Holiday Gift Guide 2020 | Small Business Edition

Shopping for the holidays this year is extra special, especially since many of us aren't able to see family in-person. Normally I would be opening gifts at my parents home on the island of Oahu and then stuff my face with prime rib and mashed potatoes; this year I'll have to settle for FaceTiming with the family and slow cooker Kalua pig in Seattle!

As you're in a mad dash to find Christmas gifts, I highly encourage you to shop small and support your local businesses. Here are some places that I'll be shopping at (and hopefully you will too!):

Sparkle Gifts and Whatnots (Renton, WA)

https://www.sparklerenton.com/

I absolutely adore this shop and the owner, Richelle. A Renton staple, she has the most curated assortment of gifts and trinkets - it's hard to leave her shop without buying anything! She also has our exclusive large floral candles and resin coasters if you're looking to see them in person. I bought my everyday Hobo shoulder bag (at her recommendation!) and my boyfriend bought gits for his parents from here.

Modern Science Project (Seattle, WA)

https://modernscienceproject.com/

I met Amanda at the Urban Craft Uprising Westlake Holiday Market in 2019 and she was the most amazing booth neighbor! I absolutely love wearing her jewelry and I've displayed my plants in her pottery at different shows. In addition, I was able to get my Monstera leaf custom molds created by her and they're a huge hit! This Christmas I bought 3 sets of earrings to give friends and family.

Kent East Hill Nursery (Kent, WA)

https://kenteasthillnursery.shop/

I don't even know where to start with this amazing family business. Ryan and his family have been HUGE lifesavers by supplying my succulents for all the gift boxes. In addition, they sell our candles, body balms, roll-on essential oils, and stickers! Their plant assortment is through the roof and their friendly staff will help you with all your plant questions and needs. This holiday season I've bought stickers, plant hats (shout out to Oh My Planta!), and plan to buy plant puzzles for a couple of plant friends. 

Raw Stitches (Puyallup, WA)

https://rawstitches.com/

I was referred to Michelle, owner of Raw Stitches, from the Social Media Coordinator of Sparkle Renton (shout out to Makena!) and it was love at first sight... towards her bowl cozies and face masks! I'm notorious for burning my hands on hot bowls, so when I tried her bowl cozie, it was a life saver! Michelle is originally from Hawaii (just like me!) so of course we connected immediately. This season I've bought bowl cozies for all my friends and family, and can't wait to gift them!

Urban Plant Shop (Bremerton, WA)

https://urbanplantshop.com/

I honestly don't remember how John and I connected but I'm so happy we did! John is the owner of Urban Plant Shop, a plant boutique in the heart of Bremerton, WA. His shop is the most curated collection of plants, gifts, and accessories that I have EVER seen. John has been one of the most supportive people of my business since I started, welcoming me into the plant community with open arms. I've done his summer markets a handful of times and he's the only shop that carries our Opae ula Terrariums! This season I'll be doing some "TREAT YOSELF" shopping and get a couple of plants as a Happy Holidays to me! 

What are some of your favorite local small businesses? Let me know as I'd love to shout them out!

Mahalo!

Ellise