Annie Gough

November 2, 2021

The Small Giants 2021 Gift Guide

Gift Guide Banner

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it's also time to shop for presents! This year, feel good about your purchases by supporting purpose-driven companies. 

When you support Small Giants companies, you're using your dollar to promote good business practices. Not only that, Small Giants companies are behind some amazing products that make great gifts you can feel good about.

Here's a quick roundup of some of 2021's best gifts from Small Giants companies. (Psst! Did you support a Small Giants company this holiday season? Tweet us a picture on social media and let us know!)

McCreas Advent CalendarStrawberryCrunch Cake

Food and Drink

 

McCrea’s Candies

Based In: Massachusetts 
The Caramels Advent Calendar features 12 of McCrea's delicious, handcrafted caramels against a charming backdrop of woodland creatures and a bustling holiday shopping scene painted by a New Hampshire artist. Explore the rest of the site for even more sweet treats.

 

Kingston Family Vineyards

Based in: Chile
Say thank you to someone who's made your year all the better with The Gratitude Set, which contains a red, a white, and a rose bottle. Something for everybody! 

To learn more about the Kingston Family Vineyards story, listen to Courtney Kingston's guest appearance on the Growing With Purpose Podcast. 

 

Kiolbassa Smoked Meats

Based in: Texas
For the meat lovers in your life, you can trust Kiolbassa, a family business that has hand-crafted sausage since 1949. The Kiolbassa Classic: Six Slow-Crafted Sausage includes six 13-ounce packs of Kiolbassa’s legendary slow-crafted sausage and your choice of flavors. Or, if you need some inspiration for that holiday meal you're hosting, they have a whole page of recipes!

 

Good Cakes and Bakes

Based in: Michigan
There are so many good cakes and bakes to choose from at this Detroit-based, community-minded bakery. We recommend the Layer Cake of the Month, but why stop there? Plus, if you have a culinary-inclined friend, buy them some virtual baking classes!

 

Askinosie Chocolate

Based in: Missouri
Bean-to-bar chocolate on a mission, with a father-daughter duo at the helm. Askinosie's Chocolate Tasting Kit contains everything you need to host your own virtual tasting party or have fun learning to taste chocolate like a professional. The kit contains four of its most popular chocolate bars, a tasting placemat, and a flavor wheel. Their website is also home to some tantalizing recipes!

To learn more about the Askinosie Chocolate story, listen to Shawn Askinosie's guest appearance on the Growing With Purpose Podcast.

 

Zingerman’s Mail Order

Based in: Michigan
Enjoy treats from most famous delicatessen in the country at home with the Zingerman's Meat and Cheese Gift.

To learn more about the Zingerman story, listen to Ari Weinzweig's guest appearance on the Growing With Purpose Podcast.

 

Olive Seed

Based in: Michigan
Holistic wellness products to promote the natural good life, Olive Seed is a Detroit-based wellness company offering handcrafted herbal honeys, loose teas, olive oil, vinegars, and beauty products. If you live in the Detroit area, consider buying a loved one cooking classes or tea tastings!

 

House of Pure Vin

Based in: Michigan
Want to impress the host of Christmas dinner with your spectacular wine selection, but don't know where to start? Head over to House of Pure Vin's Sommelier & Staff Favorites shop section for great wines at all price points. 

 

Clase Azul

Based in: Mexico
A gift that's beautiful inside and out, explore Class Azul's selection of craft tequila that comes in artisan-made decanters.



West Paw ToySpikeball

Kids and Family

Spikeball

Based in: Illinois
Some say that if volleyball and foursquare had a baby, it’d be named Spikeball. Give the kid in your life (or kid at heart!) a Spikeball 3-ball set to get them started on this addictive, fun game.



Barefoot Books

Based in: England/ Massachusetts 
Give a child in your life the gift of reading in the form of joyous, diverse books. The Barefoot Book Box Subscription delivers award-winning books and activities for children ages 0-9 years every month.

 

West Paw

Based in: Montana
West Paw crafts American-made pet gifts, from durable dog toys made in the USA to single-ingredient healthy treats your dog will love. They're also a certified B Corp, so you know you're giving your pup only the best.

