It has never been a better time to shop small and what better way than to start within our own communities? We’ve curated a holiday gift guide from Bay Area business owners—buy big at these small shops this year! 

For the Kids

Sew Mei Mei
Is there anything cuter than baby/kid joggers? The answer is no. Handmade in San Francisco, these baby and toddler joggers, bibs and bandanas (some in matching sets) are perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite little elf.
Online: sewmeimei.com

Hey Carter! Books
Bay Area mom Dr. Thomishia Booker wrote the Hey Carter! Book series inspired by her son, Carter, after being discouraged by the lack of representation for Black boys in children’s books. Through her books, she aims to show us all what Brown Joy is—you’ll want a copy for your little reader!
Online: heycarterbooks.com

StereoType
Allowing kids to be expressive and playful with their clothing, this clothing line for kids disregards fashion rules and boundaries about who should wear what and the results are dashing, if we may say so ourselves. We especially love the Hero Skirt that also doubles as a cape!
Online: stereotypekids.com

Messy Play Kit
These kits are… you guessed it—messy! Each themed kit comes with three to five science experiments and art projects and kids will LOVE digging their hands into these kits so get a subscription for the artist/scientist in your life!
Online: messyplaykits.com

Shred Dog
Want quality, outdoor performance clothing for kids that keeps them both warm and dry while they sled/ski/board/hike? Look no further than Shred Dog. As the ski team supplier for Palisades Tahoe and Bear Valley ski teams, you know it's been tested and quality proven!
 Online: shreddog.com

People of the World Bingo Kit
Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo? Add in brightly colored traditional clothing from different cultures and countries and everyone will want in on this game!
Online: sfmoma.org

DIY Christmas Ornament Kit
Nothing beats Christmas tree ornaments made by kids! These kits let you choose from several animals and give your kids the chance to get creative and have a keepsake.
Online: etsy.com

Solving Fun
An online store that is based in Palo Alto with free delivery locally, Solving Fun offers engaging puzzles and games for kids to learn while having fun...because that's the best kind of learning there is! Puzzle packs, pal pack games and sticker sudoku books will keep little minds sharp this holiday. Don’t forget to sign up for their free daily emailed advent puzzle here.
Online: solvingfun.com

For Noshing

Beeline Treats
South Bay mom Vicki handcrafts unique, personalized cookies that are not only stunning to look at but also mouth wateringly delicious. Up the ante at your next occasion with these cookies that are guaranteed to impress!
Online: beelinetreats.com

Local Food Adventures
Have a foodie in your life? Gift them a Local Love food box! Choose from themes like the BBQ lover’s collection or Mai Tai cocktail party in a box that will be filled with quality products and go straight from Oakland to your giftee’s home.
Online: localfoodadventures.com

Kokak Chocolates
Single origin and handcrafted from sustainable and fair trade cocoa, Kokak chocolates stem from founder and chocolatier Carol Gancia’s serious love for chocolate. With a store in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Kokak also offers local bicycle delivery locally and welcomes custom orders.
Online: kokakchocolates.com

For Home

SFMOMA Living Wall tumbler
With over 20,000 plants, the living wall at SFMOMA is the largest in the country and this tumbler gorgeously celebrates that in a bold, striking fashion...perfect for your every day beverages.
Online: sfmoma.org

Ilke Studio
Handmade batch ceramics from this Burlingame studio will add a flair of elegance and style to any home.
Online: etsy.com

For Anyone

YeeJee Knits
Based in Walnut Creek, YeeJee beautifully hand knits and crochets beanies, headbands and cowls. Send one of her cozy creations to anyone who needs an extra hug this season!
Online: etsy.com

Paper Sweetly
Handcrafted paper art and jewelry like you have never seen before-Paper Sweetly is based in San Jose and Nikitha’s art will blow you away! These unique gifts are perfect for the hard-to-shop for giftee on your list.
Online: etsy.com

Iyoba
Born out of a desire to relieve her son’s eczema using natural products, Oakland mom Efiya began experimenting in her kitchen and created what is now her famous artisan soap. Today, she handcrafts organic, natural hair, body and home products, all of which  are paraben, synthetic fragrance and sulfate free and has a cult-like following.
Online: iyoba.com

—Christine Lai

Photos courtesy of the businesses. 

Featured photo: freestocks.org via Unsplash

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