These small gift ideas will help you to look like a holiday super hero. Someone who is on top of her game, a true gifting wizard. And, hey, you can do it all without making a dent in your budget. You know me: usually I am all about DIY. However, I recognize that we’re entering a bit of a gifting time-crunch here, and DIY takes a lot of time and energy. In this situation, I wholly recommend leaving the hard work up to another artisan. Accordingly, I have compiled these fifteen small gift ideas over the span of two days {hey, quality gift-hunting takes time!}. My hope is that you can: A) Experience the perfect “Aha! This will be great for So-and-So!” moment; or B) Garner inspiration; or C) Both. I only chose companies that I adore and trust {Chocolove and Zum Body} and individual artisans — because we should support people who are making wonderful products with a healthy dose of love.
These small gift ideas are in order from lowest to highest price, and the price includes the cost of shipping within the USA {I owe an apology to my non-US-based readers; I’m sorry!}. Most of the pieces can {and should} be sent straight to your recipient! Thus commences the list:
1. Chocolate Bars by Chocolove in Boulder, CO – $1.84 Each Plus $5.00 Shipping
What makes them special?: Chocolove chocolate is made here in Boulder, Colorado, but even before I could consider them “local” {when I lived in Lawrence, Kansas}, I was consuming these bars like nobody’s business. They’re beautifully packaged — note the golden wax seal — and equally delicious. My flavor picks are Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Toffee and Almonds, and Dark Chocolate Coffee Crunch. Find all of these flavors at vitacost.com. For $15.00, you can purchase five bars. You also may be able to find them locally!
2. Lavender Sachet by Pure Palette in Woodbridge, VA – $6.75 
What makes this special?: Usa Pratanasup, owner of Pure Palette, crafts these lavender sachets by hand using natural corn cob, lavender bud, and high-scent-throw essential oil. I personally love lavender sachets and use them in my linen closet and dresser drawers. You can make anything smell like heaven with lavender sachets: you car, your linens, entire rooms; really, anything. Plus, Usa creates an amazing gift presentation; take a look at the beautiful kraft bag in the photo! Send a sachet or two to a friend this holiday season; purchase this lovely handmade product at Pure Palette on Etsy.
3. Set of Two Bath Teas by Jenny Bean Bath and Body in Lancaster, CA – $8.00
What makes them special?: Bath teas are a luxury item that will turn your bathroom into an amazing-smelling spa. These particular teas are a blend of blend of rose, lavender, spearmint, and Dead Sea salts. You can either steep the bath tea like real tea, wait for it to cool a bit, then pour it in the bath; or you can put the tea directly into a hot bath. To purchase these bath teas, you can buy directly from the Jenny Bean Bath and Body website for $8.00 {free shipping}; or purchase at Jenny Bean Bath and Body on Etsy for $10.00 {a free lotion sample is included}.
4. 4″x6″ Fabric Journal with Handmade Paper by Adya International in Mumbai, India {Product Ships from US Upon Request} – $8.00
What makes this special?: The diaries offered by Adya International are created from recycled paper and, in some cases, upcycled saris. I have a fabric journal {though not from Adya International} and absolutely love it because of its portability and overall good feel. If you are in the US, it is a good idea to ask Adya to ship from the US — there’s less chance that your journal will get lost in the mail. This would make a wonderful gift for creative entrepreneurs, students, or just someone who is on the go and needs something to sketch or write in. Purchase one at Adya International on Etsy.
5. Tiny Rose Earrings by Sleepy Mountain in Portland, ME – $8.78
What makes these special?: Sleepy Mountain is a purveyor of cute, novelty jewelry. I selected these earrings to showcase here because they are nice, neutral pieces that most women will like. However, if you know any Breaking Bad fans, Sleepy Mountain also offers some Heisenberg earrings {$11.90} that offer a healthy dose of quirk. Purchase the rose earrings pictured at Sleepy Mountain on Etsy.
6. 1/4 lb. Homemade Salted Caramels by Botanical Sweets in Lincoln City, OR – $8.90
What makes these special?: If you are able to make caramels as a handmade gift, great! Absolutely do it! Or … you can be like me {i.e. intimidated by a candy thermometer} and let Botanical Sweets do all the work. At the risk of sounding crazy, these caramels make me want to lick my computer screen. They’ll please any sweet tooth, and as an added bonus, they’re already gift wrapped! Did I mention they’re made to order, from a licensed commercial kitchen to boot? Order these sweet treats at Botanical Sweets on Etsy.
7. Handmade Lip Balm Set by Akima Botanicals in Upper Darby, PA – $9.50
What makes these special?: Akima Morgan, owner of Akima Botanicals, is a belly dancer turned creative entrepreneur. Akima only uses eco-friendly, organic, fair-trade, responsibly wild-harvested botanicals and other ingredients free from parabens, pthalates, artificial dyes and preservatives in her unique bath and body products. For $9.50, you get to choose the three {handmade!} lip balm flavors that appeal to you most. My picks would be Mocha, Chocolate Mint, and Chocolate Orange! Purchase this set at Akima Botanicals on Etsy.
