Erie Local Spotlight: Small Business Gift Guide 2022

Christmas is less than a week away! I have wrapped nothing and still need to buy a few more gifts. I feel very unprepared this holiday season, but I am doing my best. Aren't we all? The one thing I did right this season was shopping small. I am proud to say that over half of the gifts on my list were purchased from local businesses! I am so excited to gift this year's presents and spread the word about some amazing small businesses in Erie.

L to R: Glass Growers Gallery // Erie Art Museum Membership

For your friends and loved ones who appreciate the arts, I have two great recommendations. Glass Growers Gallery has the most beautiful selection of pieces from local artisans. From one-of-a-kind paintings to handmade coffee mugs, there is something for everyone at every price point. For a gift that keeps giving all year long, give your art-loving friends an Erie Art Museum membership! Each time they go, they will think of you and it's an activity you could do together.

L to R: Ember & Forge // Tipsy Bean

For your friends and family members who need coffee before talky, Erie coffee shops offer gift cards, fresh bags of coffee, and other coffee-related items. If the caffeine addict in your life also loves cats, a Purrista gift card would be a huge hit. Cats and coffee. Yes, please. 

L to R: Broken Egg Clay // Amber Ferns 

Broken Egg Clay makes the most unique vases, plates, and mugs. These little succulent holders are adorable. Full disclosure, I bought a match stick striker for myself white shopping on Small Business Saturday. I love it so much. Ashton Ferns is a new-to-me local business. I discovered these incredible bonsai, terrariums, and plants last Friday during Gallery Night. The owner is so knowledgeable about each plant and uses sustainable materials to try to reduce waste. I would love to add one of her pieces to my collection one day.

L to R: Nest By Lollie // Vintage & Home Soul (Photo credit.)

Buying home decor items for someone might be a difficult ask, everyone has their own unique style. While you may not want to buy someone a vase, candle, or centerpiece, you can always give them a gift card to a local home decor business! If you can't tell, I am a firm believer that gift cards make great gifts so people can purchase what they really want or need. Those adorable cutout cookies (pictured on the right) were complimentary at the store's Small Business Saturday event. Don't they look amazing! They tasted fantastic too! 

L to R: Pressed Books & Coffee // Werner Books

Your bookworm friends will love you forever when they open their holiday cards to find a gift card from Pressed or Werner. Pressed not only has a wonderful selection of books, but their coffee shop is so cozy and always has the best specialty drinks. Werner Books is my go-to when I need a good book. I loved shopping their used section to save a couple bucks. They also just started their first subscription box! I just opened mine the other day!

L to R: Sanibellie (Photo from Local Lovin Erie Facebook) // Clae Handmade (Photo from Clae Handmade IG)

Erie has some incredible local jewelry makers for any friends or loved ones who love accessories. Two of my favorites both use clay as their medium: Sanibellie and Clae Handmade. I discovered Sanibellie on Gallery Night as well at the Local Lovin' Pop-Up at the Boston Store. I love how she pairs neutral colors with modern patterns. Clae Handmade has been a favorite for a long time. I have quite a few pairs of earrings from these talented ladies. 

Hope this helps with any last-minute shopping! Have a very merry holiday!