This is my second year intentionally focusing my holiday gift guide on small businesses and women and BIPOC owned businesses.
Included in this are brands with various certifications that make them more sustainable and ethical (like Leaping Bunny), with a few B Corporations (Benefit Corporations) who meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
Did you know that I have another business that I run with my husband Andy called Mobius Theory? You may find some of your gift needs through our online store, where I do fine art photography and he does t-shirts and other graphic design.
As a small business owner x3 myself, I can tell you how much every. single. purchase. means to me and my family.
When shopping this holiday season I encourage you to take a moment to ask yourself: can I support a small business with this purchase instead of a big box store?
I promise it is easier than you may think to shop small, shop local, and support individuals rather than megacorporations with unethical business practices. Especially this year, when small independent creators have been hard hit by the pandemic.
This post contains some affiliate links, and if you purchase through those links I may receive a commission. Many of these, however, are not monetized links and I am just sharing to support other small & micro businesses that are making awesome stuff.
Table of Contents:
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Gifts For The Foodies
1. Legit Bread Paleo & Allergen-Friendly Mixes - My famous Paleo, AIP, and vegan cheese recipe is now available as a convenient mix in the Legit lineup! Grab my Dairy-Free Cheese Mix by itself or in the discounted AIP Party Pack. Other new mixes released in 2020 include AIP Chocolate Chip Cookies and Holiday Cut Out Cookies, Pie Crust, Challah Bread, Everything Mix, and Dairy-Free Cheese Crackers.
*Small business, women owned
Discount - use code THANKFUL at checkout for 10% off 11/27-11/29
3. Latin American Paleo Cooking - my first cookbook full of traditional dishes from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, and many more countries. Nearly every recipe is AIP or easily adaptable without sacrificing flavor. Learn more about it here. Signed copies available here.
4. Fast & Flavorful Paleo Cooking - my second cookbook, whose release you may have missed since it was just a bit eclipsed by the pandemic in March 2020. The recipes are all weeknight-friendly dishes that are on the table in 15-45 minutes using ONLY your stovetop and oven, no special appliances needed. It’s very vegetable-centric, too, to empower you to make veggies taste good for your whole family! Get more details about this book here. Signed copies available here.
5. 1,001 Paleo Recipes (coming Jan 5th 2021) - pre-order my 3rd cookbook releasing just after the new year, the most comprehensive Paleo cookbook on the market! It features the ‘best of’ recipes from my first cookbook in a collaborative book written with nine other popular authors. If you want to have ONE cookbook that has a recipe for pretty much any possible dish you’d like to make Paleo, this is it!
6. The Pink Bakery Top 8 Allergen-Free Mixes - My talented friend Nubian offers expertly crafted mixes free of the top 8 allergens, using organic ingredients carefully sourced to ensure no cross-contamination. Her No Frownie Brownies are simply the best gluten-free and egg-free brownies out there!
*Small business, Black- and women-owned
7. Daily Harvest - more likely a gift for yourself than someone else, Daily Harvest delivers incredibly delicious real food frozen meals to your door. Ingredients are organic, egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based. I love the flatbreads (all of ‘em) and harvest bowls since they are filling and nutritious meals that would require a lot of effort to make yourself, but they also have smoothies, the best ever DF ice creams I’ve ever eaten, and other fun foods. Tip: use the filter tool to find items that suit your diet needs (Paleo, low-carb, high-protein, etc.) and/or sort by ingredient (either to include or avoid).
*Women-owned
Discount - use code CURIOUS at checkout for $25 off your first box
8. Fancy Coffee & Tea - Treat the coffee lover in your life to specialty coffee. Trust me, they will be thrilled to have something from either of these two companies, both Memphis favorites who ship nationwide are Vice & Virtue Specialty Coffee and Dr. Bean’s Coffee and Tea Emporium. V&V has a popular bourbon barrel-aged coffee that is perfect for those who enjoy both flavors! For the true tea connoisseur, check out Upton Tea Imports for a staggering range of teas sourced from all over the globe. They have a variety of gift sets and sampler packs available too!
