‘Tis the season for over purchasing and over indulging. I am falling victim to spending way too much time and money online shopping, but almost everything I have purchased has been from small businesses or small creators. As you can read from previous blog posts, I have a massive obsession with graphic tees, especially ones made by smaller artists or brands. This month, I can proudly say that I did not over purchase any graphic tees, but I did splurge on candles, jewelry, and other gifts for loved ones.

I decided this year to only get gifts for my family and coworkers, mainly because I can’t see my friends in person, but also because I handmade my friends’ gifts which has taken longer than expected. I also feel weird about asking my friends for things and vis-versa. It makes it easier to shop for my dad who I live with and know exactly what he needs, and my sister and her boyfriend who I can comically buy “Pigeons are liars” t-shirts for, and know that they will laugh and wear them.

The small businesses I supported this year are:

Desert Moon Designs: https://www.desertmoondesign.shop/

Emerald Hearth Creations: https://www.emeraldhearthcreations.com/

Poshmark: https://poshmark.com/feed

LA Collective: https://lacollective.com/

Book Shop Santa Cruz: https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/

I made some small purchases from Madewell and Adidas because I needed work clothes (yes, I still go to an office) and running shoes (mine have holes in the bottom). I bought 1 item from Amazon because I genuinely searched for it in every small store, local store, and even online retailers, but nowhere had it except Amazon. I hate Amazon more than anything, and you should too, but alas, I am a victim of capitalism.

I made a list of what I would get each person ahead of time, like months ahead of time. I know that my dad needed a robe because he constantly complains of how freezing cold it is. My sister needed her dining room table and chairs painted. Her boyfriend had a funny moment with a bird, so I bought him a shirt about birds being government spies. My mom loves anything that shows you listen to her, so I am making her a scarf. But I also bought my mom, sister, and I matching necklaces because I wanted something to tie us all together. I am giving my coworkers a candle each because we need some aromatherapy during these trying times of running a school. I am also buying a book for my mom to keep her entertained while my dad monopolizes the TV with Fox News (GAG ME).

The point is, everyone is getting something that fit them but would also bring them joy and comfort. That’s the true point of the holidays, right?