holiday shopping but make it small & local & conscious

The last few years I have made a conscious effort to try to buy as many of my holiday gifts from small, local stores. I know that this isn’t a possibility for everyone and sometimes the perfect gift for someone has to be ordered online. Regardless, I have made an extra effort to find local businesses that I can support for as much of my holiday shopping as possible.

As a small business owner, I can attest to the fact that this makes a difference. And we have so many cool, interesting, fun places to explore in Minneapolis.

My sisters and I always like to take an afternoon during the holiday season to peruse through the shops in Linden Hills and 50th and France. Last year I bought a few gifts from Foxwell (right across the street from Azalea) that were a huge hit. I’ll buy wine as gifts from France 44th. And Linden Hills Co-op sells Larissa Loden jewelry (local jewelry designer) that is so cute and fun (their shop is in St. Paul if you’re over there). My sisters and I are going to check out Queenie and Pearl and Carousel and Folk this weekend! We’ve never been to either but have heard such good things. I’m so excited.

If we pause for a second during all the chaos and pressure of the holiday season shopping, we will see that there are really special gifts right in our neighborhoods. 

Gift giving can be hard! If I’m struggling with finding a gift for someone in my life, I make a list of things I know they love and then go from there. Gift cards for one of their favorite services is an amazing gift and a great way to support small, local businesses! Of course you know we offer gifts cards and amazing wellness goodies here at Azalea :)

Wishing you a cozy weekend <3