*Small businesses, V&V is family-owned, Dr. Beans is Black-owned
9. Feast & Graze - Purveyor of handcrafted seasonal charcuterie boards for delivery in Memphis, TN and the rest of Shelby county (sorry if you don’t live here!). Best of all, you can choose a gluten-free or keto board, a rare offering for charcuterie boards!
*Small business, Black- and women-owned
10. Lovebird AIP Cereal - Newly launched and incredibly good, this new cereal is fully AIP compliant, a true marvel of kitchen chemistry! They even offer an unsweetened version if you are limiting sugar intake. The cinnamon is my personal favorite, paired with vanilla almond milk.
*Small business, family-owned
Discount - use code CURIOUS for 10% off
11. Primal Palate Organic Spices - From carefully sourced single spices and herbs to expertly crafted blends, you can fulfill all your seasoning needs here. The 3-packs make especially great gift ideas, and they even have an AIP 3-pack! My favorites are New Bae, Meat & Potatoes, and Garlic & Herb.
*Small business, woman owned
For a Cozy & Beautiful Home
1. Mobius Theory Fine Art Photography Print - That’s me! If you like fine art photography inspired by surrealism and psychedelia, or that otherwise presents subjects in a totally new light or perspective, take a gander at my work available through Mobius Theory, the business I co-own with my husband.
*Small business, woman owned, artisan
Discount - 15% off and free shipping on orders of $50+ 11/27-11/30
2. Primally Pure Autumn Home Collection - comes with a hand soap, room spray, and essential oil blend to diffuse (each item can also be purchased separately). This line truly smells like autumn with its warm and cozy blend of cinnamon, blood orange, cacao, and cardamom. The hand soap has a luxurious texture and won’t strip your hands, and the room spray is a delightful and healthy alternative to air fresheners.
*Small business, woman owned
Discount - use code CURIOUS25 for 25% off 11/26 - 11/30!
3. Arrow Creative Online Market - Arrow is where Andy and I have a joint studio space at 2535 Broad Ave Memphis TN, but they also have an online shop where they feature items from dozens of other local creatives. Support not one but two small businesses at once by finding art and decor items on their website! If you’re local to Memphis, you can also schedule a private shopping experience for free.
*Small business, women-owned
4. Rising Tide Holiday Gift Guide - I am a featured creator in the 2020 guide! Need unique and cool gift ideas? This gift guide is full of beautiful handmade items from independent artists and small business owners. I know….a guide within a guide….but I highly recommend browsing it for home decor items! I discovered several interesting things and am glad to have been connected with so many new makers via the guide, and in general am so thankful for the Rising Tide community, especially our Memphis chapter!
*Small businesses, many women and BIPOC owned
5. Himalayan Salt Lamp - I have to admit when I first bought Himalayan salt lamps for my house I wasn’t aware that horribly unethical practices can be used in the mining of the salt (child labor, unsafe conditions, extremely low pay). Give your space a warm inviting glow with these ethically produced salt lamps by Evolution Salt. Perfect for gentle, comforting lighting in the evenings.
*Small business, fair trade, socially and environmentally friendly
6. Bedroom Air Purifier- I started sleeping with an air purifier in the bedroom earlier this year and it has drastically reduced the number of days I wake up with a stuffy nose. Having 4 pets, I really should have been using an air purifier years before now. This Levoit Core300 is compact, affordable, and has a sleep mode that slows the fan down to nearly silent. You can also completely turn off all the lights!
7. Silk Pillowcase - I swear by my Lilysilk silk pillowcase, I have the 25 momme linked here for the most luxurious feel and durability. It feels so soft and soothing to lay my face on and it prevents my long hair from getting super tangled while I sleep, and I wake with noticeably smoother locks. Silk is also the best fabric for those with dry skin, since it won’t absorb moisture the way other fabrics can. I wish I had switched to silk pillowcases many years ago!
