Without question, small businesses have faced many challenges they didn’t see coming in 2020. That’s why this year, more than ever, it is important to shop small and to shop local! I have put together a gift guide spotlighting some of my favorite small businesses in Birmingham and beyond! By focusing on these businesses and brands, I hope to inspire ideas and holiday gifting, and maybe even encourage you to add an item or two to your own list!
J. Lowery was started by two life-long friends turned business partners with a philosophy to “create meaningful accessories for the people who inspire and influence us each day”. The Max Mini in Stone is my new go-to bag and I’m in good company because Lilly Collins of Emily in Paris loves it too!
A bolster pillow from this Tulsa, OK company is at the top of my list this year! So many great fabrics and pillow size/shape options! All orders must be placed by the end of day, December 7 to arrive by Christmas!
“Bathleisure made better” – The short robe in Parker Blue is on my list this year! Orders with embroidery must be placed by December 13!
I have expressed my love for Susan’s amazing work time and time again and will never tire of her beautiful pieces made right here in Birmingham, Alabama! You cannot go wrong gifting any of her work. The Size G wavy bowl sits on my island and holds my fruits and vegetables and the Size AA Wavy Bowl is the perfect size for a charcuterie board! Important dates to note: November 22 is the last day to place custom orders for Christmas and December 14 is the last day to place ready to ship orders for Christmas.
This fabulous statement jewelry brand is named after the founder’s daughters and is made in Alabama. I’m eyeing this pair of earrings!
I am proud to call this TALENTED artist a friend. If you aren’t fast enough to add an original Teil Duncan piece to your cart (her next release is November 19 at 11 am EST), one of her prints is a great option! Her beautiful book, The Color Teil, also makes a great gift!
Magic City Woodworks is an amazing organization in Birmingham that “exists to offer highly impactful, paid 6 month apprenticeship experiences for young men stuck in a rut.” Their mini graze board with custom engraving would make a great hostess gift!
A gift I will continue to recommend year after year! The BEST pajamas! I purchased this pair at the Lake flagship store on my recent trip to Charleston!
Dainty, affordable and high-quality jewelry made in California. I own several of Adelaide’s pieces and love them all, but this pair of earrings may be my favorite! December 12 is the last day to place orders for Christmas.
I was given this mixing bowl as a gift and absolutely love it! Perfect for the baker in your life!
As a person who collects matches, I fell in love with these matchbook prints by Charles Ryan Clarke when I discovered them in the fitting room at the Lake Pajamas store in Charleston. I will definitely have a few in my house one day. His collection features iconic restaurants in cities like NYC, The Hamptons, Chicago, DC, Aspen, LA, Palm Beach and New Orleans plus college prints.
Match South is another small business that sells matchbook prints. It was birthed out of the desire to serve the hospitality industry in a time of need while also providing consumers with a timeless keepsake. Match South curates a thoughtful collection of framed vintage matchbook prints featuring some of the South’s finest restaurants, universities, businesses, teams and more. 50% of your purchase will be donated to #ATLFamilyMeal – their mission is to help feed, nurture, and support hospitality workers during and immediately after the pandemic by activating the Atlanta restaurant community unlike ever before.
Courtney of Savor Style creates the most amazing charcuterie boards and she has packaged up her favorite products from local makers and small businesses (all items are non-perishable) into a curated box! Just add cheese and and make a fabulous graze board at home! This box includes two items I mentioned earlier in this post – the Magic City Woodworks mini graze board and a AA Wavy bowl from Susan Gordon Pottery! November 20 is the last day for orders that include the Susan Gordon Pottery Bowl and December 1 is the last day for orders without the bowl.
Shop Bijou is an online-only, one-stop-shop for affordable accessories that would make a perfect dirty Santa gift! I love these hammered hoops!
The wedding planning studio that helped with our wedding has a lifestyle brand, Ami à Vie! Their amazing designers created a line of linens that make any table more festive! The perfect gift for the entertainer!
