If I'm honest, I'm already sick of seeing holiday gift guides around the interwebz. I know, Scroogie McScroogerson over here. There are a handful of reasons why this is, and one of them is that I find few guides contain things I'd actually want or buy.

As my mama would say, different strokes for different folks.

So, I decided to make a gift guide of things that I'd want. And in honor of Small Business Saturday, every piece is from smaller makers, ethically sourced and/or gives back to a worthy cause. Over the past few years, I've worked on purchasing less but higher-in-quality things. It's a privilege to be able to do this, but I think we must be cognizant of what we consume so this doesn't happen (oops, it already has).

I'm a fan of experiences over things, but sometimes there is nothing better than a good book, cute pair of earrings or sexy-smelling candle to spark joy. Small joys are, in fact, rather big. These gifts are perfect for moms, sisters, friends, partners, you, me — whomever you think might love one (or all) of them.

And even if you'd never want or buy anything on my gift guide, clicking through these links is a great way to kill time at work before the Thanksgiving weekend begins. Pre-holiday procrastination, f'real.

---

Textured T-Sweater — All garments are made to order & sewn in Nashville, Tenn. (Woman-owned & made in the USA.)

Mustard Planter — From a one-woman pottery studio in Texas.

Knot Pendant — I've been coveting this necklace for years. Designed and handmade in Austin, Texas by the most stylish woman.

Forever Gay Pin — Ben Wagner is a graphic designer I j'adore, and his pins make me happy. Also, $1 from each purchase goes to a queer nonprofit.

Small Hoop Earrings — A friend bought me these several years ago, and I get more compliments on them than anything else I own. (Woman-owned & made in the USA.)

Resist Pennant — Secret Holiday & Co has long been a favorite of mine, and I love the new line of activism products. (Woman-owned & made in the USA.)

Art Notepad Set — Moglea is another of my favorites, and her hand-painted & letterpress-printed stationery is my ideal holiday gift. (Made in the USA)

Cedar Stack Candle — These beeswax & coconut oil candles are from Boy Smells, which is best company name ever. (Made in the USA)

Food Photography Book — Dying over this, which I discovered via my friend Katie.

DONATE — Many of us are lucky enough to not *need* anything for the holidays, so how about donating to a worthy cause? I'm going with the NRDC this year (and not just because there is a Hamilton contest involved).

Parks Beanie — Proceeds from this online shop fund projects in our National Park System. (Made in the USA)

Beach Tote — This colorful tote is from the lovely relationship gurus over at About Love. (Fair trade & made in Ecuador by expert weaving artisans.)