The joyful holiday season is a beautiful time to tell the people you love how grateful you are to spend life's precious moments. We wanted to put together an offering of incredible local products and services from our favorite small businesses to inspire creativity while gift giving for the holidays. In a time where instant gratification through businesses like Amazon and Target make gift purchases quick and painless (especially last minute), we want to encourage you to take an extra moment to get creative and look local for your special purchases. When you make a purchase with a small business, you are supporting a family and their dream. When you shop locally, you are investing your dollars in the community and in those who inevitably reinvest those same dollars back in the community.
This gift guide is in no way sponsored or affiliated by Shop Sanctuary. We simply felt encouraged to inspire and be inspired ourselves. We reached out to some of our favorite local businesses to include them in a formal "shout out" of sorts. These are businesses/artists/etc. that we patron and love ourselves. Each business will be linked and tagged, we strongly encourage you to look through each business or artists' offerings on their site yourself because we are only highlighting one of two products a piece throughout each category. And even if you aren't local, these gift guides are meant to inspire creative gift giving.
Without any more delay, here are the first two in the series of Shop Sanctuary's 2022 Holiday Gift Guides. May they encourage you to creativity in your gift giving this holiday season.
Xx,
Shop Sanctuary
Holiday Gift Guide: For Him
1. Brass Desk Frame -- Gift a cherished photo of the two of you in this edgy, handcrafted keepsake desk frame. It'll be the perfect piece to adorn his desk at home or work and he's sure to admire it with every glance.
https://shopsanctuary.co/products/brass-desk-frame
Instagram: @shopsanctuary.co
2. Chunky Knit Blanket -- A cozy cuddle blanket your man (and you) are sure to love.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaUU14HtAqI5H4UOPa2tcFDn9vhIEWpvJj08jfLTFLGxN-gg/viewform
Instagram: @loulou_jean_co
3. Hand-Poured Soy Candle -- Give the gift of atmosphere and uplifting aroma with this hand-poured soy candle, available in many scents and sizes.
https://lillightscandleco.com/
Instagram: @lillightscandleco
4. Matchbox -- Compliment the candle with a matchbox that will also add interest to his coffee table.
https://shopsanctuary.co/products/matches-whale-clipper-ship
Instagram: @shopsanctuary
5. Handcrafted Tallow Cream -- Handmade by a local mama, this tallow cream has incredibly nourishing, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, just to name a few and will be greatly appreciated.
Instagram: @gabbbbbbbz
6. Hand-painted Michael Scott Ornament -- any office fan would be nothing short of pleased to unwrap this perfect rendition of Christmas Michael Scott hand-painted by a lovely local artist.
Instagram: @candaces_canvasses
7. Buy Him A Cow -- the gift that every man secretly wants, purchase a cow share from this incredible local New Jersey farm and enjoy dry aged, 100% grass-fed & finished beef all year long. My family and I haven't had grocery store meat since march, and though the initial investment is paid for up front, it is worth every penny. We love to support this local family farm! Gift cards available.
"Raised by our family, exclusively for yours"
Instagram: @beaverbrookranch
8. Jessie's Of Linwood Gift Card -- We know its his favorite local spot, because its everyone's favorite local spot. Stuff his stocking with a gift card for coffee and a treat at Jessie's or your local coffee shop.
https://www.jessiesoflinwood.com/
Instagram: @jessiesoflinwood
Holiday Gift Guide: For Her
1. Baguette Studs -- An elegant and lovely gift to adorn her ears.
https://shopsanctuary.co/products/bagette-studs?_pos=1&_psq=bag&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Instagram: @shopsanctuary.co
2. Paint Session -- Schedule yourselves a memorable time to freely express creativity together, even make it a group date and invite friends along to the cool local spot, Peace Of Wood.
https://www.peaceofwoodoc.com/
Instagram: @peaceofwoodocnj
3. Holistic Nail Treatment -- Treat her to a natural nail service free from harmful chemicals. She's sure to leave feeling fresh and cared for.
Instagram: @gypseabeauty
4. Handmade Leather Clutch -- A classic and versatile addition to any woman's wardrobe, this handmade clutch is timeless and sure to be adored. Use code “save20” for an extra 20% off this clutch
https://shopsanctuary.co/products/handmade-leather-clutch?_pos=1&_sid=0db7c9ea2&_ss=r
Instagram: @shopsanctuary.co
5. Macrame Key Ring -- A handmade and beautiful addition to her key ring, makes a great stocking stuffer.
Instagram: @_withlovestudio_
6. Bone Bead-board Frame: Gift her a cherished photo of the two of you in this lovely hand crafted keepsake frame.
https://shopsanctuary.co/products/bone-beadboard-picture-frame-5x7
Instagram: @shopsanctuary.co
7. Date Night Blouse -- Treat her to a romantic top and a date night out somewhere festive during this holiday season.
https://shopsanctuary.co/products/sweetheart-smocked-blouse
Instagram: @shopsanctuary.co
8. Hand Stamped Tumblr -- A beautifully functional glass tumblr that she'll reach for daily to take her favorite drinks with.
https://shopsummersweethearts.com/
Instagram: @shop.summersweethearts
I hope you enjoyed my curation of small business items and services for him & her just as much as I enjoyed putting this all together. Stay tuned for 2 more gift guides dropping tomorrow!
With Love,
Dakota x Shop Sanctuary