Teri, aka @nocrumbsleft, is known for her “magic elixirs” and her marinated red onions are one of her most famous recipes! She has a beautiful line of pottery that includes a bowl specific for making the delicious marinated onions. I own this bowl in “Pearl Tie Dye” and have also given it as a gift! It can be used for so much more than just the one recipe. Including a recipe card with the bowl is an awesome gift for your favorite foodie!
I owe it to the girls at Eleven Eleven for introducing me to some of my favorite athleisure brands! They are constantly adding hot new brands to their inventory and offer cool accessories, too!
Ragan Stone Travel is a boutique travel business based in Birmingham, but able to assist clients all over the country. After this crazy year we’ve had, it won’t be long before everyone is itching to travel again. Give the gift of future travel with this amazing curated gift box. The gift box includes a certificate for “I Want It All” Planning Services (No expiration, no travel by date, no minimum trip spend required), a set of 4 linen cocktail napkins, a Laguiole mini cheese cutter, and a Laguiole mini cheese spreader. This is the perfect year to give the gift of something to look forward to!
A’mano, one of my favorite gift shops here in Birmingham, now has an online store! They always have the best greeting cards, ornaments, and unique gifts!
beauté therapie is a skincare and cosmetic boutique offering the latest and best products available in clean and luxury beauty! I was first introduced to brands like Westman Atelier and Tata Harper thanks to the girls at this fabulous shop. I love the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick – I wear the shade Petal.They also carry resort swimwear and chic accessories.
Bromberg’s offers timeless, classic giftware from brands like Annieglass, Beatriz Ball, Vietri, Herend and Juliska – just to name a few! It is my favorite place we registered during our wedding planning – read about my experience and my favorite items I registered for here. Bromberg’s is located in Birmingham, but they ship nationwide. If you don’t see a particular item pictured on the website from a brand they carry, you can call and they will take your order over the phone.
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you already know my love for Weezie B. Designs! They have designed all of our paper goods – from stationary and calling cards, wedding suite and wedding party goods, and our Christmas cards! For a personalized gift, cute invitations, or fun gift tags for your presents – check them out. Use code “Fairway20” for 20% off your order!
I love a consumable gift (check out last year’s Consumable Gift Guide) and this a great treat for the health nut in your life! The Best Sellers Kit from Bamboo Juices is a combination of juices, an elixir and an almond milk so you are able to try a variety of their products. I love adding their almond milks to my coffee! They are making a delivery to Birmingham on December 10 or their products can be shipped anywhere!
Collected For The Home is an “everyday & affordable way to style your home”! I love this handwoven rattan tray to use on a guest bed to welcome guests or styled on a coffee table! Use code “FAIRWAYFINDS” for 15% off of your order!
Planning to gift clothing? Shop at a local boutique! Some of my favorites have online shops too!
The Nomad Duffel from Flint Leather Co. is SHARP and 100% full grain leather. It has an inside laptop pocket, comes with a shoulder strap and includes a bag tag. They also have a great-looking dopp kit, which is always a practical gift!
The Perfect Practice putting mat was voted the “2020 Indoor Golf Product of the Year”! It comes in a few different sizes – Smylie has the standard edition!
For the person on your list that enjoys the beach, the Shibumi Shade is a perfect gift! We gave this to my dad for Father’s Day and he LOVES it! It weighs under 4 pounds so it’s super easy to carry down to the beach and it provides plenty of shade!
I first learned about this New Orleans based company at The Zurich Classic golf tournament a few years ago! Smylie loves their belts and wallets! They even have a “Gifts for the Golfer” section on their website. The entire site is 25% off through November 22 with code “25OFF”!
For your favorite fitness-lover, buy a class pack to their favorite local workout studio! Smylie’s parents have given me a class pack to MPower, my favorite pilates studio, in years past and it is always one of my favorite gifts!
Donate in honor of your gift recipient to a charity they are passionate about. Non-profits have had a tough year and this is an extremely thoughtful gift.
Cheers to shopping small and shopping local! Your support will mean so much this year!
Always finding joy,
Francie
