Some of Our Favorites for Shopping Small

We're moms and don't get us wrong, we really appreciate convenience. It's so easy to add something to your cart and swipe "buy now" and have it show up 2 days later. Anything that lets me stay on my comfy couch and check off my to-do list, I'm in.

Except now that we're a small biz, we're really committing to shopping small. We're aware that small shops might not be able to offer the perks of the big shops (huge discounts and super fast shipping are a few examples), but small shops offer something huge that big shops don't: a unique product that is most likely run by passion. Not bottom lines and profit margins. 

Small business owners put in so much work and if they are like us, they are genuinely excited each and every time a person makes a purchase from their shop. Shopping small might take a little more planning, but giving someone the perfect gift sometimes takes a little more effort than our traditional "what will arrive at my house in time?" method. 

November 30th, 2019 is Small Business Saturday and while you're out there shopping all the deals, we wanted to share some small shops we love that you can feel good about supporting. 

2019 Shop Small Round-Up

For the product junkie: Spela Cosmetics
Spela has lip and nail polish like you’ve never seen before. The nail polishes are hands down our favorite colors we’ve ever seen. They’re inspired by neutrals so they’re not obnoxiously bright and totally elevate your look. The matte liquid lipstick really does stay on and our favorite part is that you can mix colors together to create the perfect shade for your puckers. Plus, everything made by Spela is clean, vegan and cruelty free so you can feel good about putting it on your body.

For the badass woman: WILDFANG
We’re a little obsessed with this brand. They are destroying gender roles and any apparel that says “pairs well with an open bar” well, we’re in. They’ve got it all from coveralls to fanny packs so you can cross off a lot of ladies on your list, and be sure to check out their iconic Wild Feminist goods!

For the music lover: Tender Loving Empire
This place has become one of my go-to’s for gift-giving. It’s a record label so you can stock up on some new indie tunes (on vinyl of course), but the stores are packed with a ton of cool stuff. Our personal favorites are the artists’ prints and the baby goods, but they have everything from apparel to housewares so you really can’t go wrong. And if you’re traveling through PDX, they have a shop at the airport!

For the Instagram mama: Against The Grain
This husband and wife duo create the cutest 3D wood signs! If you’re a mom and on Instagram, you’ve probably seen their work featured in some adorable nurseries. Their holiday collection this year is adorable and we’re bummed we missed out! They sell out quickly so you have to act fast!  

For the apartment dweller: Ohongs Design Studio
These removable vinyl decals are amazing! I used them in my nursery because I knew the space was temporary and I didn’t want to commit to wallpaper (and I was too lazy to paint). They have decals for every type of room and offer personalized options as well. All of the designs are affordable and adorable and you don’t have to deal with that annoying wallpaper glue.

For the eco-conscious: Utility Zero Waste
This Portland based company has inspired us to rethink, reduce and reuse when it comes to home products. Their eco-friendly array of products are beautifully designed too so you can feel proud to gift a lint brush to a friend. Our favorites are their wool dryer balls (just sprinkle them with a few drops of lavender essential oil and woah!) and the stain sticks, which will recover countless shirts from olive oil stains (happens more than I’d like to admit). 

For the sparkle lover: Stardust and Vines
If you want to shop REALLY small, check out this funky little shop on Etsy. Lauren Schwab, the owner and designer, claims to have the smallest shop on Etsy and I’ve personally visited her little backyard workshop in Denver, CO. I’m not sure how one little shed holds so much glitter, but it does! If you want to add a little glam to your outfit these earrings will do the trick.

For the free spirit: Woman and Wolf
Handcrafted in Forest Grove, OR, this line of organic skin care and aromatherapy products aim to center, ground and balance your soul. Products include mood enhancing spritzes like Happy Place Mood Revitalizing Spritz and the You’ve Got This Spritz, both of which would be excellent staples in every mother’s purse. For the bearded man in your life the Makeout City Beard Oil would make an excellent stocking stuffer.  

For the health nut: Golde
Vibrant, colorful, and energizing, these are the ingredients Golde infuses in their powder blends aimed to support skin radiance, immunity and gut health. Flavors include OG Turmeric Tonic, Cacao Turmeric and Matcha Turmeric for a little natural kick.

For the ritualist: Spirit Daughter
You can find everything you need to create your ritual: crystals, calendars, candles, cards, sprays and other magical items to complete your moon circles. The books are gorgeous and some are available in a digital format. It's the perfect place for beginners looking to start their ritual experience. For those more seasoned, their collection of crystals is stunning!

For the PNW Glam Fan: Betsy & Iya 
Secretly, I'm hoping something from this shop lands under the tree for myself this year. Their jewelry is a perfect blend of modern and organic and at various price points, you can find something for everyone. Plus, everything is made by the artists right here in Portland!

For the Profesh Peeps: Parker Clay
I saw this brand featured on a gift guide last year and I fell in love. The founders started this company after adopting their first daughter in Ethiopia. They saw firsthand how many women and children without opportunity or education ended up in a life of prostitution. Parker Clay was born as a lifestyle brand that hand selects the highest quality leather to make timeless products - all while creating opportunities for vulnerable women to become economically independent. Their leather goods are beautiful and are designed to last forever.