The holiday season is here, and as you prepare your gift guides and shopping lists, there’s no better time of the year to buy locally. A gift from a local artisan is a great way to support small business owners while also surprising family and friends with a one-of-a-kind present they can’t get anywhere else.
To help you shop small this holiday season, we asked members of the GreenCup team to share their favorite local businesses with us, and now we’re sharing their top picks with you! While you’ll find plenty of excellent Michigan-based companies on this list, our team is spread over several states and has offered suggestions from all across the nation that will let you support small business owners from coast to coast!
Michigan Local Businesses
Oh, Hello Co.
Kayla and Alex started Oh, Hello Co. as an online greeting card company, but their creativity knew no limits, and before long, they had their own unique line of vinyl stickers and notebooks for sale as well. Now, their brick and mortar Grand Rapids store stocks those items plus plenty of fun decor, jewelry made by local artisans, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss out on their monthly drops of unique, limited-release items! (Because two is better than one, they also own another shop next door called Courage and Soar, featuring unique clothing and home items.)
Rebel
Started by Dann and Chip after relocating to Grand Rapids from Nashville, Rebel is more than a place to buy local goods; it’s a community gathering place and a safe space for artists and creatives of all kinds to showcase their work to a supportive, attentive audience. With snarky greeting cards, statement socks, and plenty of funky decor, Rebel is the place to go when shopping for that person who seems to have everything. You will most likely find something here for them they’ve never seen before.
Third and Co. Studio
Dana started Third and Co. Studio after her aunt retired from the jewelry-making business in 2015, and Dana continued the craft under a new name. While she loves working with precious stones, Dana tries to incorporate at least one recycled or vintage element into each one-of-a-kind piece, and a portion of all of her sales are used to help rehome pets in need. You can purchase jewelry from Dana’s website or her Etsy store.
Lila Joan
Lila Joan began with impromptu pop-up sales at owner Melissa’s home and has since grown into a thriving grassroots boutique based in Plymouth, Michigan. Her website features an array of stylish women’s clothing and accessories that can be shipped anywhere in the US!
Dreambox
Another local boutique that started in a home, Dreambox founder Oriana initially sold just a few homemade goods but now operates out of a retail location where they sell clothes, jewelry, home decor, kitchenware, and more! Their online store will let you ship your purchase nationwide.
Virginia Local Businesses
Afterglow Coffee
After the pandemic forced a local Richmond coffee roaster to close, several former employees banded together to buy the business and create Afterglow Coffee, a worker-owned coffee cooperative. With delicious coffees sourced from farms worldwide, bags of Afterglow coffee can be purchased at their cafe or through their online store and shipped nationwide.
Crescent Simples
Megan and Bill cut their bartending teeth on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and often experimented with homemade syrup recipes behind the bar. After moving to Richmond, they moved in syrup-making full-time with Cresecent Simples, partnering with local produce vendors to create unique recipes perfect for pairing with a cocktail, coffee, or juice. Every order is made fresh and can be shipped anywhere in the US.
California Local Business
Game Doc
Started at the height of the pinball and arcade game craze in 1981, Game Doc is a family-owned local business specializing in repairing modern and retro video games and pinball machines. Browse through the many vintage machines they’ve worked on, visit them at their Sun Valley location, or buy parts online for your own repairs.
Wisconsin Local Businesses
Booth 121
Started by Leah and Rebecca, two creatives in their own right, Booth 121 is now a hub for unique gifts produced by local artisans! Local jewelry, kitchen goods, homeware, candles, and other upcycled goods exude Wisconsin pride at Leah and Rebecca’s Monona retail location.
The Soap Opera
The Soap Opera has been committed to going green since it opened in 1972, and the owner, Stacey, has furthered that mission through 100% renewable energy sources that power both their physical and online stores and eco-friendly packaging. That’s to say nothing of the locally-made soaps that both smell great and are sustainably produced. You can purchase in-store or online.
Florida Local Business
By Lindsay Clay Co.
The founder of By Lindsay Clay Co. (Lindsay, of course) built a career as a branding and marketing expert who worked primarily with small businesses. In 2020, she decided it was time to start a small business of her own! Her polymer clay earrings are eye-catching and lightweight, and pieces from her collection can be purchased from several local Orlando boutiques or her online store.
When you shop small, every purchase holds the power to strengthen a local community. This winter, consider supporting one of the many wonderful small businesses on this list, or frequent your favorite local shop! From handcrafted treasures to personalized service, every dollar spent has a tangible impact that resonates beyond the initial purchase. Shopping locally fosters a sense of connection and a community spirit that lasts well past the holiday season.
From all of us at GreenCup, happy holidays, and cheers to supporting our friends and neighbors by shopping small!
