2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Small Businesses

Personal

November 13, 2020

Hello, hello!

If you are new here, welcome! I’m Jillian, and I am a wedding & portrait photographer based out of the Chicagoland area! If you have been around for a while – you know this is something I have never shared before! Although, this is something I am extremely passionate about and so excited to share with you all!

The holidays are here, which is hard to deny as everyone has already put up their Christmas decorations – if that’s you, I fully respect your excitement!! I know we are all ready to spread some joy (& not germs) this season with our loved ones – even if that means virtually. This past year has been tough for the majority of people, and I have been seeing a trend of needing the christmas spirit to help spark joy this season. With that being said, holiday shopping is going to look a lot different this year (maybe for the better!). I know there are small businesses out there that have been hit hard and could really use our support the most. As I have been brainstorming for my own family, I started to think about what small businesses I know of that can help me create either a memorable gift, or something really special that’s more than just a gadget or a new toy. Which brought up the idea of putting together this locally owned small business gift guide for all of you!

I’m challenging myself to shop small this season & I want to make it easy for all of you to do the same! The impact you leave on a small business when you purchase their service or good, is undeniably the best feeling in the world! Trust me, we all do a happy dance when we hear from customers like you.

P.s. All of the businesses have their websites linked in their names, feel free to click the underlined names to learn more about them!


Lauren Rae Jewlry 

Instagram

Facebook

Lauren Rae Jewelry Boutique is a local family owned and operated business named after their two wonderful grandchildren! They are extremely proud to be involved in everything that goes on in the Downtown Naperville area. Their 1700 square foot store is loaded with thousands of pieces of both trendy and classic jewelry styles and accessories! Join them in their Holiday Preview Sale. They would love to help you find your perfect holiday gift in a clean & safe environment.❤️


“My name is Allison and I am the owner & designer of Allison Marie Designs. I started my business out of my bedroom a couple months after graduating college with a degree in Fashion Design. I sell clothing and accessories that each have a piece of upcycled designer flare, making them extremely unique and most of them one-of-a-kind. My brand will be sold full-time in stores at the new boutique in Bourbonnais, IL called Clothing Bar. They plan to open their doors on November 21.”

Peerless Charm 

“Peerless Charm is crystal and hand-forged metal jewelry made in Bradley, IL. Lauren Malmquist started Peerless Charm in 2010 to combine her love a fashion with her love of making. She loves making jewelry that’s on-trend but unique. You can shop in person locally at Moon Cookie Gallery or E.volve Clothing Co, or online at Peerlesscharm.com.”

Smelly Elle Candles

Instagram

Facebook

Smelly Elle Candles are hand-poured by an individual with autism. “Making candles has not only given Austin a sense of pride, but he continues to learn new skills with his business. He is involved with all aspects of producing and selling the candles; he hot glues the wicks in the jars, measures and melts the soy wax, chooses which fragrance (given choices), measures and adds the fragrance, and pours the hot wax. Once cooled, he helps cut the labels and tags and adds them to the jars.  The Smelly Elle name came from his lifelong love of elephants, and the elephant on the logo is the one he chose.”


 Chunky Blanket Lady

Instagram

Facebook 

Is there anything Ashley can’t make out of this material?! Check out her recent work on her Instagram & Facebook accounts. She takes custom orders and has tons of colors to choose from! Psst. They are really soft! My puppy Jax even approves!


Azula Boutique 

TikTok

Instagram

Hi! My name is Shea Gardner and I’m the owner of Azula Boutique. My business started over a year ago and is the ULTIMATE lounge wear boutique. Every clothing item is made to be comfiest and most importantly, the most unique! Azula is a full time online store but we will soon be selling to the Clothing Bar in Bourbonnais, IL starting November 21st. To find us on Instagram and TikTok our username is @azulaboutique and to shop the comfiest, most fashionable lounge wear, head over to azulaboutique.com


Maggie Regan Art 

Instagram

“Maggie Regan is an artist and illustrator based in Indianapolis, IN. She recently graduated cum laude from Butler University in 2019 with a degree in Art + Design and Digital Media Production. The central themes in her work tends to focus on the female identity and experience, nature, and the blend of the whimsical and the ordinary in everyday life. For freelance work or inquiries, contact her here. To see her latest work, follow her on Instagram @maggiereganart.”


