Gift Guide: Supporting Small Businesses

I know I know…it’s OCTOBER. Halloween purists, please don’t come for me. I wanted to start sharing gift guides a little earlier than normal because shipping times have been delayed, the USPS needs our support, and the fourth quarter is vital for small businesses, especially independent bookstores.

This year, small businesses need our help more than ever. If you are in the position to support the local and small businesses in your community, IRL and online, I know so many sellers will appreciate it. 

I wanted to round up some of my favorite bookish accessories for all the book lovers in your life and to add to your own holiday wish lists. This is not me trying to tell you how to spend your money, but rather share some resources that will benefit you AND the small businesses that are so vital to our communities, especially this year.

Let me know if this is helpful and what other gift guides you’d like to see!

Libro.fm

If you’ve been around awhile, you’ll know I should about my love for Libro.fm on a regular basis. I think it is one of the best services out there for audiobooks because it is the same price as Audible, but your $14.99/month can go to the independent bookstore of your choice instead of a huge corporation. I choose to support The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, our favorite place, but you can choose any eligible store! I love that they have the option to gift memberships as well.

Bookshop.org

If I can, I always link the books I share on my blog through bookshop.org. I like to think of it as the Indie Bookstore Amazon should be. Like Libro.fm, you can choose any independent bookstore to support and purchase hard copies of books at a discounted price. Are they are cheap as on Amazon? No. But if you can’t shop at your local indie, I highly recommend it! Even if you just swap ONE book purchase a month from Amazon to Bookshop.org, you’re helping an indie out.

Bookshelf Tee’s

One of my very favorite shops for bookish merch is Bookshelf Tee’s! My favorite shirt is from there! The quality is amazing as well as the costumer service and shipping times.

Ivory Paper Co

I LOVE planners. I’m pretty sure everyone is ready to toss away their 2020 calendars and usher in a fresh year come January 1. The perfect gift? I new planner! I love mine from Ivory Paper Co and was really impressed with the quality. It’s also a female owned small business! Order early for adequate shipping time!

Stamp Boss Art

Etsy is such a great resource for unique and personalized gifts. I am putting one of these library embossers on my list this year (hint, Nicholas, hint) and I think it is so special!

If you have any small businesses that you love, please leave them in the comments so I can include them in future gift guides!