Holiday Gift Guide for shopping ‘small’ this season

Still on the hunt for holiday gifts? Want to give something locally made and novel? Look no further.

This holiday season, ditch the overflowing malls and humdrum online stores — and support innovative, small businesses. To get you started, here are some gift ideas; they’re all products made and sold by our very own talented borrowers located throughout California and in Arizona.

CDC Small Business Finance’s first-ever gift guide has something for everyone, from craft beer lovers to yoga devotees. Bonus: Most of these retailers offer shipping.

Happy holidays from everyone at CDC!

Provision
A line of luxury personal care and fragrances brought to us by Sebastian Signs. provisionscents.com

For the self-pamperer: Provision Dream Extract, as seen in Town & Country magazine. Mist your pillows, clothes and surroundings to evoke your dream atmosphere anytime, day or night, $55. Other products have been featured in Oprah.com and Women’s Wear Daily.

Shipping: $7-10 depending on location.

Special discounts or products: All orders come with a customized catalogue featuring the Provision Collection along with complimentary samples from the line up, while supplies last.

Connect: Sebastian Signs Fragrances, 30313 Canwood Street #32 Agoura Hills, CA; (323) 863-3187

Website: provisionscents.com

Traveler
An outdoor-inspired retail store with Surf & Swim Club in the backyard. The Club offers amenities to beachgoers including hot outdoor showers, surfboard lockers, changing rooms, sunny garden to relax after the beach, and more. travelersf.com

For worshippers of all things aquatic: Our Traveler T-shirts and California Poppy Hats, ($32-$35).

Shipping: Depends on location and item purchased.USPS is used.

Connect: 5450 Coast Hwy Pacifica, CA; (650) 735-9192

Website: travelersf.com

Blackmarket Bakery
Enjoy a conscious moment of indulgence at this neighborhood bakery. Blackmarket Bakery produces made-from-scratch pastries, from breads to delectable desserts, with locations in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana and San Diego. blackmarketbakery.com

For the creative sweet tooth: “Group Love” Cookie Gift Box, $38.

Shipping: $8-$15, depending on distance.

Connect: 2937 Bristol Street, #D-100A, Costa Mesa, CA; (714) 662-3095 | 211 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA; (714) 571-0801 | 4686 30th St, San Diego, CA; (619) 641-0081.

Website: blackmarketbakery.com

Buddhibox
Yoga-inspired subscription boxes with deluxe samples and full-size yoga products meant to inspire a yoga lifestyle on and off the mat. buddhiboxes.com

For the dedicated yogi: Buddhibox Yoga Gift Subscription; $34.95 for one month; $115 for three months, or $225 for six months. See website for shipping costs.

Special discounts or products: Customers can use code buddhiboxlove for 15% off all gift subscriptions and monthly auto-renewing subscriptions.

Website: buddhiboxes.com

Plato’s Closet, Huntington Beach/Westminster
Teen and 20-something resale store, carrying all the hottest styles and brands for 50% to 70% off retail prices. The store pays cash on the spot for trendy items currently in the malls and are still in great condition. All of the shop’s inventory comes from customers. platosclosethbwestminster.com

For the ‘green’-conscious fashionista: Gift card, no dollar limit. No shipping.

Connect: 15216 Goldenwest St, Westminster, CA; (714) 622-4138.

Website: platosclosethbwestminster.com

Home Brewing Co & The Homebrewer (Brewery/Tasting Room & Homebrew Supplies)
Homebrewing supplies and classes with a full brewery and tasting room attached. homebrewingco.com and thehomebrewersd.com

For craft beer fanatics, aspiring brewers: Homebrew starter kits, Intro to Homebrewing classes, cheese-making kits, kombucha-making kits. Classes are $25-$60 while start kits are $50-$200. Shipping not yet available.

Connect: 2911 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA; (619) 450-6165.

Websites: homebrewingco.com | thehomebrewersd.com

The Cookie Element
Known for its freshly baked goods and use of high-quality ingredients. Many recipes have been passed down for generations and refined over time. Others are blends of old recipes with a modern twist to provide customers an exclusive cookie experience. thecookieelement.com

For the confectionery enthusiast: The Christmas Cookie Platter, a dozen, fresh cookies on a decorative Christmas plate, starting at $25. In-store pick up only.

Special discounts or products: Sugared pecans, peanut brittle, salted caramels and seasonal cookies.

Connect: 18166 Imperial Hwy, Yorba Linda, CA; (714) 983-7083

Website: thecookieelement.com

The Med-Stone
Specializes in rechargeable, adjustable heat massage stones. For more: themedstone.com

For the spa addict: The Med-Stone Sedona Set comes with two stones, two batteries and two chargers, $325.95.

Shipping: $15

Special discounts or products: Watch for discounts on the company’s Facebook page.

Connect: 11122 West Alabama Suite G6 Youngtown, AZ; (623) 565-3906.

Website: themedstone.com

Designs on a Vine Boutique
Upscale, women’s apparel and accessories boutique specializing in personal-style consultations. designsonavine.com

For the practical style maven: All-occasion, black off-the-shoulder or on-the-shoulder dress that can be worn to the office as well as to any evening or cocktail event. Sizes: small, medium and large, $139.

Shipping: Only in the U.S. Flat $10 for the item.

Special discounts or products: 25% for any one item for new customers cannot be combined with any other offer or sale.

Connect: 27536 Ynez Rd., Suite F-13, Temecula, CA; (951) 506-2200.

Website: designsonavine.com