Small Shops, Great Gifts!
Buying gifts for loved ones can be a difficult task. You want to get them something they’ll enjoy at great price. The great thing about small businesses is that they sell unique products, often handmade. Finding one-of-a-kind gifts are perfect for someone who seems to “have everything” or doesn’t know what they want.
For example, getting my kids to write down gift ideas is difficult! They may ask for things throughout the year, but when it comes to holiday shopping, they suddenly can’t think of a single thing. I turn to small businesses that have so many not-seen-in-chain store gifts. I participated in a lot of vendor events here in Phoenix, AZ and got to know a lot of artists, crafters, and authors. They are among the kindest, most helpful people I’ve met this year.
Running a small business is hard. You run everything from marketing to product creation to website updates and shipping by yourself or with a small group. We as small businesses compete against big corporations. That’s why this year, we collaborated with a host of fabulous authors, bloggers, and creators to list their top 5 holiday gift ideas!
We hope you find some cool gift ideas and check out the creators’ profiles. Maybe you’ll find some new accounts to follow.
Here are the bloggers, authors, and creators and their recommendations!
Kriti from Armed with a Book
Kriti is a book blogger who always has great book recommendations on a variety of genres.
Check out her list which includes creative nonfiction and fiction books, stickers, and stamps!
Evren from Nonbinary Knight Reads and Reviews
Evren is a book blogger and judge for the Indie Ink Awards.
Evren’s list includes great LGBTQ+ books, Pride merch, and a super cool shirt in support of libraries (because they’re awesome).
Trey Stone, Author of Crime Thrillers and Psychological Horror
Trey Stone might write scary and mysterious books, but he’s got heart filled with nerdy fandoms.
Check out Trey’s list of sites that have tons of gifts perfect for those who love Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Pokemon!
Ria, YA Fantasy Author
Ria Parisi’s debut book, Of Wolves and Stags is a YA fantasy with queer and plus-size representation.
Ria has some great gift ideas for writers and readers such as bookmarks, gamer’s (and reader’s) pillow, keychains, and book customizations.
Tiny Elf Arcanist
Tiny Elf Arcanist is an avid reader and role player.
If you’re not sure what to get your D&D-loving loved one, be sure to check out these suggestions!
Lawrence J West, Horror Author
Lawrence is a writer, gamer, and avid reader. His novella, Breached, releases February 13, 2024!
His gift recommendations come from various books he’s read over the year. If you’re shopping for a reader, be sure to check out these wonderful indie books!
Elaina Parsons-Batista, YA and Nonfiction Author
Elaina is a passionate writer of YA and nonfiction and an avid tarot card reader!
Elaina offers us a variety of gift ideas for tarot enthusiasts, avid reader, and foodie!
S Kaeth, Fantasy Author and owner of Indie Story Geek
S Kaeth is a writer at heart with a passion for life adventures, crafts and Capoeira.
SK’s list consists of amazing recommendations for writers. If you’re shopping for a writer, consider some of these amazing tools and merch to keep them motivated in their journey!
Dami, Urban SFF Author
Dami is a board-certified psychiatrist and owner of her own private practice, Salako Psychiatry. When she’s not working or writing, Dami is cosplaying, playing Stardew Valley or Baldur’s Gate, or attending EDM festivals (her favorite artist is Rezz).
Dami’s has some unique recommendations for the fantasy lover and reader in your life!