Drew's Little Book of Small Businesses Gift Guide
Drew's Little Book of Small Businesses Gift Guide
Drew's Little Book of Small Businesses Gift Guide features Drew's personal, hand-picked recommendations on where to shop for gifts for your family and friends, no matter where you are in the country!
Fête Urbane
- Hometown Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Known for: Floral and design studio specializing in floral design, installations, event production, and styling (available worldwide!)
- Virtual Store: http://feteurbane.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Whether you need wedding flowers, event design expertise, photo art direction, or wildly cool floral installations, Fête Urbane has your back! (Drew is the flower queen so you know this rec will take your life into full bloom!) It’s important to bring nature into spaces to help us feel grounded, and beautiful flower arrangements create a poetic, calming vibe whispered around a space.
Blush Box
- Hometown Location: Washington D.C. area
- Known for: Curated gift boxes made with love from female veteran-owned business
- Virtual Store: https://blushboxes.com/collections/blush-boxes
- Social Support: Instagram Facebook
Small business owner and veteran Kathy Oliphant-Wilson began Blush Box to help brighten people's lives through curated gift boxes! You can send themed boxes to your family and friends for get well wishes, pride celebrations, and more! Get your loved ones (or yourself) a Blush Box today! You'll feel Kathy's love in every package. (Plus, Drew is a HUGE fan!)
Empower Coffee Roasters
- Hometown Location: Mesa, AZ
- Known for: Coffee microroastery with beans grown at women-owned and run farms
- Virtual Store: https://empowercoffeeroasters.com/collections/our-coffees
- Social Support: Instagram Twitter Facebook
The mission of Empower Coffee Roasters is to source their green coffee from women producer farms around the world. The business also empowers women in their area and uses portions of profits to invest in our own community. Who wouldn't love a gift that makes an impact, supports an important mission, and tastes delicious?! You can snag a bag from one of the unique women-owned and run farms featured on their site, and if you want more, you can sign yourself or a loved one up for a coffee subscription!
Nguyen Coffee Supply
- Hometown Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Known for: The first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in the United States importing via direct-trade and roasting, Vietnamese American woman-owned
- Virtual Shop: https://nguyencoffeesupply.com/
- Social Support: Instagram Facebook YouTube
"Founded and led by a 1st generation Vietnamese American and daughter of refugees, Sahra Nguyen is on a mission to change the future of specialty coffee through diversity, inclusion and sustainability." To create Nguyen Coffee Supply, Sahra joined forces with Mr. Ton, a 4th generation farmer, who owns and runs his organic family farm in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Sahra works with Mr. Ton to bring his special Vietnamese beans to American coffee cups! She even chatted about her business with Drew on the show this week.
Ovenly Bakery
- Hometown Location: New York, NY
- Known for: NYC award-winning bakeshop, with a best-selling cookbook that includes their internet-famous, 5 ingredient Salted Peanut Butter cookies, Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies (secretly vegan!), and iconic Brooklyn Blackout Cake.
- Virtual Shop: https://www.oven.ly/
- Social Support: Instagram Facebook
Founded and led by women, Ovenly is New York's neighborhood bakery that brings people their daily moments of joy while also focusing on positive social impact. CEO and co-founder Agatha Kulaga is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive economy for marginalized communities through open-hiring practices and non-profit job placement partnerships. In 2020, the bakery celebrated its milestone 10-year anniversary and is continuing to expand its e-commerce business and brick-and-mortar locations in NYC! Pilar Valdes made the Peanut Butter Cookies with Drew on the show this week!
Keller Works
- Hometown Location: 3656 Government Boulevard STE A1 Mobile, AL 36693
- Known for: Sensitive skin and body products made with allergen-free and natural additives
- Virtual Shop: https://kellerworks.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Facebook
Krystn Keller created Keller Works due to a personal need - her baby needed products that wouldn’t irritate his severe skin sensitivity. Now, Keller Works' powerful reach and popularity has exploded, positively impacting people around the world who use Keller Works expanded line of products for skin and body care.
