The Lovely Geek Small Business Gift Guide

As a small business owner, I know how important it is to support fellow small businesses. With a global pandemic abruptly changing our everyday lives, supporting your local small businesses have never been more crucial!

If you’re in a need of some last-minute gift ideas, here are some of my favorite small businesses to support, both local and beyond.

Local Small Businesses

I’m based in Sacramento, California, home to some fantastic small businesses both in town and the surrounding areas including:

Enlightened Beauty – Ran by a group of lovely women, Enlightened Beauty is clean beauty + meets woo-woo. Not only do they offer a variety of skin care services, but their boutique is absolutely gorgeous! I personally come here for lash extensions (thanks, Skylar 😘) and to ogle over the pretty things in the boutique.

Better Balance Acupuncture – I learned about Better Balance thanks to Enlightened Beauty (it’s a small world of referrals), and I’ve been going to them for a couple of months regularly for acupuncture. It’s done wonders for my wellness! Highly recommend a gift certificate for a session.

Taylor Made Doulas – Co-owner Michele was one of my nurses who helped me through my labor and delivery with Lily. These ladies come highly recommended by my acupuncturist too. If you know a mama-to-be in your life the gift of a doula/postpartum-support will be beyond appreciated!

Serenity Spa & Soul Yoga – My favorite local spa and yoga studio! I’ve gone here for both classes and treatments. My most recent experience was a labor-inducing massage a few days before Lily arrived. They’re also affiliated with the hospital where I gave birth and offer free massages to new moms after delivery.

Midnight Kin – Located in my hometown of Placerville, this is one of my favorite shops! The whole vibe is very light and airy, and it’s the perfect place to find a gift for someone who is all about that self-care life.

Arabesque Aromas – Having just launched her new website in time for the holidays, Kirsten Schilling creates botanical perfumes and more from her studio in East Sacramento. Watching her Perfume Stories on her YouTube channel brings a whole new level of appreciation of her craft and the thought that goes into every scent.

Hair by Jessica – Jessica and I have been friends since kindergarten and once she became a stylist, I haven’t trusted anyone else to cut/color my hair. She is also the extension queen and offers gift certificates. Salons have been put through the wringer this year, so if you have the opportunity to support your favorite local stylist in any way, most definitely do it!

The Nailtel – Personally, I cannot wait to experience a service here once COVID restrictions are lifted. The interior alone has me all heart eyes 😍 plus they use non-toxic nail polish. A gift card here can be a wonderful treat for someone who loves to get their nails done! 🙋🏻‍♀️

Allspicery – Local spice and herb shop. They have everything you can think of including teas, baking ingredients, and more, not to mention it’s a great place to buy in bulk. I gifted a chili-mix set to my dad last year, so this place is perfect for someone who loves to cook.

The Moppet Shoppe – An adorable baby and kids boutique in Midtown. Both my sister and I have gotten some cute stuff for Lily from here.

Jonathan K Jewelry – Owned by my former neighbor, Jonathan K not only has a beautiful selection of fine jewelry to choose from but also specializes in custom designs. Needless to say, jewelry is always a winner! 💁🏻‍♀️

Studio Plumb and Katrina Stumbos – Both very talented interior designers! They offer virtual design services which could be a wonderful gift idea for someone who desires a little extra help with their space.

Propagate – Know someone with a green thumb? 💚 Then a gift from Propagate is a must! Not only are they super knowledgeable when it comes to plants but they offer specialty design services to help set you and your chosen plant(s) up for success. They offer workshops too! The Prickly Pear and Plant Daddy are a few other fun plant places.

Christina Best Photography, Katherine Elyse Photography, and Studio Fiscus – All highly recommended photographers in the Sacramento area! Give the gift of a photoshoot to a loved one. 

Amber Witzke – Local artist known for her unique Sacramento-themed prints. I worked alongside her husband, Jason Malmberg, for a few years who is also a low-key famous Gigposter designer. Both of them are talented graphic designers, and Amber has some wonderful pieces that would make great gifts for any Sacramento-lover!

The Trade – Owned by one of my former classmates from college, Amanda and her husband run a cool little coffee shop and co-working space in Midtown. They also had the honor of hosting one of the Luke’s Diner popups back in 2016! Other favorite coffee shops: Temple, Insight, The Mill, Old Soul, and Coffee Republic (I personally go here for the food). Honorable mention: Oblivion Comics & Coffee (were forced to close because of COVID).

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates – If you know someone with a sweet tooth, skip See’s and treat them to some delectable and unique from Ginger Elizabeth. Their chocolates are as delicious as they look, and with how lovely they’re designed you might be conflicted about whether or not to eat them. Andy’s Candy Apothecary is another one worth mentioning (their Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramels are my favorite), but unfortunately, they’re closed until 2021. Hopefully, there will be new ways to support them next year.

Babes and Pushkin’s – Sacramento’s exclusive all-gluten-free bakeries! As someone who is gluten-free, I am so grateful that Pushkin’s exists as they make it easy to enjoy some of my favorite foods. They recently opened up Babes, which is walking distance from my sister’s place, where they strictly sell vegan, gluten-free donuts, and ice cream. 

Other favorite local eateries: Burger Patch, Zocalo, Mas Taco , Selland’s Market Cafe, OBO’ Italian Table & Bar, Vibe Health Bar, Friends With Benedicts, The Waffle Experience, Mikuni Sushi, Pho ABC, Petra Greek, and Sutter Street Steakhouse.        

Friends & Family

My friends and family are talented entrepreneurs, and I’m always happy to support them in any way I can.

She Wears Floral – My sister is an amazing and talented hand-letterer! I have a website on our list for 2021 goals. 😉

Playful Poppies – My sister-in-love just started up her new business, Playful Poppies, in which she teaches virtual and in-person yoga classes to parents and their kiddos.

Inspired Living – My local nutritionist and “witch doctor” Dawna helps keep my health in check! In turn, I design her website, update her social media, and send out her eblasts. Need some wellness love paired with a little woo woo? You’ll want to see Dawna!

Clear Vision Coaching – Sandra is my amazing business coach, and if you’re a business owner you most definitely need a business coach in your life.

Tirzah Johnson – Tirzah is the cheerleader paired with tough love that you need to have in your corner when starting up your business. Her content on Twitter is pure gold, and she is a fantastic brand strategist!

June Bug Jewelry House – My long-time friend Maxine has been busy building her jewelry business in the last couple of years up in Oregon. She creates some very unique pieces, and I’ve loved watching her business grow!

Erin Dealey – Children’s book author Erin Dealey has not only been a longtime client of mine, but she was also one of my theatre instructors at my local summer fine arts camp. Her collection of children’s books keeps growing, and I love seeing what creative stories she comes up with! Her books are perfect for all ages!

BabyLoveCrochetProps – My dear friend Carolynne crotchets adorable baby accessories perfect for newborn/infant photoshoots and more. She was kind enough to gift me an adorable rainbow baby set for Lily.

Breathe With Tine – I met Christine at Alt Summit this year during a breath work session, and we hit it off immediately! She owns her own business in San Francisco where she offers breath work, meditation, and reiki.

Birdie Hansen – I’ve known Birdie for years and following her journey to become a healer has been beautiful to witness. She recently opened her own shop, Gifts By Birdie, and there are some truly special gift ideas.

Nikki Jeske – A friend from my LiveJournal days, Nikki is a talented artist who is currently taking artwork commissions which would make a wonderfully unique gift!

Shop Small

It goes without saying that small businesses need our help now more than ever. Some of my favorites have been forced to close to due to the pandemic, so it’s important to support those that are left.