Sarah Marion | Health Coaching

Website

Instagram

“I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that I look at how all areas of your life are connected. Does stress at your job or in your relationship(s) cause you to overeat? Does lack of sleep or low energy prevent you from exercising? As we work together, we will look at how all parts of your life affect your health as a whole. I’m offering a free 50-minute consultation where we start the conversation to explore your health & wellness goals.”


MyFlutur

Instagram

TikTok

My flutur boutique is a chicago suburb, women-owned online business!! At My Flutur we thrive off making women feel confident and beautiful!! We would love to help you find extra  special gifts to give during your holiday season. Be sure to subscribe to our email listing to keep an eye out for the holiday specials coming to our website very soon!!


Ruby Sweets

Facebook

Instagram

My name is Amanda Rubin & I am the owner of Ruby Sweets. I have always had a love for baking so with a little push from my loved ones, Ruby Sweets was finally born. Ruby Sweets specializes in cheesecakes, cake pops, small cakes and much more. Every season Ruby Sweets has a limited edition cheesecake that comes as well as specialty cake pops, be on the lookout for the announcement soon! The best way to place an order is to message the Ruby Sweets Facebook page!


BeautyByAshD

Instagram

My name is Ashley Doyle and I have been a licensed esthetician for a year a half. I’m here to help you enhance your natural beauty and make you feel amazing. Giana Lauren lashes brows and beauty is where I am located and I offer many services there. Come in my chair to kick back and relax while I do the work! This season we are offering $30 mini facials & $25 eyebrow wax & tint bundles! Check out our social media for the rest of our holiday specials!


Diamond Dogs

My name is Rachel and I have been competing with and showing dogs since I was six years old. I currently own a Border Collie and a Whippet who help me train my client dogs and participate in agility, frisbee, obedience, and dock diving. I moved to Chicago two years ago to become a professional dog trainer and it has been awesome! I love all the new people and cool dogs I have been able to form relationships with. I currently offer lessons in obedience, reactivity, puppy, and sports in both the Chicagoland area and West burbs. You can contact me at (815) 348-2259 or email at rsdiamonddogs@gmail.com


Nirvana By Autumn

Website
Instagram

Autumn is the owner and esthetician at Nirvana by Autumn. Nirvana by Autumn, is an acne studio located in Kankakee, IL. Autumn has created a unique acne program designed to get women clear skin within 3-6 months, depending on their acne type. Give the gift of clear skin this year by treating yourself or someone else to a $25 acne consultation when you mention this blog post.


Heey Sweet Letters

My name is Nicole from Sweet Letters calligraphy! I am based in the Chicagoland area and have lived here all my life! I began my calligraphy journey around 2018, but did not start my business until July of 2020! I love connecting with my clients and being able to bring their vision to life! A few services I offer include: wedding calligraphy signs, on-site calligraphy, and various personalized products! Please feel free to contact me on Instagram @heeysweetletters and I can’t wait to learn more about YOU!


Lill & Co.

Instagram

We are Jill & Liz • the owners of Lill & Co. We started our business in the garage during quarantine while renovating our own areas of our home. We had so much fun making signs for our new and improved spaces that we decided to start a business to offer everyone a place to bring their ideas. We love making their visions come true! We make a lot of signs to sell but also take customized orders as well. We work with each client through the whole process of picking out colors, borders, and the lettering. We then will show them the end results before finalizing the products. Our signs are made from solid pine material. No two signs will be the same, each will have their own unique chips/divots due to the character of the wood but we always guarantee our quality to be to the highest standards.


HazelNut’s Boutique

Hi! I’m Jenna, the mama behind Hazelnut’s Boutique. When my first daughter Hazel was born, I found myself buying ALL the bows. I turned my bow obsession into a creative hobby to make hair bows for my girl and then that transformed into starting a small shop. I love learning and growing through my shop and I strive to create beautiful, quality bows for all families.


