I know it's not Thanksgiving yet but I am already at least thinking about Christmas gift ideas. This holiday season, please strive to support small businesses here in America. With rampant inflation and ongoing issues with the supply chain, we all need to be mindful of the importance of supporting each other. I have several friends and acquaintances who own their own small businesses and I want to help them promote their products. I am a savvy buyer though, so I want to reassure you that I have actually purchased and used most of these products and I will vouch for their customer service and quality products.
I have written about my friend Jon Jackson's beautiful work at Comfort Farms, giving veterans a place to heal from the traumas of war and a way to regain their purpose in life. His approach to therapy is unique and amazing, and you can learn more here. There are lots of ways to help. If you are near Milledgeville, Georgia, you can go over in the summer and fall and purchase incredible produce and meats. You can also check out Farm Focused and purchase unique and well-made clothing that promotes the brand of Comfort Farms and other farms.
left, my mom wearing one of the awesome aprons made at Down South House and Home
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My friend Stacy Reece runs a wonderful business in Clarkston, Georgia, just a few minutes from me, Down South House and Home. I have purchased many of her dishtowels, aprons, napkins, and other products and they are excellent quality as well as being clever and unique. I had a great time interviewing Stacy a few years ago for this blog, and you can read it here. Although most of her products are timeless, Stacy keeps up with trends. You can see her selection of masks here. Have a guy who is hard to buy for? Check out the humorous socks offered at Down South.
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If you are in the Atlanta area and you need a wedding cake or other special occasion cake, check out my friend Jenean's business, Carlton's Cakes. Jenean is a scientist as well as a baker and she has helped brides out by making gluten-free cakes, dairy-free cakes, and vegan cakes. Jenean's cakes are widely celebrated. She has won awards from The Knot and Jezebel magazine, and her cakes have even been found in movies!
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Feridies is a family-owned business out of Virginia that offers utterly delicious [and nutritious] products that I have purchased as gifts many times. A few years ago I interview Jane Riddick-Fries for this blog and really enjoyed learning about the delicious and unique products.
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I love products with a sense of humor. Check out Duke Cannon -- "Our products are tested by soldiers, not boy bands." I have ordered some of their products for Christmas gifts this year. (Don't tell my son or my brother...)
Other products:
I have purchased an used the wonderful products from Goat Milk Stuff over the years and always been impressed by their quality. It's a family-owned and run business.
I am going to blatantly self-promote here, so please don't hate me. My book Singing to the Cows is a collection of essays written by my mom about her life and her humor and wisdom are evident on every page. If you need a gift for someone 75+ years old, I guarantee they will enjoy the book. If you like to cook but more importantly hear stories about recipes, check out What's for Dinner, Mom?