In my family, most of us are maximalists with more than enough clutter in our homes. Christmas gift-giving became a notorious problem. “But I don’t need anything!” my grandmother would wail. “Me, neither!” we’d readily agree. On and on until Christmas morning, when we’d switch to overwhelmed hand-wringing at the inevitable excess. Finally, we decided to break this cycle and came to a compromise with Christmas: instead of gifting just because the holidays demanded it, we would gift with intention. Each year since we have given and received a single gift and selected a theme to inform this exchange. The first year everyone was assigned a foreign country to inspire or source their gifts. The next year we exchanged our favorite books. Last year’s theme was plastic-free. This year I’m campaigning for local small businesses.

In the spirit of winning this bid for our 2020 gift theme, I’ve compiled a list of Connecticut businesses perfect for sourcing holiday gifts. As you’ll see, there’s really something for everyone here – boho jewelry for your niece who’s just discovered the 1970s, outdoor adventure for jocks, even a couple of stocking stuffer suggestions. It’s my hope these recommendations not only inspire my family but also inspire you to shop small this holiday season!

Harvest Beads and Silver

Fleetwood Mac is back, so chances are there’s someone on your list who could use a little Stevie Nicks flair. Luckily Harvest Beads and Silver has all the crystals, spangles, and nag champa you need to channel some strong witch energy this Yuletide! (Harvest was originally founded in 1973, so you know their stuff is legit.) Check out the online shop or visit Harvest’s brick-and-mortar in Manchester to purchase and be sure to follow them on Instagram for aesthetically pleasing pictures of tumbled stones and intricate jewelry.    

INI Sips

As you might have deduced from our logo, warm caffeinated beverages are a big part of the Quiet Corner life. If you’re gifting for folks of a similar persuasion, meet INI Sips – a veteran-owned family business in New Britain, CT specializing in decadent organic coffee and loose-leaf teas. “We believe that coffee and tea are more than just drinks that get you up in the morning,” declare owners Gulaid and Davina. “The perfect cup can give you an experience. With our smooth, flavorful blends, we are sure that our coffee and loose tea will satisfy your taste buds with every cup.”

My delicate constitution can’t handle coffee, but the INI Sips teas are some of the best I’ve had – I’m especially fond of their invigorating, fruity Ceylon blend Seasonal Sunrise and the relaxing-refreshing Sage Lavender. The teas also come in sample 1oz. sizes that make perfect stocking stuffers! 

To order visit www.inisips.com, and be sure to follow @ini_sips on Instagram for the latest products, sales, and exclusive offers! 

Junk Pot Studio

Know someone totally obsessed with their pet? Naomi Centeno of Junk Pot Studio (Avon, CT) carves, paints, and glazes custom renderings of your furry-friends on hand-thrown porcelain mugs and plates. Last year, I gifted a friend a mug featuring her dog on the side – when it arrived, we were thrilled to discover this second bonus portrait on the bottom of the mug! As you can see, Naomi perfectly captured Emmett’s derpy essence, and the mug was a huge hit. Just make sure you plan ahead when ordering as one-of-a-kind pieces can take 6-8 weeks depending on the season. 

Beyond custom work, Naomi and her husband Pedro have a whole collection of pottery pieces perfect for holiday gifting – visit their website www.junkpotstudio.com to view their collections. Junk Pot Studio also has studio space at the Farmington Valley Arts Center (Avon, CT) if you’d prefer to purchase pottery in-person.

The Silly Sprout

Litchfield’s The Silly Sprout is the perfect place to source Santa-worthy gifts for the youths in your life. Owner Jessica Dell’Aera curates a beautiful collection of children’s toys with a special focus on creativity and STEM – like a chemistry-powered rocket launcher that strikes a rare balance between genuine fun and education. 

As for stocking stuffers, The Silly Sprout is a one-stop shop for kids with plenty of waterbottle stickers (trust me, it’s a thing), Calico Critters, and Needoh. 

For more, visit www.thesillysprout.com or follow @thesillysproutlitchfieldct on Instagram.

Stone Age Rock Gym

Got jocks? Give the gift of athletic adventure with a climbing excursion facilitated by Manchester’s Stone Age Rock Gym! 

Little known fact: Outdoor climbing is actually a little easier in the winter when your hands are unlikely to be sweaty. So one of these trips can save your whole family’s sanity by getting one (or all) of you out of the house in a COVID-friendly way. 

Tony’s Smokin Again

It is a truth universally acknowledged that dads like grilling. So how about you give the dads in your life the gift of grilling with the high-quality rubs and seasonings by Tony’s Smokin Again? You really can’t go wrong with any of Tony’s spices, but my favorites are his Jamaican rub Seh One and the poultry and pork seasoning Alexis’ Pigasus. Tony’s original rub – Covfefe – will make some of you laugh, but everyone salivate when it’s used to slow-smoke brisket or sizzling steaks. Tony’s spices aren’t just for meat, either – the bold, zesty flavors are perfect for punching up vegetables or baked dishes like mac-and-cheese and lasagna. 

Got multiple grill masters in your life? Distribute a set of Tony’s spices across their stockings and watch in delight as they compare products, negotiate trades, and ultimately collaborate on a delicious meal you get to enjoy! That’s called trickle-down gifting. Get Tony’s limited Holiday Bundle – featuring all five seasonings – for just $35!

Purchase Tony’s Smokin Again rubs on Etsy and follow @tonyssmokinagain on Instagram for the latest retail locations, recipes, and other exclusive info. 

P.S. Don’t forget homemade!

Listen, there’s absolutely no shame in going homemade – in fact, it can be one of the most sustainable and meaningful ways to give during the holidays! Just look at this surrealist family portrait my partner’s sister made me last Christmas. It will forever remain the greatest thing I have ever received. I cry just thinking about it. So whether you’re an avid knitter, a dank baker, or like, weirdly good at arranging flowers, give the gift of your talent this holiday season. As long as it’s done with love, I promise they’ll love it. 

Got a great small business recommendation for holiday shopping? Please share in the comments!