Two Whisks Bakery

Instagram

Two Whisks Bakery was founded on a dream to give Manteno, IL a little extra sweetness. Founder Katie Regan started the bakery in 2016 and has been serving up sweets and treats ever since! We serve up daily treats like donuts, cookies, & muffins – stop by and check out our rotating menu and daily specials! We also make wedding cakes and do catering orders for events in the local area. Give us a call or check out this page to book your free tasting!


Llama Bean Coffee

Facebook

Llama Bean Coffee Co is a specialty coffee company that specializes in ethically sourced, packaged coffee. Our beans are sourced from Peru and roasted and packaged in Naperville, IL. Want to learn more? Check us out at www.llamabeancoffee.com or follow us on social media @llamabeancoffee. Use promo code “BARB” for $2 off your bag of coffee!


Jammin Threads

Etsy

Instagram

Welcome to Jammin Threads! We are a mother daughter duo that make custom fabric and personalized items. Initially we planned on specializing in fabric but we’ve been having fun adding personalization to pillows, shirts, and more. We love creating personalized gifts because they are a way to celebrate every special moment or event in life. Whether it’s a wedding, new baby, holiday, anniversary, or a thank you for someone special; we want to help you give something truly unique. A personalized gift can make an average present into something fun, meaningful, and can be cherished forever.

We welcome the opportunity to help you create an item that you can’t get anywhere else. If you are looking for something you don’t see here let us know and we are happy to help. All of our products are designed, embroidered, sewn or printed in house. Then packaged, and shipped from our door to yours!

*Use Code “JILL15” for 15% at checkout! 


Kara Evans Photographer

Instagram

Kara Evans Photographer is a wedding photographer, 1:1 mentor for creatives, and virtual shop owner. Visit the Kara Evans Photographer shop to purchase Lightroom mobile presets to transform your mobile photos and explore the online intro photo course just in time for the holidays. Use the code THANKFUL gives 15% off through 12/31/20, too!


Michaela Mantarian

Hey Friend, I’m Michaela!
I serve Chicagoland brides & grooms who are looking for more than just a florist! I believe that each couple deserves a one-of-a-kind, personalized experience that is as unique as they are. I’m a huge fan of seasonal lattes (Chestnut Praline for this Holiday season!), decorating way too early for Christmas (we always cut a fresh tree – or three – every year for our home), classic sugar cookies, and the movie Elf!
This Holiday season, my shop will be stocked with all your favorite seasonal floral elements – DIY wreath workshops, pre-made wreaths, and dried arrangements! Plus, it will feature one-of-a-kind handmade earrings designed by me! Whether you’re decorating way too early, like our family, or holding off until after Thanksgiving, there are perfect pieces for your home and wardrobe awaiting you at The Michaela Mantarian Shop.
to kick off your Holiday Shopping!

Beauty By Lauren

My name is Lauren & I’m a hairstylist at Rumors Salon & Day Spa located in Bradley, IL. I’ve been in the industry for a little over 5 years & I love making people feel confident & beautiful! I specialize in color, but I also offer: women’s cuts & men’s cuts, formal styling & spray tans! I also love working with brides to make their dream wedding hair a reality! I will be offering 20% off of your service when you mention this post!


Jillian Photography

If you have made it this far… THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate you taking the time to check out all of these wonderful small businesses & reading about who they are! Feel free to reach out to any of them for help/guidance on gift ordering… I know they are anxious to hear from you! If anything, give one or ALL of these businesses a follow on their social media. That small gesture means just as much!

– As for Jillian Photography, I will be offering 15% off my albums this season until New Year’s Eve. Anyone who places an order (past client, or not!)  I can curate a custom high-quality album for your recent portraits. This is a great present for parents of a bride & groom that just go married. Or a parent whose son or daughter got their senior photos taken! Feel free to reach out on my website & we can chat!

  1. Sarah Marion says:

    This is an amazing compilation of small businesses! As director of the Manteno Chamber it makes my heart happy that you did this!!! Shopping local and supporting small business is key to a thriving community! Thank you for doing this!

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