8. Vintage Books Themed Washi Tape by Chicky Doddle in Boston, MA – $10.00
What makes these special?: Hello! Washi tape! Japanese washi tape is great for decorating notebooks, scrapbooking, collaging, and sealing letters with. I love this vintage book design, but Chicky Doddle offers many other designs as well. If you know a washi tape lover {or scrapbooker/artist/snail mail fan}, these will make a wonderful gift. Purchase them at Chicky Doddle on Etsy.
9. Rosemary Mint Zum Bar by Indigo Wild in Kansas City, MO – $11.70
What makes this special?: When I lived in the wider Kansas City area, I loved Indigo Wild {a Kansas City company that is growing in popularity – way to go, Indigo Wild!}. Their rosemary mint scent is my go-to because it’s fresh, clean, and not too overpowering. If you can find Zum in your area {here you can buy it at any Kroger store; in Kansas it was at HyVee as well}, buy it locally to save on shipping; the soap minus shipping runs around $6.00. I would also strongly encourage you to consider purchasing the Zum Clean Aromatherapy Laundry Detergent sampler pack. We use the Frankincense and Myrrh laundry detergent, and I’m not kidding, it’s wonderful. Friends come and do laundry at my house just so they can small like our detergent. You can find the soap at Indigo Wild, and feel free to peruse the rest of their site as well!
10. Del Techo Organic Loose-Leaf Yerba Mate Rooftop Blend by E3 Supply Company in Brooklyn, NY – $12.00
What makes this special?: Besides the super-cool packaging? Well, the fact that the herbs used in this tea are cultivated organically in self-watering planters made from re-used restaurant materials in a private rooftop garden in Brooklyn. Also, I love that E3 Supply Company owners David Browning and Mai Kato are a custom motorbike shop owner and graphic designer, respectively. Where does tea come into the picture? I don’t know, and I don’t care — this product is lovely. The tea comes in an airtight mason jar, and I want ten of these to display in my own kitchen. Purchase the tea at E3 Supply Company on Etsy.
11. Screen Printed Tea Towel by Monkey Mind Design in Denver, CO – $13.00
What makes this special?: Anita Ashfield-Salter of Monkey Mind Design is a {local to me!} creative entrepreneur in Denver, Colorado. She is a designer-illustrator who left the advertising world to focus on building her own business. My gift pick from her shop would be the “Life is Better with Friends” screen printed tea towel {pictured}, which could serve as a unique piece to brighten a friend’s kitchen. However, if I were buying for myself, I would buy a set of Anita’s “Modern Shapes” tea towel. Anita also offers unique cards and other screen prints that are worth perusing through; check out her “Life is Better with Friends” tea towel at Monkey Mind Design on Etsy, then browse through her other creations, too!
12. “Not All Those Who Wander are Lost” Stamped Copper Bookmark by Snappin Studio in Orlando, FL – $13.50
What makes this special?: I have never seen a bookmark like this {have you?}, and I love that it’s hand-stamped and created from vintage copper. This would make the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life; given that s/he hasn’t converted to the Kindle or iPad for reading. Purchase this stamped bookmark at Snappin Studio on Etsy.
13. Manhattan #2 Print by Andy Pratt Design in New York, NY – $13.50
What makes this special?: This 8″x10″ Giclee artwork is printed on heavy watercolor paper and depicts Manhattan, NY, in a colorful, sophisticated cartoon style. Graphic designer and illustrator Andy Pratt lives and works in New York, so it’s no wonder this piece is lovingly well-done. This art print would make an ideal gift for someone who either lives in or loves Manhattan. How cool would it look in a minimalistic apartment? Purchase it at Andy Pratt Design on Supermarket.
14. “Seeker of Happiness” Canvas Tote by Seeker of Happiness in North Salt Lake, UT – $14.00
What makes this special?: A little disclaimer here: I’m a tote fanatic … but who can’t use a good bag? All of Seeker of Happiness owner Carrie Chapman‘s canvas totes are pretty and unique; perfect for taking to the grocery store, holiday shopping, or using as a purse. If you browse through all of the designs on Seeker of Happiness, I’m willing to bet that you’ll find something for someone on your list! Find this particular tote at Seeker of Happiness on Etsy.
15. Crackling Firewood Soy Candle by Plain J Body and Home in Aurora, CO – $14.00
What makes this special?: It’s winter {in the northern hemisphere}. This candle comes from Colorado, where winter is experienced to its joyous fullest. Give a little bit of the Colorado winter to a friend; this crackling firewood candle sounds oh-so-enticing with its “smell of a crackling fire blended with vanilla and a hint of raspberry”. I am all for supporting Plain J Body and Home owner Jessica O’Leary, who is an interior designer by day, but develops her artisan soap and candle business by night with the goal of making Plain J Body and Home her sole career. Buy this candle at Plain J Body and Home on Etsy, and be sure to look through the other scents she offers as well!
And that concludes my list! Do you have a go-to gift that is under $15.00 including shipping? If you are a creative entrepreneur, do you offer such a product? Tell us about it in the comments! I’ll pin it to my Small Gift Ideas board on Pinterest {be sure to follow this board for more great ideas}.
The happiest of holidays to you, and best of luck in your shopping endeavors!
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