Discount - use code curious12 for an extra 12% off
8. Embroidered Wool Llama Pillow - Pillows can really make a space feel fun, inviting, and comforting. This is from my friend Angelique’s shop in downtown Memphis, where she honors her Mexican heritage by finding a variety of treasures from both Mexican and other Latinx makers. Her shop mixes the latest fashions and trends with traditional Latino clothing, accessories, and decor. Pillows also available in Sugar Skull or Cactus designs, and I encourage you to browse the whole online shop to find other treasures.
*Small business, woman and Latina owned
9. Roborock E4 Vacuum+Mop - Keeping your house clean can be challenging when you have a chronic illness. I’ve relied on robot cleaners for the last 8 years and recently upgraded to this dual vacuum and mop and it has been such a gift during these dark months I’ve spent as a COVID long hauler. I will write a full review later, but I am so incredibly happy with this purchase, it performs so well!
For the Self Care & Health Enthusiast
1. Gua Sha Stones - If you are new to gua sha please read my comprehensive how-to article. It is an ancient practice used in Chinese medicine to relieve muscle tension, move Qi, move lymph, and when done on the face can create a significant lifting and sculpting effect, remove puffiness, promote lymphatic drainage, fade fine lines and wrinkles, and bring a glow to the complexion. It is a part of my morning routine because I see a huge difference in my eyes when I do it! Plus it helps lift my brain fog and reduce headaches. Here are my top 3 choices for you:
#1) Primally Pure, with a comb edge for anti-aging work, economically priced and well-rounded shape
#2) Lanshin Pro, the Ferrari of gua sha tools but with the equivalent price tag
#3) 3-piece rose quartz set from Amazon for the very budget-conscious shopper
*Primally Pure and Lanshin are women-owned small businesses, Lanshin is BIPOC-owned
Discount- use code CURIOUS25 for 25% off at Primally Pure 11/26 - 11/30!
2. Ridged Facial Roller (in rose quartz, yellow or green jade)- Using a facial roller is like “gua sha lite” since it doesn’t have the benefits of lifting and sculpting the skin, but it is effectiv at reducing puffiness and stress, and it is easier for beginners or those who need a 2-5 min routine and not a 10-20 min routine like is necessary for gua sha. These ridged rollers are more effective at invigorating the skin and improving blood flow vs a smooth roller. Rolling on top of your skincare products also helps them absorb more quickly and completely, especially moisturizers and oils. Be careful not to get your hair caught in the roller!
*Small business, woman owned
Discount- use code CURIOUS25 for 25% off your first order with Primally Pure 11/26 - 11/30!
3. Saunaspace Near-Infrared Lamp - I have been using my Photon for about a month and I love how relaxing it is, how it improves my mood, and how it reduces pain. It has even helped me with stubborn post-COVID brain fog and eye pain. SaunaSpace’s ThermaLight bulbs are actually full spectrum incandescent light, but they peak in the near infrared region (600-950 nm). Near-infrared radiation (NIR) can penetrate tissues deeper than far infrared (9 inches vs 1.5 inches), and NIR has been demonstrated to increase nitric oxide production, detoxification, tissue/cell repair and protection, and relieve muscle and joint pain. I look forward to one day upgrading to the full sauna one day!
*Small business
Discount - use code CURIOUS for an extra 5% off your order all weekend, stacks with a 20% Black Friday Discount, Thursday-Friday 11/26-11/27
10% Discount, Saturday-Monday 11/28-11/30
Cyber Monday: in addition to 10% Off, Get a Free Photon with Purchase of a Luminati or Faraday Sauna, Monday 11/30
4. Ajna Acupressure Mat & Pillow - my neurologist urged me to order this set for my post-COVID headaches and migraines, and I am so glad she did! I chose Ajna since the materials are natural (not synthetic), eco-friendly, and non-toxic. My tension and stress melts away as soon as I lay down. I usually pair a session with my Saunaspace lamp and end up feeling like a new woman afterwards. Note: they do have a website, but fulfill orders via Amazon regardless of where you place your order.
