:

Does your loved one have a favorite local restaurant? Ask the restaurant owners if they have certificates or gift cards you can purchase! This can also work for local bakeries.

Gift Cards or Certificates to Services (Spa, Nail Salon, Hair Salon, Wellness Subscription Box):

To show a friend or loved one you really care about their well-being, a thoughtful gift would be gifting them a spa day or spa treatment. If they’re not into that, a certificate to their favorite nail salon, hair salon, or even buying a wellness box subscription for them would show thoughtfulness. Some of my favorite Wellness Boxes include: Black Girl Magic Box, Cocotique, and a great gift for fellow foodies/travelers Culture Cakes Kit Subscription Box.

Gift Cards or Certificates to Nearby Stores & Boutiques

Many towns have local boutiques with really great items. If you know your friend or loved one has a favorite boutique, try purchasing a gift certificate or gift card for that specific place. Not only will you be supporting a local business, but you’ll also show excellent attention to detail. If your friend doesn’t have a favorite clothing boutique, there may also local furniture boutiques and authentic candy shops which provide gift cards.

Gift Cards or Certificate to Nearby Activities (Gift a Touristy Experience)

Nothing is quite as priceless as a good memory, so the last gift idea which still supports local businesses would be gifting a local activity. Escape rooms, parasailing, boat tours, or other touristy experiences are sure to be a memorable gift that might be talked about for years after this holiday season. Also searching for shows and concerts that are touring through your area is a great way to find tickets for gifting. I received the gift of a wine tasting tour around NYC a few years ago which was a great way to try some new spots while spending time with a loved one! Pair Wine Tours offers a few different tours around NYC where you taste wines paired with some yummy snacks.