If you’re a sucker for authentic connection, boy do I have the sweetest cards and gifts for you. I always joke that I’ll know that I’ve ~made it~ when I can shop small for everything. There something so rewarding about being able to support online indie shops and artists with incredible missions - especially when that purchase is a gift that’s going to someone you love.
I may still need to go to Walmart to buy my shampoo but when it comes to stellar stationery, cards, and thoughtful gifts - I go straight to the following peeps and (online) places to make spending my moneys feel more meaningful. It’s CYBER MONDAY so they’ve got their sales rocking for the next few hours but the internet never closes, so shop around and I promise you’ll find the perfect little presents or cards that were MADE real life sh*t and foster intimacy and connection during the holidays and beyond.
EMILY MCDOWELL & FRIENDS
If you’ve ever gotten a card from me chances are it from my girl Emily. She crafts the most honest and simple messages that go WORLDS beyond what you can find in the CVS card aisle. As a cancer survivor herself, this is the perfect place to find gifts and thoughtful messages catered to empathy and support. Sign up for the newsletter and get 20% any time or get 25% off now using the code JINGLEVIXON.
I’ve already purchased my holiday gifts from her, so friends, plz don’t look too closely, THANKS.
ADAM JK
Adam JK does a phenomenal job at capturing emotional word vomit. Seriously, it’s the strangest thing that you didn’t know that you needed. His honest humor let’s people know where you’re at without saying a word. Take the hat I have that says ‘I literally do not know what I’m doing’ to which I wore to the airport recently and the TSA agent told me that “for not knowing what I’m doing, I’m doing all right."
Be sure to follow him on Instagram and subscribe to his newsletter for sporadic doses of ‘oh cool, life is hard but that’s okay’ moments. Today only, he has sales from 20-50% off a ton of wonderful gifts - no code needed - and 10% of proceeds go to Housing Works! Win, win.
PEOPLE I’VE LOVED
Started as a stationary line to bridge the gap between hard conversations, People I’ve Loved is chock-full of cards, prints, and more with messages that tap into those hard to reach, and sometimes existential emotions.
Full disclosure, many of my holiday cards will be from Clarissa so again, no surprises here yet again. I opted for the holiday shuffle pack which is a fun surprise that I nerdily await at my mailbox for. Through Dec. 3, get 25% off your order of $40+ with the code JOYTOYOU.
DALLAS CLAYTON
My oh my, Dallas Clayton will warm your heart with his child-like wonder and ease. Perhaps best known for his ‘Stand Here And Think About Someone You Love’ stickers and mural, this artist and author is a delight who I epically love to support.
His prints, cards, and books are the perfect way to say I LOVE YOU SO MUCH to the people in your life. While there are no current sales I’m aware of, Dallas Clayton products are well worth the investment.
ASHKAHN
Ashkahn is a stationery studio that’s logo is a banana so you can expect silly goodness and cards that are perfect for that person-you-just-kinda-started-to-date-but-you-already-really-like’s birthday and beyond. Ashkahn and I have PERSONALLY CORRESPONDED on Instagram aka he has liked my post once so we’re basically besties. #FriendsSupportingFriends
CHIPPER THINGS
As the brainchild of Becky Simpson, this indie brand produces sweet products with a cheery focus. I just bought a token shirt with the tagline ‘Making It Up as I go’ to which I GLADLY allowed them to use a pic I posted to promote the mission of trudging forth in this strange world. From blankets to apparel to home goods, Chipper Things has a plethora of great gift ideas.
Get free shipping on your first order, no matter the day or get 25% off $100 with the code HOLLY or 20% off under $100 with the code JOLLY. Unsure of how long the sale will last but keep it cute and optimistic with this cool artist.
Go on and get out there and support these stellar indie shops and give your loved ones great gifts that are genuinely made with love TOO.