*Small business, woman-owned
5. Ultimate Renewal Bath Set - my favorite of all the limited edition holiday gift sets from Beautycounter this year. It comes with a large brush for dry brushing, featuring soft bristles and an ergonomic wooden handle, new sugarbuff body polish, and lightweight body oil. This trio turns any day into a luxurious spa day and makes me look forward to showers! Brush before getting in, polish with the scrub, then lock in moisture with the body oil.
*Woman owned, B Corp, EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified
Discount - 15% off now til 11/29, or while supplies last
6. Paloma Health Thyroid Test Kit - Okay, it might seem weird to include a blood testing kit in a gift guide, but *I* was super excited to receive this as a gift, so I know some of you will be too! Paloma is offering an incredible service with this easy blood spot kit that measures TSH, free T3 and T4, and TPO antibodies for a very affordable price. If you have an unsupportive doctor who won’t run more than just TSH, this is a great option for you. Bonus: they can help link you up with doctors and nutritionists who can help you come up with a plan (including prescriptions and/or supplements) if your results come back abnormal.
Discount - $30 off your first kit with code CURIOUS
7. Perfect Supplements Grass-Fed Collagen, Gelatin, and more - This is my go-to brand for many of the supplements that I rely on. They are the world’s first certified glyphosate-free brand of collagen (aka Roundup-free). They are obsessive about ensuring that their products are all sustainably and ethically sourced and free from harmful contaminants. I love their magnesium (prescribed by my neurologist, actually), collagen peptides (best price on the best quality available; seriously, do a price comparison), aquatic greens (chlorella & spirulina), and the brand NEW Multi-Organ Glandulars, perfect if you struggle to include offal in your diet.
*Small business, fair trade, environmentally friendly practices, family owned
Discount - use code CURIOUS at checkout to take 10% off. From 11/24-11/30 take an additional 30% off all Perfect brand items!
8. Plumping Mask with Bakuchiol - This could’ve also gone in the next category for clean beauty buffs, but gosh, there’s something about using a face mask that just feels so nourishing and luxurious! This one is honey and clay based and is supercharged with the powerful non-toxic retinol alternative bakuchiol for anti-aging benefits. It leaves my skin so smooth and hydrated and glowing!
Discount - use code CURIOUS25 at checkout 11/27-11/30 for 25% off
9. Flowing Zen Qigong Course Bundle - I’ve been learning from Anthony of Flowing Zen since 2012. Qigong is similar to Tai Chi but more gentle and flowing and rooted in Chinese medicine theory. There is a wealth of evidence in the scientific literature supporting its benefits, and I can tell you from personal experience they are very real. This Cyber Monday + Giving Tuesday you can get a bundle of FOUR Qigong courses normally priced at $358 for just $37. Courses include Overcoming Money Blockages and Relieving Financial Stress; Using Qigong for Weight Loss/Gain; Relieving Holiday Stress with Qigong; Quiet Mind, Healthy Body: An Intro to Qigong
For the Clean Beauty Lover
1. Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm - this balm does double duty as a cleanser and moisturizer with lotus flower stem cell extracts for an antioxidant boost. New to oil cleansing? Watch my YouTube video demonstrating how to use the cleansing balm (with the old formula, but the technique is the same!) I love how incredibly soft and glowing this leaves my skin when I use it as an overnight moisturizer treatment.
*Woman owned, B Corp, EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified
Discount - 15% off through Nov 29. Special edition size available (50% larger yet only $3 more than the normal price of the regular size at the sale price)
2. Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel - This sophisticated blend of 15 botanical acids is a glow up in a bottle. AHA, BHAs, and soothing acids work together to be gentle enough to use every other night for cellular turnover, to help keep pores clean and minimized, leave a smooth and soft texture, and help fade hyperpigmentation. Don’t just take my word for it either, read the 1500+ 5-star reviews. Most of my clients report noticing a radiant complexion after the first night!
Discount- 15% off through 11/29, or get it for FREE and FREE shipping with Band of Beauty membership and $100+ in products purchased with membership. Members also earn 10% product credit back on every order.
*Woman owned, B Corp, EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified
3. Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream - this ultra-moisturizing cream is perfect for those with dry skin. The texture is unbelievably luxurious and rich, with peptides to ease lines and wrinkles, and bakuchiol, a potent plant-derived alternative to retinol without the side effects or safety risks, for texture and hyperpigmentation.
