The holiday shopping season is officially upon us and while it may be tempting to just get it all done with Amazon, this year more than ever, we really should consider shopping small and local for our gifts. After all these are the businesses that were hit the hardest with the pandemic and they need support.  So with that in mind, here are some of my favorites that I’ve shopped before and thought you may love as well.

1.) Rebel Moon Magic Candles

This is a brand started by my best friend, Brooke (@rebelbmagick) who is also the inspiration behind this post. She launched this small business at the very start of the pandemic with her first two candles being just the beginning of what she plans to offer so be sure to follow her on IG to see what RMM releases next.

Though I plan to get “Magick” sometime soon, “Moon Petal” is my personal favorite. I have it on my desk and light it whenever I need to wind down from a stressful work day. If you’re looking for a luxury gift for that virtual Secret Santa or even if you want to treat yourself make sure to get one of these.

2.) Callio Fragrance

This is a brand I was introduced to only a few years ago but has since become a favorite of mine. Founded in Queens, my home borough here in NYC, they blend their own fragrances which range from a soft and sweet scent to a spicy and outgoing scent. They are also cruelty free and made to last long so you don’t have to reapply too often. Right now they are only selling their travel size options due to a pandemic-related alcohol shortage but don’t let this deter you from supporting them this year. This is a great chance to try one or more of their scents and I promise you that you will fall in love with their fragrances.

3.) Bambooyah

This is a brand that I was introduced to just his year thanks to ColorMe Courtney’s IG stories. Run by sister duo Nikki and Megan, and based in Australia, they sell sustainable bamboo accessories. All their designs are handmade and unique, with new ones being offered almost every season. They also have different attachment options for you to choose from, including clip-ons if you’re like me and don’t have pierced ears.

Crescent Glitter Moon with Black Cat Drop Stud Dangle Earring (sold out)

As you can expect I love their crescent moon and halloween earring designs but their Christmas designs are super cute this year so check those out before they sell out! In addition to earrings, Bambooyah has tree ornaments, greeting cards, brooches and hair accessories. Since this brand is located in abroad, I highly recommend making your purchase as soon as possible so that you get it in time for the holidays.

4.) Shop Jenny Machete

Ever style an outfit and felt that it needed just something more? Well, have you considered maybe adding a (plus friendly) harness? Jenny Machete has handmade vegan leather harnesses and other spooky accessories in practically every color imaginable for you or your alternative fashion-loving friends. Seriously the material is buttery soft though the style is edgy and sexy as hell. I’ve only gotten my very first harness from this shop just last month but I’m already in the market for my next one. I also  have my eye on her new bat bow tie that she released about a week ago and the coffin thigh holster. But I have to wait and see if its in the budget after I finish my holiday shopping, lol.  Anyways, be sure to check her out!

5.) Fib & Fables

Hair accessories are my new obsession this year, probably because of the focus on my face and upper body with all the Zoom meetings I have to attend for work, hahaha. Anyways, I stumbled upon Black-owned and operated Fib & Fables while going through the Instagram hashtag rabbit-hole one evening and I fell in love. All their products are inspired by mythology, fables and folklore with the goal to create inclusive conversation about hair.Right now, as I write this post today they are having a pretty amazing sale with most of their popular items being only $10!

6.) The Ethnically Creative

If you’re in the market for ethnically sourced candles, stationary, and jewelry  made in the USA, the Ethnically Creative should be your first stop.I own the Regina Necklace and it is my go to accessory for a pop of color. I also love that it’s also turquoise, a stone that represents wisdom, tranquility, protection, good fortune, and hope. (Something I think we all need especially this year.) During this cyber weekend they are offering 30% off all the items on the site, just use code “CYBER” at check out. Sale ends tomorrow, Sunday November 29th so jump on it while you can.

Are there any small business that are not on this list that you’d like to share and encourage us to shop? Let us know in the comments below!