It’s officially the holiday season! A few people in our neighborhood even have their Christmas lights up (not kidding!). I’m sure many people are shopping early this year so I want to make sure I share all my favorite small businesses with you guys early.  

I’m a huge advocate of shopping small and shopping local.  We always make a point to support as many small businesses as we can each holiday season. 

Instead of offering a gift guide of specific items, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite brands. I’ve broken them into categories featuring artists, accessories, apparel, home, and jewelry.  I’ve had the pleasure of either owning something, partnering with or getting to know each of the creatives behind these brands and I know how much it means to them when people shop small. So please give these brands some love in any way you can this holiday season, even if it’s just following them on social media, sharing their product, or sharing this blog post. Every interaction goes a long way! 

ARTISTS

It’s no secret that I love art and I love getting to know the artists. Below are some of my favorite artists. And I’m fortunate to have many of their works of art in my home. 

Becky Elgart

Becky creates the most beautiful abstract and figurative coastal scenes.  Her pieces of art invoke a feeling of peace and nostalgia for a simpler time. I have the pleasure of owning two of her pieces, one in Lilly’s playroom and one next to our piano.  Both bring me so much joy. Shop her art here. 

Brooke Lancaster Fine Art & Jewelry

Based in Savannah, GA (where I attended fashion school!!) and continuously inspired by the coastal, marshy landscape, Brooke creates the most vibrant pieces of art and jewelry.  If you love modern/retro style, bold colors, and nautical vibes, then you will love Brooke’s artwork.  I am so inspired and enamored by her collection of clothesline paintings.  These paintings always evoke a sense of nostalgia in me and remind me of my own mom and grandma who used to hang clothes on the line.  Brooke also creates beautiful pieces of jewelry that are cut from the paint palettes that she uses to create her fine art pieces.  Learn more about Brooke and shop her art here. 

Jen Strandberg Studio

Based out of NYC and Nantucket, Jen Strandberg Studio specializes in colorful coastal watercolors.  Full of coastal scenes, summers on the water, and hydrangeas in full bloom, Jen’s artwork makes my nautical loving heart so very happy.  She has since expanded to creating the most beautiful calendars, wrapping paper, and more. I have one of her pieces of art hanging in our playroom, as well as some of her stationary and I love them all! Shop her art here.

Michelle Brunner

If you love impressionism and Ohio, then you have to check out Michelle Brunner Art. Michelle Brunner was my first Instagram turn real life friend! Michelle’s art speaks to my soul in a way that I can’t even describe. Her paintings bring me so much joy and they transport me to a place of peace and contentment. With a style that is somewhat abstract and somewhat impressionistic, Michelle’s focus on color and texture is just outstanding. A true reflection of Ohio Midwest living, Michelle’s paintings bring to life long summer days on the lake or relaxing car rides through Ohio’s’ farm country. Michelle Brunner Art is a perfect gift for the person in your life who loves modern art or coastal and farmhouse décor

Kelly Pelfrey Art

With a style that is contemporary and impressionistic, Kelly’s coastal scenes and still life scenes represent all that is southern.  Based in South Carolina, Kelly does a beautiful job bringing the southern landscape to life. I love her use of color and texture and am instantly imported back to the marshy south when I see her work.  A few months ago Kelly was so inspired by one of the photos I took on Lake Erie that she recreated it in painting form and a print of this beautiful piece of work is hanging in Teddy’s nursery.  I’ve also been eyeing a few of her coastal birds to hang in our living room for months! Click here to learn more about Kelly. 

Where Ocean Meets HB

Hannah is the artist behind Where Ocean Meets HB.  Hannah and I actually met at the Savannah College of Art and Design.  We have recently reconnected on Instagram and I’m so glad we did! She is an amazing artist whose coastal scenes stop me in my tracks.  Her work is bold and fierce and so very beautiful.  Her use of color, line and texture always stops me in my tracks.  She offers everything from oil paintings, to greeting cards, to phone cases and more. Learn more about this artist and shop her work here.

ACCESSORIES

BITS AND BOWS

Created by two sisters, Katie and Sarah, Bits and Bows is a preppy lifestyle brand that is famous for its innovative and feminine Bow Baseball Hat. Bits and Bows is not only stylish, preppy, and fun, but the mission of the brand is to create a community and sisterhood that focuses on “inclusivity, friendship, and self-actualization.” I mean, what’s not to love about that?! You can customize, monogram, and match your mini with their may style options. Learn more about their brand and shop their hats here.