Discount - 15% off and free shipping on $50+ through 11/29
*Woman owned, B Corp, EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified
4. Golden Hour All-In-One-Palette - this talc-free palette is a new powder formulation to meet consumer requests (Beautycounter has always only used certified asbestos-free talc) while still meeting their rigorous standards for heavy metals contaminants (all new batches of pigments are triple screened). It features universally flattering shades of 4 eyeshadows, blush, and highlighter.
*Woman owned, B Corp, EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified
Discount - 15% off and free shipping on $50+ through 11/29
Note: at Beautycounter, get a free Mini Overnight Resurfacing Peel & Charcoal Mask ($43 value), free shipping, and get 10% back in product credits as a Band of Beauty member with $50+ product purchase.
5. 5YINA Divine Bio-Adaptive Cleanser - This is the best exfoliating cleanser I have ever used. It features finely milled mother-of-pearl powder for the absolute gentlest possible physical exfoliation without irritation or over-stripping your skin. I am stunned each time I use it just how soft and smooth it leaves my skin! I use it before applying the Overnight Resurfacing Peel to allow better product penetration.
*Small business, women and BIPOC-owned, non-toxic
Discount - 20% off with code FF2020 through 11/30
6. 5YINA TCM herb-infused facial oil - since adopting a facial gua sha practice I have become a bit of a facial oil junkie. If I had to pick just one oil as my top favorite, it would be the 5YINA Quiescent Oil, which I use since it is anti-aging and addresses dryness. There are 3 other oils available for other skin types. If you need help choosing, reach out to ask me!
*Small business, women and BIPOC-owned, non-toxic
Discount - 20% off with code FF2020 through 11/30
7. 5YINA Guiying Decolletage Treatment - I found 5YINA when searching for an anti-aging treatment for my decolletage. This balm is crafted with TCM herbs, feels luxurious, has a heavenly aroma, and is perfect for doing daily breast massage. The herbs help clear stagnation and move Qi. The nourishing butters and oils work to restore skin elasticity, repair free radical damage, and stretch marks
*Small business, women and BIPOC-owned, non-toxic
Discount - 20% off with code FF2020 through 11/30
Jewelry & Apparel
1. Cat T-shirts - My own Insta-famous kitties Dexter and Bubo are also becoming IRL famous thanks to stylized images of their faces adorning sweatshop-free t-shirts sold via the business I own with my husband Andy called Mobius Theory. We have a hard time keeping them in stock they are so popular, so if your size is out of stock, make sure you use the wishlist function to be notified when we do a reprint!
Discount - 15% off and free shipping on orders of $50+ 11/27-11/30
*Small business, woman and Latino owned, artisan
2. PACT Organic Cotton Clothing - Pact is one of my favorite sources for ethically made organic cotton clothing, from basics like underwear, bralettes, t-shirts, leggings with POCKETS, and loungewear, to incredibly flattering and comfortable dresses, my wardrobe is filled with PACT pieces. I also love their crisp and cozy sheets.
Discount - use this link to take 20% off your order.
*GOTS certified, 100% organic, fair trade certified factories
3. Loteria T-Shirts by Shop Mucho - Owner Angelique honors her Mexican heritage by finding a variety of treasures from both Mexican and other Latinx makers. Her shop mixes the latest fashions and trends with traditional Latino clothing, accessories, and decor. Shout out to her for also keeping my Latin American Paleo Cookbook and my fine art prints in stock at her storefront Primas! If you live in Memphis, visit her at 523 S. Main downtown.
*Small business, women and Latina owned
4. WANDERLVST901- Owner J. Renee travels the world to find incredible apparel handcrafted by local artisans who she pays a fair wage. I have a one-of-a-kind skirt from Jamaica and stunning beaded earrings from Kenya that I got from her shop. If you are into the resurgence in popularity of fanny packs, she has quite a few on offer right now that I have to admit are a lot of fun!
