It’s that magical time of year, when the Internet explodes with LOOK OVER HERE! and BUY THIS! and MAJOR SALE! Well, much as I hate to contribute to all that noise, I thought it might be helpful to share a few gift ideas. But instead of cramming this post full of affiliate links to Amazon and other big Internet retailers- though that would probably be the best business decision for me– I’m going to share some of my favorite small sellers and independant merchants. Real people and family-owned companies who you can directly give your hard-earned money, in exchange for their beautiful goods.
Handmade gift ideas
There is nothing more special than a handmade item from a talented artisan. A gift that tells a story. That means something. Some of the most special gifts I have ever received are unique gifts like these, hand made and given with love. Here’s a few items that would make beautiful Christmas gifts.
- Robin Pieterse 2025 Calendar. After long admiring Robin’s work, I ordered this calendar for a friend for her birthday. It is so unbelievably beautiful, comes on gorgeous high-quality paper, and every single month is a masterpiece. I love the look and feel of all Robin’s art and am crossing my fingers for some Christmas money so I can buy a few of her prints. She also offers cards, puzzles, prints and so much more!
- Antique Candle Co. Home for the Holidays Candle. After seeing these candles on a few of my favorite YouTube channels, I decided to treat myself to the Country Pine. I have never, I repeat NEVER, loved a candle more. After so many years of avoiding candles due to all the chemicals and hormone disruptors, it is such a treat to have safe, natural, beautiful candles in my home again. These are a PERFECT gift and I just wish I could buy one for everyone I know. This time, in the Home for the Holidays scent.
- Farmhouse Teas Holiday Trio Organic Loose Leaf Tea Gift Set. I always get really into tea in the Fall and Winter. There is nothing better than a hot cup of tea by the fire on a gray, rainy afternoon. As I’ve also learned that I need a couple of breaks during the day, the process of brewing, and then enjoying, a cup of tea, really helps me to build in rest to my busy days. Farmhouse Teas is located here in Oregon and grown and made by REAL people. A beautiful company with a super cool product. This Christmas gift set looks like the PERFECT thing for any tea lover in your life.
Give a gift from a small shop
Supporting small shops is a trendy move, but sometimes easier said than done. Having a small shop myself, I can’t even tell you how much each and every order means to a shop owner. I’m sharing a few of my favorite shops- my own included- and recommending some of the most gift-worthy items, in my opinion. Make somebody’s day, shop small this holiday!
- Winter Poinsettia Gardening Tee, Evergreen Gardening Tee and Gardening Beanie from Potager Shop. Not to toot my own horn or anything (Toot, toot!) but I am so excited about the new Winter offerings in my shop. I have always struggled with what to wear in the garden, or even just around the house. Having been an athlete for so long, comfy clothes are just a must for work and play. That’s why each season I create a new Gardening Tee, celebrating a flower associated with that time of year. I am absolutely living in the Winter items, especially the beanie, and any one of them would make a perfect gift for a fellow garden/flower lover.
- Limone by Shaye Elliott. My Internet friend Shaye, someone I truly admire, recently opened a BEAUTIFUL small shop after years of wishing to do so. It’s absolutely gorgeous and filled with the most lovely items. Most of her goods are imported from Italy, and celebrate the things she’s most passionate about: good food, family and friends. Any one of her lovely items would make a great gift, but I especially love the Terracotta Candle, Bread Lame and Copper Measuring Spoons. She even has gift cards if you can’t make up your mind.
- Parisienne Farmhouse by Angela Reed (Parisienne Farmgirl). If you love a good antique shop and frequently find yourself searching for European imports on Etsy, this small shop by Angela Reed is the place for you. Angela hosts my very favorite podcast, Homemaker Chic with her BFF Shaye Elliott, and two of them are my Internet kindred spirits. Angela travels to Paris twice a year, scours the famous flea markets and brings back all kinds of treasures which she offers up in her small shop. How gorgeous is this oil painting? This flatware!? And how cute are these toile baby bibs!? Go give her shop a look!
Books by REAL people
Having published my own cookbook in 2020, I have a soft spot for books written by REAL people. I know what goes into a project like this, I know the stress and anxiety of having to make a go of it yourself, and I know the satisfaction of seeing the orders roll in. Here’s a few of my favorite books by REAL people that would make excellent Christmas gifts!
Gather Cookbook by Farmwives & Co. My real-life friend Jenna Sinn, together with her sister-in-law, spent over two years diligently working on this family cookbook. A beautiful picture of life on an Oregon berry farm, this book is so well designed, full of family history and sweet generational recipes. It’s a worthy investment and in my opinion, a must have!
Daily Sourdough by Lisa Bass. My friend Lisa, better known for her blog Farmhouse on Boone, just released her first cookbook. Titled Daily Sourdough, it serves to inspire regular people to incorporated sourdough baking into their daily life. It is extremely well written, organized and beautiful, and I’ve already dog-earred all the recipes I refer to on an everyday basis. One of the other cool things is the book was published by Homestead Living, which is a small, independent book publisher. So go and give them both your support! A perfect gift for a seasoned or beginning baker.
Other great ideas
Homestead Living magazine subscription. If you have anybody in your life who loves chickens, gardening, sourdough or farm life, this might just be the perfect gift. That keeps on giving! I love asking for magazine subscriptions for Christmas, as it’s not something I would usually buy myself, and gives me something to look forward to all year long. Priced super reasonably and chock-full of great articles, this magazine makes a great gift!
Gift Card to Heirloom Roses. Heirloom Roses is a family-owned Oregon rose nursery that grows and sells some of most beautiful rose varieties around, including David Austin roses. I have ordered from them (all online!) several times and received healthy plants that have grown up to be a breathtaking part of my cottage garden. A gift card here would enable your loved one to pick out their own plant, and thoroughly enjoy themselves in the process!
What do you think about these gift ideas?
Do you plan to shop small, local or handmade this holiday? Leave a comment below and tell me what your plan is. What are some of your favorite small shops and businesses?
And don’t forget to pin this image so other people can find all these gift ideas to feel good about. Happy Christmas shopping!
