We’re big on shopping small here at Aeolidia, and value handmade goods and well-designed products from independent small businesses. Here are some of our favorites this year: things we’ll be gifting and hoping to get. I love how these lists give you a little peek into each person’s style, as well! Which Aeolidian do you match best with?

Katherine’s picks

Katherine has been working on our content marketing, creating courses and educational downloads for us, as well as writing for the blog and putting together our portfolio posts.

I’m moving away from Chicago next year after living here for 20 years. Sad face! We have an awesome maker community here that I will miss. Here are some of my favorite recent Chicago makers.

Little Fire Ceramics – Tabletop Planter with Wood Stand: You can’t go wrong getting someone a plant, and a pot to put it in. I’m a sucker for wood + ceramic pieces, too. I love the minimal design of these.

Po Campo – Midway Weekender Gym Bag: I’m not a cyclist, but I’m friends with so many people who are. I love Maria’s company because she makes stylish bags that are SUPER practical because they attach to bikes. And they even have a couple that aren’t super bike-centric, so you can give them to anyone in your life.

Sorry Design – National Parks Poster: If I could start my life over I’d be a screen print designer. I love these designs from Chicago-based Sorry Design — not your typical poster art. Classy, and I always think cool posters make the perfect gifts.

Lilla Barn – Toddler Dress: If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a little toddler, Lilla Barn makes the most amazing Scandinavian-inspired children’s clothing, all handmade in the U.S.A.

Ann’s picks

Ann is an Aeolidia designer, creating brand identities and websites for our clients.

I am featuring all Southern based businesses for my list.

Scout Southern Market – Bourbon Barrel Bracelet: Anything from Scout Southern Market from right here in Beaufort, SC. I love absolutely everything in their store and can always find the perfect gift – not to mention they have amazing Sweet Tea Floats!

Indigo Collection – Vintage Home Goods: My friend and former co-worker started an awesome vintage shop called Indigo Collection. She carries unique and interesting pieces for the home. Another Southern based business for the win!

Candlefish – Frasier Fir Statement Tree Candle: I love a Lowcountry small business! Candlefish started in Charleston and now has a location in Atlanta. I’m a candle lover and these are the best!

Blabla Kids – Deer Doll “Jasper”: One of my go-to kiddo and baby gifts, Blabla. An Atlanta based knit children’s product line, their dolls are some of my son’s most treasured friends. And you can’t believe how soft they are!

Natalia’s picks

Natalia is our copywriter, and helps our clients brainstorm business names, write compelling product descriptions, and describe their businesses winningly for About pages, among other things.

Silly Buddy – Wiltshire Sage Berry Flower Collar: This flower collar by Silly Buddy for my pups!

Kate Winternitz – Natalia Jewelry Set: This is a local Austin jewelry designer whose work I’ve loved and worn for year. Guess what I just realized one of her new collections is named? It must be destiny!

Baggio Ardon – “We Are One” artwork: This gorgeous artwork by Latinx artist Baggio Ardon Design celebrating culture and unity.

Ponderlily – Weekly Planner: I’m a planner NERD. I’ve used the same one for years but Ponderlily’s has me ready to place an order.

Sam’s picks

Sam is our Accounts Manager and is the friendly voice you will talk to as you get your project set up. She’ll also make sure it stays on track and she keeps everything humming busily in our hive.

Floret Flower – Seed Collection Hardy Annual Mix: Pretty packaging + the hope of cut flowers!

Kaufmann Mercantile – Kakomi Ceramic Rice Cooker: The perfect rice cooker.

Sugar Paper – Mini Notepad, Gold Little Note: For popping notes into lunches.

Flax and Twine – Finger Knit Trivet Knitting Kit: Fun and useful DIY kit.

Caroline’s picks

Caroline helps our clients with one-on-one marketing and business consultations. When a business owner is almost-but-not-quite ready to work with us, we’ll often set her up with Caroline first, so she’ll be prepared for success.

Wholesome Soul – Zodiac Calendar: Art and design to warm the heart & light up the soul

Pure Luxe Apothecary – Daily Essentials Skincare Set: What gal wouldn’t love some luxe, all natural skincare?

Harvest Crafts – Floral Trumpet Clutch: Darling handcrafted clutch with leather details.

Pam Powers Knits – Monarch Cowl Kit: If only this knitting kit came with some free time.

Christine’s picks

Christine is a web and brand identity designer extraordinaire, and has been designing for Aeolidia clients for years!

Leather Card Holder | Mezzaluna Necklace

Sugar Paper – Leather Card Holder: To carry my business cards in style (bonus if monogrammed!).

Rare Device – Mezzaluna Necklace: A pretty necklace simple enough for everyday.

Mapamundi Kids – Nature’s Day Book: A book to browse with my kiddos.

American Heirloom – Walnut Taper Candle Holder: For all those dinner parties I will someday throw.

Holly’s picks

Holly takes care of our clients and keeps all the details of projects organized. There are a lot of moving parts to a design project, and Holly keeps these under control while keeping our clients informed.

Crafty Wonderland – Geometric Oregon Necklace: For the Oregonian at heart.

Frankie & Claude – Doughnuts iPhone Case: For the funky foodie friend

Emily McDowell – Change My Life Canvas Pouch: For your Sephora-addicted friend.

Gingiber – Mini Cat Wall Calendar: For your cat-loving co-worker.

Shoshanna’s picks

Shoshanna is a web developer, bringing our designs to life as fully functioning websites with the features needed to make sales.

Dani Barbe – Emerald Stacking Ring: One-of-a-kind emerald stacking ring in gold or silver.

Portage Bay Goods – Common Grounds Coffee Candle: Real coffee candle from Seattle.

Hester & Cook – Backyard Party Notepad: Party birds notepad.

Common Deer – Hand Painted Green Mountain Mug: Hand painted mountain mug from Vermont

Kelly’s picks

Kelly is a web developer, and makes sure the strategic features we plan at the beginning of a project are all working well by launch.

Gingiber – Calico Cat Enamel Pin

Sugar Paper – Signature Candle, Holiday

Frankie & Claude – You’re Really Pretty Mug

Dani Barbe – Opal Aquamarine Studs

Arianne’s picks

Arianne is captain and founder at Aeolidia, and is responsible for steering the ship and making sure we’re exceeding expectations at every turn.

The more handmade things I have in my home, the happier I am. Here are a few things I would joyfully welcome into my Konmari-ed house.

Felix Doolittle – Boughs and Blossoms Calendar: I’m always popping open my calendar app to see what the date is. I’d rather glance across my desk to this most beautiful calendar by Felix Doolittle.

Bookhou – Day Bag – Rain/Wax: I’ve been following Arounna’s work almost since I started my business and love her style and artistic curiosity.

Collingwood Norris – Staffa Scarf: I love scarves. Knitted in Scotland, a woolen rainbow for your neck.

Schoolhouse Electric – Choose Joy Banner: A daily happy reminder, courtesy of this special Secret Holiday Co banner made for Schoolhouse Electric.

Shop Small This Holiday Season

We know Aeolidia readers value shopping small already! I hope this list gives you some new ideas and shops to check out.