*Small business, woman and Black-owned
5. Bombas - Bombas makes high-quality (and high-tech) socks from both cotton and Merino wool. For every pair purchased they donate a pair to a homeless shelter, a great example of what B Corps are all about by using business as a force for good.
Discount - 25% off by using this link
*B Corp
6. The Faint of Heart - Nicki handcrafts stunning eye-catching jewelry with metal and gemstones that will have people asking you “where did you get that?” Her work is inspired by the natural world and the sense of wonder it cultivates in us. She also has a shop here in Memphis at the same location where Andy and I have a shop: Arrow, located at 2535 Broad Ave.
*Small business, woman owned, artisan
7. RK NYC Jewelry - My husband gifted me with an amethyst necklace from RKNYC years ago, and every time I wear it I receive compliments on how stunning it is. You’ll find a wide range of semi-precious gemstones handcrafted with sterling silver throughout the website.
*Small business, woman owned, features Indigenous makers
8. Mountain Fox Goods - Fine leather wallets, bags, and jewelry expertly handcrafted in Seattle, WA. Goods take inspiration from nature and feature sleek, minimalist designs.
*Small business, woman and BIPOC owned
Stocking Stuffers
1. Manuka Honey Hand Cream - all of our hands could use some extra protection against frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and this one features a silky smooth texture that is a joy to rub in, and the honey forms a protective barrier to help lock moisture in. No, it isn’t sticky at all! Just smooth and luxurious.
*Small business
Discount - use code Curious for 20% off through 12/1
2.Konjac Sponge - Konjac sponges are eco-friendly and biodegradable since they are made from the root of the konjac plant (which shirataki noodles are also made from). Available plain or infused with charcoal (for acne-prone or oily skin) or green tea (soothing, better for dry skin), they all can be used alone without a cleanser to gently cleanse the face and provide super gentle exfoliation.
*B Corporation
3. Sarah Day Arts Stickers or Jewelry - Sarah is a Memphis artist who creates “art 4 everyone” with her whimsical and colorful illustrated designs and inclusive and body positive figures. All of her products are bright and FUN and will bring a smile to your face. She also has a line of Judaica designs done in her signature style.
*Small business, woman owned
4. Mobius Theory Cat Ornaments - These are double-sided (mirrored) and meticulously hand printed on 3” ceramic circles. Sure to bring joy to anyone who loves cats!
*Small business, woman and Latino owned
5. Repair Multifunctional Manuka Honey Lip Balm - This is my new go-to lip balm. It is incredibly moisturizing and soothing. It can also be used elsewhere on the body, especially on irritations like bug bites or scratches, and it’s a wonderful cuticle moisturizer as well.
*Women owned, sustainability focused
Discount - use code curious at checkout for an extra 15% off
6. Silk Eye Mask - I’ve had this adorable cat eye slik mask for about 2 years and it is so comfortable, and the silk is good for your skin. Also available in non-cat designs if you prefer.
Discount - use code curious12 for an extra 12% off your order
7. Conscious Soul Tarot Deck - My dear friend Blake illustrated this deck that was designed to feel inclusive to everyone no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. The artwork was cleverly done to make it possible to read the cards without needing a separate manual to do so. It’s one of my favorite parts about my morning routine!
*Small business, artisan
8. Avocado Enamel Pin by Shop Mucho - I chose to show off the avocado pin since I know many reading this guide are foodies, but they offer a bunch of other fun designs if avocados ain’t your thing.
*Small business, women and Latina owned
9. Too Many Poops Card Game - a card game where you collect cats and there poopsie game pieces and litter boxes, what more could you ask for?? I promise you the cat lovers in your life will love this game. I sure do!
10. Better Blender - perfect stocking stuffer for the makeup lover in your life. This is a very high quality makeup blender which swells significantly when you dampen it, making for an effortless and natural look with foundation and/or concealer. I notice that I use less product when I use this blender to apply my makeup, and it feels so much gentler on my skin than a foundation brush.
*Woman owned, B Corp, EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified
Discount - 15% off and free shipping on $50+ through 11/29
