It is very easy to fall into the big box store trap. I for one am often guilty. However, small businesses are truly where our focus should be. I was raised by a working mom who was the backbone (and only employee) to a small business. Now my husband is a small business owner as well. Behind these smaller establishments are some of the most hardworking and best people. While the big box stores offer lots of selection and likely some convenience, I find that these smaller stores offer a far superior product. Usually, more unique and of better quality than the conglomerates.
Local Establishments:
Twinbrook Farms, Franklin Lakes, NJ - If you are in Northern NJ, I highly recommend checking them out. They are family owned and operated. They are my go to for all seasonal decor and plants. They also have on premise seasonal activities for kids and the grounds are just stunning!
Cape May Yoga, Cape May, NJ - Not local to me per say but the owner, has been a friend of mine well, forever. Cape May is a year round tourist destination. I highly recommend checking her out if you’re in the area. In the summer she offers beach yoga but has indoor classes year round. Know someone traveling to Cape May? This would make an amazing “experience” gift.
Health & Beauty
Kara Zayas, ItWorks - You can follow her at @karaa_leighh_. She is a single mom of 2 and is doing her boss mom thing with ItWorks. She has a so many amazing products that you could use for yourself or gift. You do not need to be local to her, she is located in Kansas but will ship anywhere!
Clothing:
Freshpair.com - I have shared this site before. They are family run and offer amazing customer service. They offer one of the largest selections of lingerie, undergarments and loungewear. Plus they gave me a discount code NICOLE25 for 25% off your order! While you are holiday shopping, keep them in mind.
Gifts:
Nicole Hart @hart2hartgifts - I have shared her work so many times and I can’t sing her praises enough. She does custom jackets for all ages and styles. My girls are getting new jackets from her. Almost every little girl I know has been gifted one of her jackets. Order early since these are handmade and take some lead time! You don’t need to be local to work with her, however she does offer order pickups if you are!
Tons of Toys, New Jersey- https://www.tonsoftoys.com - This is a New Jersey Toy shop, they have stores all over. We personally know the owners and they are wonderful people. What sets this shop apart from the big box stores is they will assemble and deliver to you if you’re local to one of their locations. They also have an amazing assortment of more unique gifts. Not sure what to buy, they have a very knowledgeable staff and are happy to help you find the perfect gift.
IttyBittyKeepsake on Etsy. You don’t have to be local to New Jersey to shop this adorable shop. This is my go to baby gift! I highly recommend shopping her stuff for a personalized baby gift. But… I call dibs if we know the same person having a new baby :)
XOKendallCo on Etsy - I have shared her stuff before! She is a one women show who creates a phenomenal product that rivals Stoney Clover and is a better price point. Shop her stuff either on Etsy or Instagram. You don’t have to be local to purchase her stuff!
Services:
@GigiDesingsBoutique - a friend of mine owns this shop. She offers graphic design services. If you are looking for help on cards or invitations, I suggest checking her out!
Sunlust by Alex @sunlustbyalex - a local mom who offers the most amazing self tanning services. If you are local she will come to your house and do an in house spray tan (can you say so amazing). Not local? Don’t worry, you can order her tanning solution to apply yourself.
LuckyEden Photography - I have worked with this group of ladies before and I can’t sing their praises enough! If you’re local, they are offering an huge variety of mini sessions at the most amazing locations in Northern, NJ.
Jewelry:
Ferkos Fine Jewelry - I have shared them before and often shop their shop on Etsy. I have several pieces from them and have often gifted their stuff as well. They offer unique yet affordable pieces to fit any budget. They do custom work too!
Kevins Fine Jewelry - If you are local to New Jersey I highly recommend them for your fine jewelry needs. They are the only ones I trust and my high end pieces only come from them. They are a small business with a very welcoming approach to sales. They work with all budgets and will do custom work as well.
Treats:
Both of these ladies are local to Northern New Jersey. If you are near by, I would highly recommend checking them out for all your treat needs!
@Cocoa Confectionary - custom chocolates
@sugarandconfetti - custom cookies
Bows:
Little Lopers - If you have followed me for a while, you know that these are my go to bows for Makenna. Her selection is tremendous and the community of women who follow her are pretty awesome too. You do not have to be local to shop her stuff.
@CottonTailBowCo - This is small business owned by one of my followers. She offers a wide variety of styles and prints and will ship anywhere! Also an amazing solution for you bow needs!
Have a small business you love? Send them my way and I am happy to add them to the list!
Photo By Lucky Eden Photography
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