B.E Publishing's 2020 Gift Guide : Shop Small Edition
Shop Small Holiday Gift Ideas 2020
For the past four years, I’ve had this nagging feeling of disgust with gift receiving and giving. During the holidays, materialism and greed often pop up with a vengeance at a time when material things should be the last ideas on our minds, not to mention the ethical and environmental consequences of consumerism each holiday. I’ve tried to convince family-members to go sans-gifts, but I still can’t quite get there after four years of asking—sometimes begging. I say this because for many, gifts are purchased with large retailers who have less-than-stellar working conditions, low pay, and contribute to environmental damage. The whole gift thing would be much easier to get behind if it were done with intention—perhaps a few carefully selected gifts from small businesses/artisans rather than 15 small things from the Target dollar aisle.
It is important to shop small and support local all the time, but especially in 2020. Small businesses are in danger, and if you think that sounds like an exaggeration, it’s not. You would be hard-pressed to find a small business that has not been affected by COVID-19. So now, more than ever, please consider supporting small businesses.
Without further adieu, read on for my 2020 gift guide supporting small businesses.
photo courtesy of social squares
@publicsupply instagram
FOR THE WRITER/DREAMER/CREATIVE: NOTEBOOKS FROM PUBLIC SUPPLY CO.
*UNDER $20*
Not an exaggeration, I have a stockpile of 20 of these notebooks because I am entirely obsessed. They donate 25% of their profits to schools in need of basic school supplies.
shop here
FOR THE BIBLIOPHILE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NEWSSTANDS AND BOOKSTORES
if you’re seeking an extensive or niche collection of magazines to choose from, try Smoke Signals Newsstand.
If you’re seeking an extensive or niche collection of books to choose from, try The Last Bookstore.
@smokesignalsnewsstand instagram
@ourlovelygoods instagram
FOR THE HOMEBODY: CANDLES AND HOME GOODS FROM OUR LOVELY GOODS
luxurious products by a family-run business
*Black-owned
shop here
@firepotnomadicteas instagram
photo: radian photography
FOR THE INTERIOR-OBSESSED: HANDMADE WOODEN VASE FROM WHIRL AND WHITTLE
the dreamiest addition to your loved-one’s home *female-owned & minority-owned
shop here
FOR PRETTY MUCH ANYONE TRYING TO SURVIVE 2020: CBD SPARKLING WATER BY DRAM APOTHECARY
or their bitters, syrups, drops, and salves. *female-owned
shop now
@dramapothecary instagram
photo: emily steward
FOR THE RESTLESS TRAVELER: B.E AWAY TRAVEL MAGAZINE
*UNDER $20*
What could be a better gift than a trip around the world for under $20?
(oh hey! it’s us! and we’re female-owned)
shop here
FOR THE FASHION-FORWARD: A PIECE FROM WHIMSEY + ROW
low carbon footprint, ethical production, and fair wages *female-owned
shop now
@whimseyandrow instagram
photo: B.E Publishing
FOR THE TRAVELER: LEATHER BACKPACK FROM BACKPACKS4FRIENDS
I have a backpack from Roman of backpacks for friends and I still remember the kind handwritten card sent with the backpack I ordered three years ago. I hate traveling with a tote because I am a hot mess and I need to be hands-free, so I love my timeless black leather backpack from the kindest business-owner. This is an heirloom piece that I will have forever.
shop now
FOR YOUR LOVER: STAYCATION AT A BOUTIQUE HOTEL/BED & BREAKFAST
if you’re in New York, we suggest the only boutique hotel we’ve had our eye on in 2020: The Maker Hotel in Hudson, NY
book now
@themakerhotel instagram
@nudigoods instagram
FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY FAN: COSMETICS FROM NUDI GOODS
sustainable, biodegradable, plastic-free packaging. *female-owned
B.E AWAY: A Travel Magazine from B.E Publishing.
120 pages of travels with jaw-dropping imagery, guides, tips, and descriptive travel experiences to immerse yourself in a little digital getaway.
Pack your bags, and don’t forget the playlist! We’re headed out.