Our dollars can make a big difference, and while it often feels easier to order something from from a massive chain, gifts that come from small businesses have their own perks: higher-quality craftsmanship, easier personalization, and just that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from supporting someone who needs it.
"Small businesses are owned by our neighbors, and they have a vested interest in the neighborhood — they hire local, serve local, donate local, and often source from artists, makers, and service providers in the area," says Kayli Kunkel, owner of small retail business Earth and Me.
The wellness space is full of small businesses selling unique gifts that your friends and family will love. And if you feel tempted to snag a luxe candle or satin face mask for yourself too, it's a little splurge you can feel good about.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Liella NYC Satin Mask
Sure, a plain cloth mask is fine for day-to-day errands. But if a friend is going to squeeze in one last outdoor dining date, is attending a socially distanced wedding, or just feels like dressing up on their daily walk, one of these beautiful satin masks will come in handy. They elevate an outfit, and they feel silky on the face, and are made by a small, female-owned business.
Liella NYC Satin Mask, $, available at Etsy
Before Noon Grounding Tool Box
Each box includes a crystal, a journal, a smudge stick, and an essential oil — everything your friend needs to feel more centered and calm.
Before Noon Grounding Tool Box, $, available at Before Noon
Bell Mountain Naturals Terrazzo Mini Gem Soap
The site Earth and Me functions as a one-stop shop for beautiful, sustainable products from small businesses. Their curated picks include everything from candles to perfumes to home goods, but we love these mini soaps. They smell incredible — my favorite is the gold, which is scented with vetiver, bergamot, and lavender — and they leave your hands feeling soft and not dried out, a major plus given that we're washing our hands more than ever.
Bell Mountain Naturals Terrazzo Mini Gem Soap, $, available at Earth and Me
Womanizer Liberty
Give the gift of pleasure this season by shopping at small business retailer enby, a Black- and trans-owned sexual wellness company. Two percent of their sales are donated to a rotating list of small organizations that focus on improving the lives of queer and trans POC.
Womanizer Womanizer Liberty, $, available at enby
3rd Ritual BEL
Is your meditation-obsessed friend still using a phone app to track their sessions? They need this upgrade. The BEL comes with a soft candle that sits in a brass holder, and brass pins. Stick a pin into the candle before lighting it. As the candle melts, the pin loosens, finally dropping into the holder with a beautiful ding to indicate the session's over. (There's a ruler that helps you figure out how far down the candle to push your pin, depending on how long you want to sit.) It's a much calmer way to end a meditation — and the candle smells good too, like lavender and sage.
3rd Ritual BEL, $, available at 3rd Ritual
Golde Complete Beauty + Wellness Kit
The kit contains three flavors of turmeric latte powders and two face masks made with ingredients like spirulina and papaya. It's meant to deliver that inside-out kinda glow.
Golde Beauty + Wellness Kit, $, available at golde
Baggu Reusable Bag
This is the perfect "whatever" bag to replace your single-use bags. Use it to tote groceries. Use it to tote workout clothes, or wrap your sneakers in it before packing them in a suitcase. The bags make a statement while helping to save the planet. It's a great gift for the sustainable wellness lover, but I love to bring them to white elephant gift swaps and I've heard of people using them as Earth-friendly gift wrap too.
Baggu Standard Reusable Bag, $, available at Baggu
Mount Lai Amethyst Trio Calming Facial Set
Face rollers and gua sha tools can make skin glow, but they're also really relaxing additions to a nighttime skincare routine. This set from small business Mount Lai comes with a large and small roller and a gua sha scraper, the perfect self-care skincare starter kit.
Mount Lai Amethyst Trio Calming Facial Set, $, available at Mount Lai
Harlem Candle Company Luxury Candle
Scented candles have become an essential part of many people's at-home wellness routine, and I personally am melting through way more of them than ever before. So they're a great go-to gift for anyone on your list. And these luxe scents from Black-owned Harlem Candle Company are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Harlem Candle Company Josephine Luxury Candle, $, available at Harlem Candle Company
Florabrook Fresh Linens Forever Bouquet
Having greenery nearby while you're working is proven to decrease stress. So give a friend the gift of zen for their WFH setup. Cut flowers are beautiful but fleeting; houseplants can be a lot of work; but a dried bouquet — like one from Florabrook — lasts forever and requires no care. A no-brainer.
Florabrook Fresh Linens Forever Bouquet, $, available at Florabrook
Equilibria Joy of Sleep Gift Set
This year has been tough, so any kind of gift catered to a better night's sleep is a winner in my book. And the relaxing mineral bath soak and CBD-infused drops in this set will definitely deliver restful zzzs. An added bonus: 5% of sales from all of Equilibria's gift sets will go to Black Girl Ventures, an organization that helps fund businesses founded by Black and brown women.Equilibria Joy of Sleep Gift Set, $, available at Equilibria
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