(Image Via: elle)

Let's be honest, this year has not been "it" for absolutely anyone! The mood to celebrate anything this holiday season is very much out of my own frame of mind. I really just want to be able to survive and make sure everyone around me is doing okay for the rest of this year. I do feel kind-of gross putting together a gift guide right now, especially since money is going to be tight for so many people (THANKS GOVERNMENT) and there are many more important things to be saving for. That being said, I decided I wanted to do something that can hopefully help businesses that I've been following for awhile and essentially be the way of giving back. Maybe this can also put a smile on your face and give you something to look forward to in regards to the holidays. I always find joy in buying something special for a loved one. 


This years Mostly Lisa Gift Guide is going to be all about shopping small, which is obviously extremely important every year, but just a little bit more so for 2020! So here is the only gift guide I'll be doing featuring 17 ideas from small businesses that I've had my eye on for awhile, shops that are local to MN, gifts in various price ranges and what's even more amazing? I'm pretty sure all of these are owned by women! Please do take the time to click each link (none of these are sponsored, I just think they're really neat) and take a look at their websites. I hope you can find something that will fit the people on your list, or something that may catch your own eye! Let me know what your favorite small shops are in the comments below. Love you all!


1. 'Versailles' Earrings - Serendipitous Project: $120

Serendipitous Project provides affordable and sustainable alternatives for trendy jewelry. I've loved seeing this brand grow over the past several months. All the designs are made with love by the owner - Sydney - and I have these gorgeous earrings on own list this year.



Brittany is one of the sweetest, insanely talented and overall kind human beings I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Bonding over our love astrology and all things zodiac, I've truly enjoyed being able to see her one-woman small business be a little bit of a hidden gem here in the Twin Cities. All her products are handmade and infused with good intentions, so I highly recommend checking her website out for affordable products that are in-tune with the universe. I especially love this Zodiac print that features gold foil.

 
Millie is a illustrator and textile artist based in England and she creates these beautiful works of art with various inspiration from folk art and mythology. This is a bit on the pricier side, however, you'd be getting something that is one-of-a-kind!


 
A modern take on the classic art of pressing flowers to create beautiful, one of a kind timeless pieces. This process is done by St. Paul, MN native - Caitlin - and she loves to bring life to each leaf or flower used. Love this idea!

Truly, truly obsessed with this brand! Side Dimes combines art that sees through cultural norms and defines pop culture in society. These are so unique and will look great in any home.



Look cute, be safe and support a fantastic artist! Extremely relevant during these times.

7. Bakery Sampler - Cookie Cart: $12/dozen

This one absolutely means the most to me on this list, especially since it's based her in MN. Started in 1988, Cookie Cart provides teens ages 15 to 18 with lasting and meaningful work,life and leadership skills through employment and training in urban nonprofit bakeries. I truly recommend this for anyone on your list.

8.  Saint Paul Neighborhoods Map Print - Art by Aleisha: $38

Love these prints made by Aleisha Nelson that feature neighborhoods all around the world. This one is my favorite, mostly because it's of my own neighborhood!

9. Handmade Jane Austen Teapot - The Jane Austen Centre: $89

This glazed ceramic Jane Austen Teapot features a stack of Jane Austen novels, topped with a lid designed to replicate a teacup and saucer (complete with silver spoon!) Buying anything from this historic landmark will help keep it open, which has been difficult this year for them, and retain a team of tour guides. Plus, how cute is this item?!

10. Cauldron Wax Melter Box - The Curiosity Society: $33

A beautiful glossy black cauldron oil or wax burner and two snap bars of wax melts in Moon Witch and Snow Witch perfumes that will be perfect for any home owner!

11. Bliss+  CBD Oil 1500mg - BLNCD Naturals: $80

A blend formulated to boost energy, increase mental focus and clarity and to uplift your mood – naturally. BLNCD Naturals creates award-winning, premium-quality beauty and wellness products inspired by the therapeutic properties of plant-based ingredients, including CBD. This will definitely help with any stress during this time of year, so sign me up!

12. Moonlit Walk Gift Bundle - Skippy Cotton: $60 

A beautiful gift bundle to scent your home, bedroom and will give you the opportunity to pamper yourself. This gift includes the following:- 1 Skippy Cotton Black Lavender Moon Man- 1 Thistle Balsam Dumpling- 1 Sacred Sage Fizzy Bath Bomb- 1 handmade Bullion Star patch- 1 Peppermint/Sage Bundle.

13.  Home for Christmas Candle - Howard Soap Co.: $24

Home For Christmas is a holiday + winter favorite. Top notes of icy peppermint with holly berry, a hint of spice and grounding balsam. All candles are handpoured in truly small batches with care using 100% soy wax (zero paraffin), cotton wick, always phthalate free high quality fragrance and cotton wick.

14. F A C E F O U N D R I É Gift Card: $50-$200

Need a facial? Located in Minnesota? Then a gift card to Face Foundrie may be a perfect gift or stocking stuffer! This salon is the perfect place to have a unique experience with a catered menu of services that will fit your busy lifestyle!

15. Quarentine Sticker Sheet - Sharee Miller: $7

Cute self-care, quarantine inspired sticker set. Decorate your planner, notebooks, or anything you want to stick a sticker on!

16. Coffee + Tea Create - Minny & Paul: $148

For the coffee and tea lovers in your life! Minny & Paul was established in 2016 with the vision to elevate gift-giving. Truly such a lovely company that cares about their customers and the brands they work with. Highly recommend!

17.  Floral Bouquet - Moody Hues Floral: $50-$100

I simply love and adore Moody Hues Floral. Owned by two BFFS, they KNOW flowers and offer a wide range of beautiful bouquets that can fit your budget! Head to their website for their contact form and their IG always showcases ideas you can shop for.

 
 
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Always,
Mostly Lisa