Kernels Nashville
- Hometown Location: Nashville, TN
- Known for: Black women-owned family popcorn tin gifts
- Virtual Shop: https://www.kernelsnashville.com/
- Social Support: Twitter Facebook Instagram
Founded by three sisters who loved their Christmas tradition of eating tins of popcorn, Kernels Gourmet Popcorn is clearly made with love, the most important ingredient in a thoughtful holiday gift. Every holiday season, Drew sends popcorn to her friends and family (...and makes sure to buy some for herself)! Popcorn is a timeless classic snack for the holidays, and a simple way to send love and a snack party to someone you may not get to see this year. Kernels Gourmet Popcorn’s creative flavors ensure you’ll find the exact snack vibe you need.
Hey Friends
- Hometown Location: Harborcreek, Pennsylvania
- Known for: Woman-owned clothing brand that centers around positivity and kindness
- Virtual Shop: https://heyfriendsbyshaef.com/collections/all
- Social Support: Instagram
This clothing line is about to become your new BFF! Started by high schooler Shaefer Santos, Hey Friends clothing promotes optimism, hope, friendship, and all of the good things life brings!
Cinco de Mayo 2021 Gift Guide
Check out this awesome selection of small, Mexican-owned local businesses local from across America that Drew personally chose to help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any day you want a sweet treat for yourself!
El Cochi Dorado
- Hometown Location: San Diego, CA
- Known for: Modern Mexican baked goods made by Chef Claudia
- Virtual Store: https://www.elcochidorado.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Get ready to drool...You can have Chef Claudia’s modern Mexican baked treats delivered right to your front door...anywhere in the U.S.! Drew's personal fave is the Cream Cheese Empanada -- it knocked her socks off!
Salvage Maria
- Hometown Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Known for: Woman-owned and run; blankets, pet beds, and home goods that are inspired by Isthmus-Oaxacan designs and sourced from Mexican artisans
- Virtual Store: https://salvagemaria.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Mother-daughter duo Maria and Janeesa, created Salvage Maria to celebrate Isthmus-Oaxacan design by making handcrafted blankets, pet beds, masks, home goods, and more -- inspired by and made from outrageously gorgeous Mexican textiles. Maria travels throughout Mexico sourcing the textiles and building relationships with Mexican artisans to create each of Salvage Maria's beautiful pieces.
Hedley & Bennett
- Hometown Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Known for: Durable yet stylish aprons created by half-English half-Mexican female founder
- Virtual Store: https://www.hedleyandbennett.com/
- Social Support: Instagram Twitter Facebook
Chef, author of ‘Dream First, Details Later’ and Chief Apron Officer Ellen Bennett created kitchen aprons that are both fashionable, functional, and ready for fearless cooking! Plus, you know a kitchen product is gonna be on point when a working chef comes up with it.
Fire Sign Stoneware
- Hometown Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Known for: Handmade pottery
- Virtual Shop: https://www.firesignstoneware.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Fire Sign Stoneware was founded in Los Angeles, California, and aims to turn household items into something entirely more beautiful and unique. The work is influenced by the founder's Mexican and Japanese heritage to pay respect to both! "No two are
identical but they all flow and have a cohesive style."
Lil' Libros
- Hometown Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Known for: Bilingual kids books that discuss Latino culture
- Virtual Shop: https://lillibros.com/
- Social Support: Facebook, Instagram
Founded by two mothers, this company noticed a lack of bilingual books in the world and wanted to fill that void! "We celebrate Latin American culture and important figures in its history. Our books honor beautiful stories like the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and Cuban music icon, Celia Cruz in English and Spanish with rich and colorful illustrations while also introducing them to concepts like first words, numbers, colors, shapes, and biographies!"
Hija de Tu Madre
- Hometown Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Known for: Latina apparel
- Virtual Shop: https://hijadetumadre.com
- Social Support: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Founded by designer Patty Delgado, Hija de Tu Madre looks to be an unapologetically Latina brand that allows users to express themselves. "Each piece of art and clothing is inspired by my cultural crossroads," said Patty.
Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2021
Check out this LOVELY selection of small local businesses from across America that Drew personally chose to help you with your gift-giving for Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or any day you feel like gifting a token of your affection!
Lake's Lampshades
- Hometown Location: Pawlet, VT
- Known for: Woman-owned, handmade lampshade store made with vintage materials personally sourced by owner Judy Lake. Judy also wires and sells lamps from found objects, like antique bottles.
