Holiday Shopping With Local Twist: Here’s Where To Shop In 2023

It’s ‘go time’ for millions of small businesses and Direct-To-Consumer brands. 

In years past, small businesses have looked forward to generating upwards of 65% of their annual revenue in the months of November and December. And consumers have generally waited for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday deals to start checking items off their gift lists.

If you haven’t figured out exactly what you are getting for family, friends, or co-workers this year, we’ve curated some local Atlanta suggestions that are sure to delight: 

SALTBOX SUGGESTIONS 

Born in Atlanta, the logistics startup Saltbox has grown across the US as a hub for ecommerce entrepreneurs. The holiday season is key for many of the ecommerce brands, so Saltbox has just released its 2023 Small Business Holiday Gift Guide. Here are some Atlanta brands on the list:

The Aware Brand’s Eye Heart Classic Snapback

Bair by Bria’s Luxe Zip Jacket

Chan Art’s Chandana

PCKL’s Launch Series Pickleball Paddle
Bamblu’s Bamboo Sheet Set

Brothers Artisan Oil’s Grooming Kit 

SUPPORTING BLACK-OWNED BRANDS 

Forefront 

Jordyn Weaver’s startup Forefront is looking to change how we shop online by making it easier for consumers to buy from Black-owned businesses. 

We interviewed Weaver this last August about how she believes the platform can help build Black wealth. This holiday season, Forefront’s page is packed with beauty brands, jewelry, and clothing items that are great for the holiday season. 

Brown Toy Box 

If you are buying gifts for the kids in your life, Atlanta-based Brown Toy Box has some helpful but educational options. The company has been around since 2016 delivering culturally affirming toys that celebrate Black children while providing unique STEAM-related careers and hobbies. Over the years, the startup has landed impressive partnerships with Nasa, Microsoft, and other big brands. 

Bulldog Businesses 

Antigua Threads, a line of handmade belts and bags produced by weavers and leather workers in Guatemala, is a business to watch coming out of the University of Georgia. The team recently took home the top prize at this year’s Idea Accelerator pitch competition at the University of Georgia

The team is adding momentum as well, having sold $16,500 worth of belts and bags in its first year and inking wholesale deals with Atlanta-based Sid Mashburn men’s shops and Epiphany boutique in Athens.

For The Athletes

The RunnerBox, an Asheville-based subscription startup, has all your gift-giving answer for the big runner or fitness enthusiast on your list. Each bimonthly box has 10-12 seasonal products, giving subscribers a chance to sample a variety of fitness products without getting stuck eating the same thing after every workout.

 

Happy Shopping! 

 


Featured photo from Antiqua Threads