Local Small Business Gift Guide-Stuff!

Any Seinfeld fans out there? Remember when George thought he could run a holiday gift scam at work, and made up cards saying that he had donated money in his co-workers honor to “The Human Fund-Money for People”? Well, as a nod to that, here is my gift guide: “Stuff for People”. But, this is a legit gift guide with tons of ideas from small, local, and black owned businesses.

My focus is on food here at “Out of the Fire into the Frying Pan”, but wanted I to share as many small businesses of all kinds as I could.

Local, small businesses need our support now more than ever.

Especially, here in California, where we are under another stay home order, and many businesses are having to shutdown again.

Buying gift cards from businesses that can’t open at all right now, or are at very limited capacity is huge!

So, here’s some “Stuff” to gift your loved ones:

1. Watercolors-metallic paints to bring out your inner Bob Ross. They also have some beautiful paint brushes to add to the package. Good Gray , Petaluma
2. Wildflower seed mix– Look no further for gifts for a discerning gardener friend. Larner Seeds is an amazing nursery has all of your native plant needs covered. The proprietor, Judith, is such a wealth of knowledge. Her passion, and deep understanding of the native California landscape make for an amazing collection of plants, seeds, and other garden oriented gifts, books, and tools.
3. Handcrafted hatchet– These artisan axes from Savage Sublime are made from vintage and handcrafted pieces. These axes, like everything they do, are beautiful and functional, and make such a unique gift.
4. Shirt-This shop is an offshoot of one of my favorite IG accounts, Hilarious Humanitarian, Her wit, good will, advice, sarcasm and goofiness are are sanity savers. Her shop has a lot of fun gifts to lighten up the holidays
5. Scented Candles-It is really hard to find a scented that actually keeps it scent when lit, and is not filled with tons of weird ingredients. But TerraLites has done it. Can’t recommend these enough. 
6. Leggings-I’m excited to try this black owned athletic wear. There is nothing like a new pair of leggings to inspire some binge watching. Just kidding, sometimes. Anyway, good workout gear is always a nice gift. So, I bought myself a couple of pairs, happy to have discovered this company
7. Wreaths and Garlands-Sky Island Farm has some gorgeous, fresh, grown on their farm holiday decor. A nice way to bring someone a little holiday cheer. 
8. Underwear-Would it really be Christmas without some underwear and/or socks under the tree? These are really nice, and come from a really cool shop, that lots of other options for anyone with lady parts.
9. Gilded hands bowl-These molded hand bowls from Made By Rheal, would make a really awesome gift. Nestle a piece of jewelry in the palm, and some will be very touched.
10. Clothing-Taylor Jay is a black woman opened company, that makes sustainable, elevated basics. This skirt, jumpsuit and top are a few on my list. . They have a wide range of sizes and features to accommodate all body types
11. Watches-Talley &Twine is a black owned company with really stylish, sleek pieces, designed to last a lifetime. I really like these and these.
12. Bluetooth earbuds– RayTec Audio, is a black woman owned business that wanted to make high quality products without such a hefty price tag. Their motto ”

13. Bay Photo-Photo prints make such personal gift. Bay photo is a really professional shop that can do anything you might need. Metal prints, or ornaments are the perfect way to showcase a photograph for someone.

14. Resistance bands– Bandy cheeks is a small, black owned workout gear company. Since so many people are working out at home instead of the gym, , small gadgets that give you great workout are ideal. If you’ve never worked out with bands, now is the time to try it, and this one looks really great!

15. Bedside Worry Book – Put their worries to bed with this sweet little gift from black owned Greer Chicago. Maybe paired with some bedtime tea?

16. Fold-over Clutch -Jen Spilly Designs is a new, happy discovery for me. This designer/maker/ textile artist in Marin County makes beautiful, one of a kind bags. 

17. Pip and Eva is a local Sonoma County business that makes personalized wood ornaments- This would be the perfect gift for commemorating the good moments of 2020…perfect for new parents, or new home owners, You could tie it to a bottle of wine or sweet treat, too!

18. Cozy athleisure wear from black owned Zoezi Sports . This company has cute, fashion forward fitness wear for man and women. On my list to try!

19. Seventeenth Watches– minimalist, classy watches from a black owned brand. I liked the S2 and the Sonder collections. Bonus, this company is also veteran owned

20. Candles -Soyful Aromas is Bay Area based black woman owned. These are on my wishlist. The “Getaway” candle sounds like just the ticket right about now!

21. Succulent planters-made in Petaluma, with custom options availabe. A nice way to bring the outdoors in while we stay home.

22. Tote bag– Iva Jewell is SF Bay Area blacked owned company beautiful bags, and other bold statement pieces and accessories. Instead of gift basket, fill one their totes with goodies.

23. My new favorite nail polish. and I love that it’s from black owned company. Love their color names, like ‘Carpe Denim’, and ‘Per My last Email’.

24. Onya’e Naturals– lip balm and candles. If you love rose, you’ll her lip balm! Her hand crafted candles are also beautiful. Love supporting a black woman owned business!

25. I have had a pair of these gloves for years, and was excited to learn recently that it’s a black owned company. They have tons of winter clothing options in addition to their wide variety of glove option, sure to fit (haha) anyone on your list.

26. A pretty notebook is always a nice gift, especially for someone who likes to journal. Or for anyone wanting to jot down their post pandemic bucket list. Ivory Paper Co. Is a black woman owned stationary company that also sells planners, stickers and more.

27. Sunglasses, especially that aren’t super expensive, are a great gift for anyone, and especially people who tend to be rough on them, or misplace them. Bonus here, black owned company! And they sell optical frames, too!

28. Araceli Farms-So many people love lavender (I’m not actually one of those people, though). It can be very comforting and calming, so a little lavender sachet, from a bay area farm would make a sweet little stocking stuffer. Araceli Farms and Soul Food Farm have partnered up, making for lots of shopping options. Soul Food Olive Oil is a must try. I have it my Local Food Gift Guide.

29. Petaluma Seed Bank is the place to go for a huge array of heirloom vegetable seeds. They also carry a great selection of other local, eco friendly items. Your favorite homesteader or vegetable gardener will love a gift from here.

30. Melt Fit -Sports bra in animal print (which is a neutral right?) I think so, which makes it a good choice for any fitness fanatic in your life. I have this black fitness apparel brand on my wish list. Lots of fun patterns which makes it easy to get dressed to workout!

31. I mean, who doesn’t want a pair of purple suede old school roller skates?! Check out this California based black owned skate company. Tons of customizable options. 

32. Ruby Love is a black owned swim and underwear company, and who would guess that this suit is also provides period protection!?

33. Here is the perfect pandemic uniform. A long, stylish, but still basically like you’re wearing a robe, sweater dress. Check out Hanifa, a black woman owned shop for some really unique items, for wearing indoors and out! including resort wear for when we can travel again!

34. Rustore, a branch of Maselli’s Hardware, in Petaluma, can custom make basically anything you’d like out of metal. They have made a fireplace surround, and custom sign for us, and we love them both. The perfect get for the person you have no idea what to get and/or already has everything.

35. Yarn! For the experienced artisan, or novice pandemic crafter in your life, local, Sonoma County Fiber Circle Studio has you covered! 

36. How about a beautiful folding knife? A multi purpose tool like this is a perfect gift. So many other great options at Good Gray, in Petaluma, too.

Ok, Hopefully I published this before all the shipping cut offs! Otherwise, gift cards from these businesses are always great! My other gift guides will help you, also! Start here!