 

Uncommon Goods Serving boardConsuela Bag

Home and Office

Heath Ceramics

Based in: California
Since 1948, this California-based business has been thoughtfully crafting American-made goods for your home. There are endless beautiful items to choose from — our favorite right now is the beautiful colors in the Winter Season Collection.

 

Uncommon Goods

Based in: New York
Uncommon Goods offers remarkable designs by independent makers, and they do it with a positive impact on both people and planet. Browse their holiday gift guides for items that you won't find anywhere else, like these Musical Serving Boards.

To learn more about the Uncommon Goods story, listen to David Bolotsky's guest appearance on the Growing With Purpose Podcast.

 

Motawi Tileworks

Based in: Michigan
If you don't already know Motawi Tileworks, do yourself a favor and check out this Ann-Arbor based distinctive ceramics maker. The Snowscape polychrome tile makes a beautiful gift to celebrate the season.

 

Flowers for Dreams

Based in: Illinois 
If you live in the Great Lakes region, Flowers for Dreams is your new go-to for delivering locally-crafted flowers, plants, and goods to your loved ones. Bonus: every delivery benefits a local charity. Flowers for Dreams' Monthly flower delivery subscription is a great year-round gift!

 

Headsets.com

Based in: Tennessee 
Know someone who's had a long year of working from home? Give them this Noise-cancelling USB Headset to grant them a priceless gift: the sound of silence.

 

Goulet Pens

Based in: Virginia 
Goulet Pens is a company for pen enthusiasts, and they're on a mission to prove business can be personal. Gift the wordsmith in your life a pen and notebook set they'll love, like the Come Sail Away Set which includes a pen, inks, and a notebook.

 

Consuela Bags

Based in: Texas
Consuela is more than just a pretty face: this company empowers women - both the artists behind the accessories and the bag owners - to live life joyfully and with impact. Start with their Bestsellers and enjoy the eye candy - we couldn't choose just one favorite!

To learn more about the Consuela story, listen to Conni Reed's guest appearance on the Growing With Purpose Podcast.

 

Sticker Giant

Based in: Colorado
Do you know someone who's starting their own business or brand, or who just really likes stickers? Look no further than Sticker Giant, a company with great values to match their bright, durable stickers and labels. They even have a helpful Resource Center to guide you on the best ways to bring you design ideas to life.

 

 

Badger Balm Night Night BalmHandmade Soap Company Diffuser

Personal Care

Badger Balm

Based in: New Hampshire
For parents-to-be and new parents, quality care products are top priority. Badger Balm's Essential Baby Gift Set is packed with all of the organic baby care gifts new parents will need to have handy. They also have plenty of amazing products for adults!

 

Arsenal of Clean

Based in: Michigan
In a year like 2021, give the people what they really want: more sanitizer. The Detroit Bus Company is behind the new Detroit-made sanitizers and cleaning supplies company, Arsenal of Clean. Every cleaning product you buy gifts one to a family in need.

 

Life's Abundance

Based in: Florida
Clean living products for you and your four-legged friend. Life's Abundance offers an array of environmentally-conscious gifts for you (like skin care products) and your pets — including gift baskets of treats and toys they'll love. 

To learn more about the Life's Abundance story, listen to Lester Thornhill's guest appearance on the Growing With Purpose Podcast.

 

The Handmade Soap Company

Based in: Ireland
The truth is in the name: all of these products are handmade with only the finest, sustainable ingredients. Try their signature soaps, or elevate any home's aroma with candles, diffusers, and room mists. Smell that? That's a great purchase you just made.

Want an in-person experience with inspiring and purpose-driven leaders? Register for the Small Giants Community Summit 2022! The theme is "Culture Reboot" and we hope to see you there!

Register Now!

About Annie Gough

Annie Gough is a writer who is driven by the power of a good story to bring people together. She strives to bring out the human element in business, and provide a platform for people who emulate what it means to be a Small Giant and might inspire others to do the same. She has been a Challenge Detroit Fellow, holds a master's degree in Creative Writing from the University of Stirling, and has worked with a broad range of clients on vibrant marketing and copywriting content. In her spare time, Annie enjoys volunteering at the local animal shelter, writing fiction, and enjoying the company of her very lazy mutt, Paisley.