Eva’s House

If you are looking for beautifully crafted, timeless bows and headbands for your little girl, then Eva’s House is the place to shop! We have quite a collection of Eva’s bows and they are our favorite! Every hair accessory is handmade by Eva herself. Based in Switzerland, Eva is the sweetest person and I love supporting her and her small business. Shop her collection of hair accessories here. 

Shore Bags

Women owned and women founded, Shore Bags is a Midwest based brand located in Indiana. This is a newer brand to me and I have not tried their product yet, but I’m obsessed! Shore Bags creates 100% biodegradable and eco-positive tote bags and accessories.  With a mission to help reduce the amount of plastic in the environment, Shore Bags uses all sustainable raw materials to design and create their products. I personally love the striped cabana tote! Shop their products and learn more about this brand here. 

S. Lynch Knitwear

If you’ve been following me for awhile, then S.Lynch Knitwear will be no secret to you.  I’m obsessed with Sam’s beautifully crafted hand knitted hats and scarves.  Her hats are the only ones I wear in the winter – they are that warm! Plus she offers Mommy and me matching sets, which is a win in my book! Shop scarves, hats, gloves, and more here. 

Sunshine Style

My friend Katie launched her Etsy shop of hair accessories in 2020. If you love preppy, coastal style, then you will love Katie’s colorful and vibrant headbands and scrunchies! It’s hard to find headbands that are comfortable and hers are some of the best! She also creates mommy and me sets so if you have a little, be sure to check out her shop! 

APPAREL

Coastal Cleveland

Based in Avon Lake, Ohio, Coastal Cleveland celebrates coastal living and life on the water, specifically life on Lake Erie waters. Coastal Cleveland offers a variety of clothing for anyone who loves the water. From cozy collegiate crewneck sweatshirts, to the softest cotton t-shirts, all of the apparel designs are created by Erin, the owner. If you are native to the Ohio Northcoast, you will find shirts that give a nod to Avon Lake, Lakewood, Cleveland, and of course Lake Erie. In addition to running this business, Erin also maintains a blog where she shares her love for all things coastal, boats, Northcoast traveling, and everything in between.

DESHLER DESIGNS

If you love monogrammed gifts and apparel, then Deshler Designs is your new go-to. Whether you are shopping seasonal pajamas, mommy and me sets, personalized towels, or handbags, Deshler Designs has it all. There is a saying among preppy loving folk that if it is not moving, monogram it! And Deshler Designs offers customization and monogramming on all of their products. I personally am loving the Christmas outfits and jammies for Lilly and Teddy. Check out their shop here.

Duffield Lane

Duffield Lane creates timeless and classic styles that span generations. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Duffield Lane’s styles are inspired by an effortless, coastal way of life. The brand started out as a pajama company but has since expanded to offer five collections a year. They are known for their perfect fits, bright preppy fabrics, and high quality craftsmanship. I’m not lying when I say I love every single piece I own from Duffield Lane.  Shop their Mommy and Me styles here. 

Erie and Anchor

You guys know my love for E&A runs DEEP.  Erie and Anchor is an Ohio based company that sells unique nautical products.  It’s a lifestyle brand designed for anyone who loves to live and play on Lake Erie.  From cozy sweatshirts, to lightweight tees, to canvas totes, baseball hats, and wine tumblers – Erie and Anchor has something for everyone!  For every purchase made, 5% of earnings are donated back to Lake Erie to help support water quality and research.  The family based company is passionate about ensuring the lake will still be a place of enjoyment and relaxation for decades to come. Shop my favorite sweatshirts here. 

Northern Drift 

Based in Minnesota, Northern Drift is an apparel company that celebrates the coastal summers of the Midwest. Their casual and classic clothing celebrates all that is beautiful about the Midwest region. Shop everything from tees to pullovers to crewneck sweatshirts to windbreakers and more. I personally am eyeing the Women’s Birch Quilted Quarter Zip Pullover. I love the color and it looks so cozy!! Shop their clothing here.

Meg and Marie

Based in the Midwest, Meg & Marie is a women’s clothing boutique that carries high quality pieces in classic, timeless, and preppy styles.  From classic sweaters to preppy dresses and pretty blouses, Meg and Marie has something for the sophisticated woman who loves classic style. Shop this family owned boutique here. 

Rudder USA

Midwest based and female owned,. Rudder USA is a timeless, preppy brand with strong American values. At just 23 years old, Nicole officially launched Rudder USA in August 2020. Nicole created Rudder USA to be a common ground for people that love life around the water, boating, and the lifestyle that comes from those things. This brand is for the water lovers – from rivers to lakes to oceans – this brand values life on the water and the feeling associated with that lifestyle. The products reflect the classic, American style that you guys know I love. If you are a passionate boater, water lover, and love supporting small businesses, then you have to check out Rudder USA. You can shop all of their products here.

