Holiday time is upon us! There are many things I love about this time of year, but selecting personal gifts for loved ones is always fun for me. Since I’m almost done checking items off my Christmas gift list for this year, I wanted to share some of my favorite local artists and small businesses that I have frequented for gift ideas (and I’ve also put several of them on my own wish list!).

1. Prints, original artwork, and other goodies by Britt Bass Turner: $40+ // 2. Boo Boo Gel by Painted Earth Skincare: $25  (the perfect stocking stuffer for most anyone!) // 3. Gourmet Sweet Bread by Breadwinner Breads: $25.99 (the most fabulous breads, and the price includes fast shipping) // 4. Chalkboard art prints by Garvin & Co: $15 // 5. Locally Grown onesies & childrens’ shirts by Seed Factory: $24-26 // 6. Family Gift Membership for the Center for Puppetry Arts: $90 (shameless plug, as this is my full-time job, but it’s one of the best activities in town – for both kids and adults) // 7. Watercolor city maps & custom wooden stamps by Natty Michelle Paperie: $10-45+

Being a small business owner with Melissa Hayes Photography and also working as an Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot, I truly admire all of these fine folks who are working to support their dreams through their businesses. If you’re a small business owner as well, check out Kabbage’s Holiday Planning page for tips to prepare your business for the Holiday Season! Kabbage is an online provider of small business loans — they act as a resource for entrepreneurs to thrive in their local communities, especially during the Holiday Season.

Friends — whether you’re in Atlanta or across the world, I hope that you’ll consider shopping local and supporting your fellow community members while you’re checking those gifts off your list this year. Happy Holidays!