- Virtual Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lampshadelady
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook
Walking into Lake's Lampshades IRL is like coming across a lampshade oasis (and the Etsy store will make you feel that same cozy, quaint hug)! Illuminate your home with the perfect one-of-a-kind handmade lampshade, made with vintage materials sourced by the owner and self-proclaimed Lampshade Lady, Judy Lake! Welcome to your home decor destiny.
Chunks Shop
- Hometown Location: Seattle, Washington
- Known for: Chinese-American owned and designed whimsical, funky barrettes and accessories
- Virtual Shop: https://www.chunks.shop/
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook
We've never seen any accessories quite like these delightful, whimsical Chunks! Grab a barrette...or 5...to transform your hair into a beautiful, funky bouquet! Drew believes that bright pops of color in your daily wardrobe help boost your mood.
Hank Sauce
- Hometown Location: New Jersey
- Known for: Family-owned and run specialty hot sauce business.
- Virtual Shop: https://www.hanksauce.com/
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
People of the world, spice up your life! Hank Sauce is the one hot sauce that flavor connoisseur Drew can't get enough of. Recreate Sean Evans' Hot Ones at home with the many Hank Sauce varieties!
Harlem Candle Company
- Hometown Location: New York City, NY
- Known for: Black woman owned luxury home fragrance brand, specializing in scented candles inspired by the richness of Harlem, named after Harlem Renaissance icons.
- Virtual Shop: https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/collections/entire-collection
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook
Founded in 2014, the Harlem Candle Company melds founder Teri Johnson's love of fragrance, jazz, and Harlem. Treat yourself to your new favorite home scent mood.
La New Yorkina
- Hometown Location: New York, NY
- Known for: A woman-owned, Mexican sweets company specializing in all-natural, handmade paletas, ice cream, etc.
- Virtual Shop: https://www.lanewyorkina.com/
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook
Time to treat yourself! These Mexican sweets are mouth-watering, and you can order them right to your home! Plus, La New Yorkina's been spreading the love during the pandemic by selling heart-shaped churros! Does it get any sweeter?!
Ceecee's Closet NYC
- Hometown Location: New York
- Known for: Black woman owned & designed jewelry, head wraps, clothing, accessories
- Virtual Shop: https://www.ceeceesclosetnyc.com/
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
Sisters Uchenna and Chioma work with tailors in Nigeria to find gorgeous fabrics for their stunning clothing and head wraps. All of their pieces will have people asking you - where did you get that?! And how about this for a mission statement: "The sisters believe that ALL women have the right to be colorful, engaging, and be who they were meant to be on this earth despite the push to conform." BRB, running to go buy everything on the Ceecee's Closet NYC website!
Dady Bones
- Hometown Location: California
- Known for: Woman-owned and designed accessories including funky glasses, jewelry and phone accessories
- Virtual Shop: https://www.dadybones.com/collections/groover-glasses
- Social Support: Instagram
Dady Bones' designs spark joy and will instantly make everyone jealous! Drew's especially an admirer of the groovy sunglasses. Get funky with their wild styles.
BLK & Bold
- Known for: Black-owned coffee company known for delicious beans, 5% of profits go to charities for youth homelessness
- Virtual Shop: https://blkandbold.com/products/blk-bold-sumatra-blend
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
We've all learned this year that morning routines are crucial to keep our sanity and serenity. Why not start your day off with a gift to yourself (or loved ones) -- incredible BLK & Bold coffee! You'll begin your day on the right note while supporting meaningful charities BLK & Bold supports through their sales.
The Craft Studio NYC
- Hometown Location: New York, NY
- Known for: Woman-owned virtual arts and crafts parties, classes, and camps for all ages!
- Virtual Shop: https://www.craftstudionyc.com/
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook
The Craft Studio's mission is "to provide a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where kids and adults alike are free to be creative!" Making things with your hands is one way to meditate, self-care, be productive, and nurture one's inner child all at the same time. The Craft Studio offers uplifting virtual arts and craft classes to support those creative parts of us in an informative and positive space. New hobbies help us all explore parts of ourselves and find peace and balance in our lives.
Morning Joy Co.
- Hometown Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Known for: Personalized cutting boards engraved with your family's handwritten recipes. Custom laser-cut & engraved home decor.
