gifts worth giving || shop small saturday

As many of you may know, today is Small Business Saturday, a movement created by American Express to celebrate the small businesses we love and support, and to encourage you to get out and shop with the small businesses around your city and those online, as well. 

In 2014, 88 million people showed up to #shop small… this year we hope it’s even bigger! 

I’m a small business owner myself and each year I am moved beyond words about how incredible the support us small business owners have… when you purchase from a small business, you are helping grow your local economy, you’re supporting the American dream, and you are making a difference in the lives of so many people, too. 

Today, I wanted to share a handful of some of my favorite small businesses that I look up to… for what they’re doing, how they are giving back, and because they amaze me in all they do. Remember friends, when you shop small, you are rallying with your neighbors and are inspiring others to do the same so get out there and shop! 

If you’re searching for apparel, accessories, and anything for yourself, do me a favor and check out these go-to shops… mom bosses doing great things and I am lucky to call them both friends! Favorites from Gray Monroe include this peasant top, eggplant dress, and gold clutch I recently ordered. As for Cotton Mill Nashville, this cozy button vest and fringe booties might need to come to my house! 

Looking for some pretty baubles to gift, or to possibly fill your own stocking with? Elle and J will have you drooling over their layering necklaces and wooden bead bracelet while longtime shop friend DolceAve will make you swoon with her drusy necklaces, agate pendants, and leather tassel keyrings. 

Moving on to other gift ideas… if you’re totally flaking and need someone else to do all the thinking for you, check out my dear friend Rachel’s shop, Ceremony + Fuss, which makes gifting easy and oh so fun [especially for a bride-to-be, new baby, and just because]. For Posh Sake takes all things personalized to an entirely new level with her personalized drinkware, buckets and pails, as well as home decor. 

If you’re looking for girly goodies, visit Ashley Brooke Designs and purchase her Cosmetic Zip Pouch Set or one of her infamous coffee mugs. Then there are my girls Nico and Lala who have created the cutest desk calendar I ever did see. 

Have a friend that loves unique finds? Visit my girl Laura Dro Designs for one of her custom lucite trays or click over to Furbish Studio for one-of-a-kind items and a multitude of gifts you’ll be begging for yourself. 

And while you’re at it, don’t forget if you’re shopping for babies and littles, hop on over to my own little shoppe, Sugar Bit, to make sure they’re the best dressed mini in town… 

Finally, be sure to check out another new found fav of mine called High Note Gifts. They are obsessed with all things Nashville [be still my heart], and they have centered their products around items based in Music City… for them, it’s all about contributing back to the local community and they are taking the time to craft something special to combat the “sea of sameness”. They’ve bundled up their items together in beautifully packed gift crates for you, for your family, your friends, employees, and clients. 
If you’re looking for something that stands out, be sure to shop their gift crates here and enter below to win one of their Music City Holiday Gift Baskets, too! 

Cheers and Happy Shopping! 
P.S. If you know of a small business that you love and want me to know about, PLEASE leave a comment below