Your 2018 small business holiday gift guide

What comes to mind when you picture the holiday season?

For some, it's hugging loved ones, curling up by the fire, and decorating the house.

For others, it's standing in endless lines, fighting aggressive drivers for the last parking spot, and crossing your fingers that you never hear that dreaded three-word phrase -- out of stock.

We know holiday shopping can be painful. And we've got a solution: #ShopSmall.

When you shop with small businesses, everyone wins:

  • You avoid the holiday crowds.
  • Your recipient gets a unique gift they'll probably never get somewhere else.
  • The small business owner gets the support they need to continue growing their business.

So whether you want to show a small business you care or score a unique present that is bound to impress (we won't judge your motivation), this gift guide is for you. And no, this isn't sponsored content. The companies on this list didn't ask us to feature them -- we just think their products are awesome and wanted to share. Happy shopping!

Holiday Signature Collection from Shotwell Candy Co.

Good for: Anyone with a sweet tooth. That includes yourself! #treatyoself

We don't know anyone who wouldn't enjoy a pound of caramels, much less incredible flavors like hand-crushed espresso, dark chocolate & orange, and holiday mint. In our experience, candy (and sweets in general) make you friends. So by buying this, you're essentially making whoever you give this to more popular. And you can't really put a price on that, can you?

Shop Shotwell Candy Co.

Buffalo Green Bread Bowl from CounterEv

Good for: Anyone who likes bread. (That's a lot of people!)

Everything about this bread bowl is classy and timeless. It's handcrafted from reclaimed bowling lane wood -- what more do you need to know? So give it to your coworker who's big on sustainability. Or your friend who invites you to a dinner party every other week. Or buy it for your house so your mom can stop complaining about how your entire home is from Ikea. The possibilities are endless!

Shop CounterEV

Allie Fleece Sweatshirt from River and Sky

Good for: Someone who doesn't mind hugs -- whoever gets this will get a lot of them because man this fleece is soft.

You shouldn't have to choose comfort OR style. With this sweatshirt, you get the best of both worlds! Your gift recipient will love wearing it while curling up by the fire during the holidays, falling asleep on her desk while studying for midterms, or browsing the after-Christmas sales.

Shop River and Sky

Warm Sand Gift Box from Shore Soap Co

Good for: Your mom or grandma, who deserve better than department store soap.

We're going to let this Yelp review speak for itself because nothing we say will convince you more than this: "I bought some of the Warm Sand body wash and I swear to god I literally shrieked with delight when I used it for the first time. That's never happened before. It was some sort of otherworldly experience. And so, I'm a convert.

Shop Shore Soap Co.

Goldeneye Pinot Noir from The International House of Wine and Cheese

Good for: Wine lovers. (That is what their site says, after all.)

International House of Wine and Cheese

The International House of Wine and Cheese says this wine pairs nicely with pretty much anything, including a second glass! From vegetable gratin to curried pork to goat cheese, no matter what your loved one is eating, this wine will complement it beautifully.

Shop The International House of Wine and Cheese

Mini Lipstick Set 2018 from Besame Cosmetics

Good for: Your girlfriend that loves to stand out and experiment with color

Besame

Know anyone longing for the good ol' days? Look no further than Besame Cosmetics, a luxurious vintage makeup brand committed to using natural products. This set has the perfect shades to mimic the looks of your favorite Hollywood starlets (whether she's from 1930 or 1970!).

Shop Besame Cosmetics

Doggybo from Yogibo

Good for: Your four-legged BFF (or any owner of a furry friend)

Yogibo

Can we just paws to say "awww for a second? Now, your friends, coworkers, and parents aren't the only ones who deserve a special treat this holiday season. While your dog would probably prefer a hunk of meat, this gift is great because it might convince your pup to stop hogging your favorite spot on the couch. Double win!

Shop Yogibo

Waxed Ash Canvas Backpack from MAIKA

Good for: That stylish -- but practical -- cousin who just started college in the big city

Fun fact: The marketing team at Funding Circle got our colleague a bag from MAIKA as a going away present when he left us to start business school. It was so beautiful, he almost cried. (Although that also could've been because he was leaving such awesome people.) Either way, we're sure you'll agree that MAIKA goods would make the perfect gift for anyone in your life who has books to carry, laptops to schlep, or places to be!

Shop MAIKA

Author
Paige Smith
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author writing in their individual capacity. They do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of iBusiness Funding. This content is for educational and information purposes only, and should not be taken as financial, tax, legal or HR advice. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. All loan offers and qualifications require credit approval and are subject to change with or without notice.

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