- Virtual Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MorningJoyCo
- Social: Facebook / Instagram
In this isolating time, we can't think of anything more special than a personalized gift that pulls gently at the heartstrings. Morning Joy Co. creates memorable forever gifts, like cutting boards carved with the handwriting of a loved one.
Mokuyobi Threads
- Hometown Location: Los Angeles
- Known for: Woman-owned and designed, cheerful, bright clothing and bags, made in LA
- Virtual Shop: https://mokuyobi.com/
- Social Support: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
Mokuyobi Threads makes us feel instantly happy. Sunshine beams from their clothing and accessories - which range from sweatpants to bike bags, to backpacks, to hats, and more! Brighten up your life with the magical Mokuyobi Threads.
Holiday Gift Guide 2020
Check out these selections of small local businesses from across America that Drew chose to help your (and her) holiday season gift giving!
Ace and Em
- Hometown Location: New York, NY
- Known for: Ink and watercolor illustrations to give as personalized gifts and repurpose as art
- Virtual Shop: https://www.aceandem.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Founded by two BFFs, Ace & Em personalized paper gifts provide the perfect memento to mark a special occasion but to also keep forever. Drew loves giving and receiving these one-of-a-kind gifts filled with heart and memories.
Spark your gift imagination with creative ideas like celebratory and home decor garlands, birth commemorative art, bright prints, and more.
Frugal Bookstore
- Hometown Location: 57 Warren St, Roxbury, MA
- Known for: Boston's first black-owned bookstore, 98 percent of their books are written by authors of color
- Virtual Store: https://frugalbookstore.net/collections/all
- Social Support: Instagram Twitter Facebook
Frugal Bookstore is a community bookstore located in Roxbury, MA with a mission for promoting literacy within children, teens and adults. Frugal Bookstore is a staple of the Boston community, but they are also there to support you, wherever you live. As they say on their website, Frugal sells "Real, hold-in-your-hand, feel-the-paper, turn-the-page-while-sitting-in-the-tub books. We want you to love books as much as we do." Sounds like some delicious books are ready to be devoured from Frugal Bookstore, and we can't wait to dive in.
DeLuscious Cookies
- Hometown Location: 829 N. Highland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038
- Known for: Freshly baked cookies, brownies and whoopie pies
- Virtual Shop: https://www.delusciouscookies.com
- Social Support: Facebook Twitter Instagram
Give to the sweetest people in your life a sweet escape this holiday season with DeLuscious Cookies! These groovy baked treats have been served everywhere, from the Academy Awards to the Grammys to the Golden Globes (yeah...we’ve heard of ‘em), are beloved by celebs like Matt Bomer and Sarah Paulson-- and you can bring them to the homes of you and your loved ones! Deluscious offers freshly baked cookies, brownies and whoopie pies, and snack moods from classic to couture to vegan to gluten-free! Create a flavor memory with sweet treats that will rock your family’s world this holiday season.
Del Norte Studio
- Hometown Location: Wichita, KS
- Known for: One-of-a-kind clay pottery pieces
- Virtual Store: https://www.delnortestudio.store/
- Social Support: Instagram
Facebook
Del Norte Studio pieces are designed by Armando Minjarez, a Mexican interdisciplinary artist, designer and community organizer. According to Del Norte, Armando's artistic practice is "guided by themes of displacement, collaboration and empowerment to open space for the development of social change strategy, creative expression and liberation for racialized communities."
Del Norte Studio pieces will color your life with gorgeous, smooth pottery painted in confetti! Fill your home with usable artwork that injects your life with instant joy!
DIOP
- Hometown Location: Detroit, Michigan
- Known for: Stylish apparel inspired by bold, patterned, Ankara fabric
- Virtual Shop: https://weardiop.com/
- Social Support: Instagram Facebook
DIOP was founded by Mapate Diop to fuse his Nigerian heritage and lifestyle as a first-generation American through apparel. Their mission is for customers to “feel connected to the truest sense of who you are” when wearing their styles. Drew believes that one of her purposes in life is to help people feel more comfortable expressing their truest selves, so the heart of DIOP’s brand resonates with her.
