If, like me, gift-giving is your love language, the holiday season can be both incredibly exhilarating and massively daunting. There’s no better feeling than finding that perfect token of affection for a loved one that exemplifies just how much you care about them, yet the pressure is on to nail it for everyone on your list. To help those gift-givers who might be paralyzed by the task at hand, we’ve rounded out a list of exemplary mom-and-pop shops around the country to check out in person and online. Many of the stores in our round-up are ideal for the design lovers and creative types on your list, too!
1. The Group W. Bench – New Haven, CT
via The Group W. Bench
An institution in this small New England city, amidst the crowds of Yale’s campus, The Group W. Bench has been a beloved gifting hot spot since 1968. Filled from floor to ceiling with jewelry, clothing, art, tchotchkes of all kinds, and so much more, The Group W. Bench is a veritable treasure trove with something for everyone— if you’re willing to look around long enough!
2. Jessica Hische & Friends – Oakland, CA
The brilliant hand letterer, graphic designer, and author Jessica Hische recently launched her latest endeavor: opening a retail store. Jessica Hische & Friends officially opened its doors in Downtown Oakland this past September and is filled with art, books, and “beautiful, useful things” curated by Hische herself.
3. Corners – Catskills, NY
Corners is an art and design store in upstate New York that boasts a careful curation of framed art, books, paper goods, design objects, and magazines from all corners of the art and design world. Nestled in the small town of Livingston Manor, Corners is a haven for art enthusiasts and design seekers alike. This is the spot to find the perfect vintage exhibition poster or design book for your art-obsessed uncle!
4. Printed Matter, Inc. – New York, NY
via Printed Matter
Founded in 1976, Printed Matter, Inc. is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating, understanding, and appreciating artists’ books and related publications. Their flagship bookstore in Manhattan’s Chelsea Arts District offers a range of artists’ books, zines, posters, apparel, ephemera, and more.
5. The Botanical Bar – Indianapolis, IN
via The Botanical Bar
If you’re shopping for that green thumb in your life, look no further than The Botanical Bar. The minority and women-owned shop is committed to supporting diverse suppliers and vendors, focusing on selling unique houseplants and lifestyle products.
6. Bond & Bevel – Caldwell, ID
Husband and wife duo Heath and Krista founded Bond & Bevel after unlocking their creative sides during the pandemic lockdown. Their brick-and-mortar store houses their custom-made leather goods, vintage finds, and even a coffee shop!
7. NicSon Mercantile – Los Angeles, CA
The groovy Highland Park neighborhood on the east side of LA is home to many intriguing small businesses, and NicSon Mercantile is right up there with the best of them. Founded in 2019 by the ridiculously talented sign painter Sonny Boy, the shop carries artisanal goods made by other craftsmen and products from Sonny Boy himself. During the holiday season, Sonny Boy offers custom hand-painted Christmas ornaments for purchase!
8. Paper & Craft Pantry – Austin, TX
via Paper & Craft Pantry
Paper & Craft Pantry is a retail stationery shop and workshop studio in Austin, fueled by a love of all things paper, workshops, and community. They host monthly creative workshops ranging from cake decorating to felt flower making, and they donate a portion of the shop’s profits from their in-house stationery and product line to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Black Mamas ATX.
9. Neighborly – Chicago, IL
Neighborly is the proud supplier of modern home goods, gifts, and artwork that are all handmade, fair trade, and eco-friendly. Alongside heirloom quality handmade finds, they carry a wide selection of gifts that give back to non-profit organizations and job training programs.
10. 826 Valencia – San Francisco, CA
via 826 Valenvia
The non-profit organization 826 Valencia is dedicated to supporting under-resourced students in San Francisco as they hone their writing skills, and their Pirate Supply Store helps fund their services. From apparel to “exploring essentials,” all sales benefit 826 Valencia’s mission.
11. Acorn Toy Shop – Brooklyn, NY
via Acorn Toy Shop
Toy stores can be sophisticated, too, and Acorn Toy Shop is proof. Peddling unique, handcrafted, ethically-made toys and goods that inspire the imagination and foster healthy childhood development, Acorn Toy Shop is one of those dreamy toy shops you fantasize about as a kid.
12. Hatch Show Print – Nashville, TN
Hatch Show Print is an operational letterpress studio and print shop founded nearly 150 years ago (in 1879). Using its vast collection of vintage type and hand-carved imagery, Hatch Show’s artists create timeless designs that express and commemorate America’s evolving cultural identity. Shop prints made at Hatch Show Print here, and find their other collections here!