Shore Society

Shore Society, a favorite coastal Ohio apparel brand, prides itself on creating pieces that are reflective of the lakefront lifestyle that encompasses the Great Lakes and the Midwest. Founded in 2012 by Rachael Koenig, Shore Society products are inspired by the nautical aesthetic of Cleveland’s coast. In the seven years since its founding, Shore Society has expanded to include sweatshirts (for Lake Erie and Lake Michigan fans), tee shirts, hats, totes, mugs, candles, pennants, art prints, and so much more. It’s a lifestyle brand that offers something unique for all coastal lovers. They also launch incredibly fun, seasonal apparel products that are hugely popular.

HOME

Jayes Studio

Based in New England, Jaye’s Studio has a perfectly curated collection of classic, bright, and preppy products.  The attention to detail makes this brand unique and their products one-of-a-kind.  I love their beautiful and high quality pieces for the home, but I also love their pajama collection, which is bold, bright ,and so comfy! Shop Jaye’s Studio here. 

Line and Cleat

Line and Cleat offers classic accessories for everyday living.  Think preppy inspired tumblers, serving trays, drinkware, wine totes and more.  Shop the collection here. 

Nautical Boards

Handmade in Atlanta, GA, these nautical themed serving trays and cheese boards mimic the look of a classic boat deck. I personally love the contrasting dark and light wood of these trays and I love that a cleat hitch is used as the handles. I’ve literally never seen such a unique and beautifully crafted serving tray before.  Choose from serving trays, carving boards, or cheese boards. You can customize each item with your monogram, your boat name, a special date, your last name, a “welcome home” if you are gifting it, the list goes on. Shop the collection here. 

Sternlines

Reclaimed lobster welcome mats, canvas totes, and New England inspired clothing for adults and children, Sternlines has the coolest selection of products.  Every doormat they create tells a different story as to where the rope originated from.  The brand’s story is so cool and you should definitely check them out if you love coastal living.  Shop the collection here.

JEWELRY

Allison Cole Jewelry

A jewelry collection that is classic, nautical, and all handmade in New England.  The owner, Nicole, proudly designs and makes every single piece of jewelry herself.  I wear the monogram Essex bracelet every single day.  Shop her collection here. 

Kylie and Bryn

Handmade right here in Columbus, Ohio, Kylie and Bryn is a jewelry/accessory company with the brightest and prettiest African vinyl and wooden bead bracelets. The moment I laid eyes on these colorful, vibrant bracelets, I knew I needed a few to add to my accessory collection. All of the bracelets are handmade and the craftsmanship and quality is just beautiful. The owner, Amber, creates bracelets in the brightest of colors – from neon pink, to royal blue, turquoise, and kelly green to yellow, blush pink, and even rainbow! And, she offers school spirit inspired bracelets and customizable word bracelets. You can purchase the bracelets individually or as a medley stack. There are so many options to choose from!

Little Lavender Lobster

Little Lavender Lobster offers handmade jewelry, watercolors, custom stationary, and so much more – all created and designed by Rachel herself.  Everything is inspired by coastal living in New England.  The pearl stud earrings are my absolute favorite! Shop her collection here. 

Mermaids and Madeleines

Mermaids and Madeleines offers the loveliest handmade coastal jewelry and art.  Heather, the owner, designs and makes all the jewelry herself.  I am fortunate to own the most beautiful necklace and alphabet letter print from her collection.  Shop her jewelry and art here. 

Sewcialite

If you love baskets, bowls, handbags, and jewelry, you will love Sewcialite.  All of the items are handmade out of rope (except the jewelry) by Roula herself.  The rope creations are truly incredible.  Roula recently launched a coastal inspired jewelry line and the pieces are exquisite.  Shop the collection here. 

I broke these small businesses down into specific categories, but don’t forget about the service industry. Gifting gift cards or paying for services such as photography (check out Kelly and Kelly Photography!), salons and spas, event coordination, florists and other services helps out many a small business! If you are looking for an event planner, then you should check out Pineapples and Parties! Local to northwest Ohio, P&P specializes in wedding planning and event planning. They work one on one with their clients to offer floral arrangements, wedding details, table decor and more. Learn more about their services here.

I hope this list provided you with some ideas for shopping small this holiday season. All of these brands are founded by some truly wonderful people so I hope you take the time to support their business in any way you can.

Slainte and Happy Holidays!

Shannon