The Future
- Hometown Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Known for: An artist market with gifts focusing on positivity within the body and the home
- Virtual Shop: https://thefuturempls.com/
- Social Support: Facebook Instagram
The Future is “a project space, artist market, Aquarian lab, artist residency, library, workshop and event space, and studio in the Witch District of South Minneapolis [...] on Dakota and Anishinaabe traditional, ancestral, unceded, occupied territories.” The store highlights curated, handmade gifts by “artists, witches, weirdos and healers,” a majority which represent women and LGBTQ+ locals of Minneapolis. The space mainly sells items that focus on creating more positivity for a body or space. The inclusive carefully curated choices of vendors and products resonates powerfully with Drew’s welcoming, tolerant, and inclusive nature. The gifts are hip, healing, and hopeful -- truly something for everyone on your list. Products that are chosen and made with love will inevitably have your receiver feeling all loved up.
Jamison and Bexley
- Hometown Location: Columbus, OH
- Known for: Black-owned stylish children’s clothing brand for adventurous, growing children
- Virtual Shop: https://jamisonandbexley.com/
- Social Support: Facebook Twitter Instagram
Drew can’t get enough of the delightful, sunshine-filled, fashion-forward children’s clothes from Jamison and Bexley. Owner Jennifer Sanger designs all of the kid fashion that has been worn by Jodie Turner-Smith’s baby and more. The quality and style combine into an irresistible combo that makes for the perfect holiday present for any of the sweet kids in your life.
KSM Candle Co.
- Hometown Location: Baltimore, MD
- Known for: Black-owned shop and studio that runs classes on soy candle-making
- Virtual Shop: https://www.knitssoyandmetal.com/
- Social Support: Twitter Instagram Facebook
KSM Candle Co. focuses on bringing the incredible experience of making something with your hands to its customers, while simultaneously emphasizing sustainability practices. Its DIY experiences focus on soy candle making, and, for your quarantine fun, they offer virtual DIY candle-making workshops, an exciting candle of the month mailing subscription and countless crazy, sexy, cool gifts for the home and the favorite people in your life.
The Farmer's Daughter Fibers
- Hometown Location: Great Falls, MT
- Known for: History-inspired dyed yarn
- Virtual Shop: https://thefarmersdaughterfibers.com/
- Social Support: Facebook Instagram
Founded with a mission of celebrating the heritage of Montana -- both the Big Sky farmers and ranchers as well as the state’s deep “Native American roots, traditions, strength, and family ways” -- Farmer's Daughter Fibers (FDF) sells unique dyed yarn made with colors evoking emotions of “nostalgia, hope, and happiness.”
In the colder months, there is nothing Drew loves more than comfy, cozy knitwear, so Farmer's Daughter Fibers is a heart-first place to find your next project. The online store is packed with knitting and weaving supplies, fabric, sewing patterns, and more -- a DIY dream for you and your most creatively inspired loved ones this holiday season.
Feel good bonus? The fiber arts company even started its own nonprofit called Sister’s United to “create opportunities for Indigenous Women and Children, offer financial support in the ground work to find Missing Indigenous People, and fund essential programs to heal our Indigenous Communities and to keep them safe.”
Estelle Colored Glass
- Hometown Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Known for: Colored glass cake stands and stemware
- Virtual Shop: https://www.estellecoloredglass.com/
- Social Support: Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Color in the home helps bring our spaces and our souls to life. Estelle Colored Glass' luxurious glass pieces dot the home with welcome personality and party spirit.
Queen Bee Jelly
- Hometown Location: Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)
- Known for: Gorgeous fabric, emphasizing sustainability
- Virtual Shop: https://www.queenbeejelly.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Facebook
Queen Bee Jelly is an online fabric boutique, and the mission is to inspire individuals through texture, colors, and prints to express and embrace who you are.
Drew shares the brand's mission to champion our imperfections to become our fullest, most content selves.
Good Vibes Cookie Co.
- Hometown Location: Los Angeles, California
- Known for: Cookies that look like geodes
- Virtual Shop: https://www.goodvibescookieco.com/
- Social Support: Instagram
Facebook
Good Vibes Cookie Co. says that "a good cookie baked with sweet intentions has the power to make someone's day." Good Vibes Cookie Co. believes in bringing people together and spreading positivity, something that Drew considers a necessary beacon in this world.
Satiating your sweet tooth while absorbing powerful vibes? We can't think of anything better.