You know that many of the things on your holiday gift list are sitting in container ships in harbors around the country, so let me draw your attention to some of my favorite nonprofits and small businesses with unique presents ready to ship right now. Do something different this year.
I’ll start with Beautiful Day, one of my favorite nonprofits. I buy gift boxes there for family members and myself because I’m so impressed with how the granola and granola bars get made at Beautiful Day. It’s all part of a training that helps refugees learn about US workplace norms so that after they finish the program they can get jobs with local companies that love to hire them. If you want to take advantage of Beautiful Day’s 15% Shop Small discount, use code SBS21 at checkout before 11:59 p.m., Sunday, 11/28/21.
Dean’s Beans, a coffee seller, is not a nonprofit, but the environmental and social justice work they do in the countries where they source beans makes me think I’m doing a good deed while drinking my very favorite coffee. Consider gifts from Dean’s for the coffee drinkers on your list.
UTEC is a nonprofit that works miracles with teens who’ve been in trouble with the law, teaching marketable skills, including how to make these handsome cutting boards.
I’d also like to highlight items from a few folks who have engaged with this blog for years. I really feel like I know them now. Pottery from the Alchemist is available as tree ornaments, coffee mugs, gorgeous raku vases, and more.
Or how about books? Blogger Laura Graves sells young adult fantasy novels from her highly imaginative Great Library series here. Francesca Forrest also writes novels, including the delightful Pen Pal and an otherworldly series beginning with The Inconvenient God, here.
You can buy singer-songwriter Will McMillan’s music on Spotify, among other places. Perhaps my favorite is the album Blame Those Gershwins that Will made with composer Steve Sweeting, here. Blogger friend Tiffany Arp-Daleo makes colorful abstract art that she turns into items such as T-shirts and coffee mugs. Check her out here.
And don’t forget Luna & Stella (my daughter’s jewelry company) and the Shop Small sale, where she’s offering 15% off through Monday, 1/29/21.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Good list. I’m definitely checking some of these out for the presents I need to ship. Thanks.
I hope this year’s obstacles lead folks to new finds.
Thanks so much for the mention! I will be checking out your other suggestions.
Eagerly awaiting your next Great Library episode.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for supporting small businesses. Your daughter’s selection of antique jewelry is beautiful.
Thanks. I think she has a good eye for these pieces. She’s kind of like a curator.
She must scour estate sales and markets to find them. That sounds like fun. Wish her happy hunting from me.
Will do.
These are great suggestions. This may be the year of shopping local.
That would be nice. Milford Street, do you sell yor photos and calendars? I couldn’t find a shop on your site.
What a sweet honor to be included on this lovely list of gift ideas! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you for your music, Will! You bring so much feeling to it!