Shabby Chic Boho Photo by Ylanite Koppens.
September is here, which means I’m already starting to think about holiday shopping. I know, I know… some of you are probably rolling your eyes at me right now. But honestly? Starting early has saved my sanity more times than I can count, and this year I’m particularly excited about what I’ve been finding.
Listen, I used to be one of those people who would panic shop on December 23rd, frantically grabbing whatever was left on the shelves and pretending it was all part of some master plan. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Now I’ve learned to embrace my inner holiday planning nerd, and let me tell you, it’s so much better over here.
Why I Start Holiday Shopping Early
This year’s guide is going to have some particularly exciting discoveries. I’ve been exploring companies that approach their craft in ways that honestly surprised me. Without giving too much away, let’s just say I’ve found some real gems that have me doing that little happy dance you do when you find the perfect thing at the perfect price.
I’ve also been diving deep into some companies I’d never heard of before this year. You know how sometimes you stumble across something and immediately think, “Where has this been all my life?” That’s been happening to me a lot lately. It’s like the universe decided to conspire in favor of really great gift-giving this year.
Supporting Small Businesses (and Finding Hidden Gems)
What I love most about creating these guides is the opportunity to highlight so many small businesses. Sure, there are a few bigger names that earn their spots through sheer excellence, but discovering a tiny company that’s doing something really special? That’s the best part of this whole process. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about being able to say, “Oh, I discovered them before they were cool,” even though nobody asked.
I’m still researching a few more companies before I finalize everything, but I can already tell this is going to be one of my strongest guides yet. The variety is incredible this year, with price points that actually make sense and companies that align with values I care about. No more suggesting $200 candles and pretending that’s reasonable for most people’s budgets.
What’s Coming Next in the Gift Guide
Some of the discoveries this year have genuinely surprised me. I went down a rabbit hole researching one company and ended up spending two hours reading about their process, completely forgetting I was supposed to be making dinner. My family was less than thrilled, but honestly, when you find something that interesting, priorities shift.
Keep an eye out over the next few weeks as I start rolling everything out. I think you’re going to find some real treasures in there, whether you’re shopping for the person who has everything (we all know that person), the impossible-to-shop-for relative who claims they “don’t need anything,” or someone you’ve never bought a gift for before and have no idea where to even start.
I’m particularly excited about a few finds that solve problems I didn’t even realize I had. You know those moments when you see something and think, “Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?” There are definitely a few of those making the list.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you’re most hoping to find gift ideas for this year. Are you dealing with the classic “teenage nephew who only grunts when you ask what he wants” situation? Or maybe the friend who somehow already owns everything you can think of? The comments on last year’s guide were so helpful for understanding what you all are actually looking for, and honestly, some of your suggestions led me to discoveries that made it into my personal shopping list too. Sometimes the best research is just admitting we’re all in the same boat here.
If you’re a company or small business owner interested in having your product featured in my gift guide, feel free to reach out to me for more details.
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