Our Small Business Favorites
The easiest day of the year to justify our favorite purchases
Happy Small Business Saturday!
Today is the one magical day of the year where I can justify buying a candle, a CBD tincture, fine jewelry, and a T-shirt I already own in three colors… because technically I’m “stimulating the small business economy.” It’s kind of like philanthropy and business discovery with a fun bonus of owning something cool.
Supporting small businesses has always felt like peak My Sister Made Me Buy It energy to us - often female-focused, supportive, practical, thoughtful, and personal. These shops are run by real humans who pour their whole hearts into what they make. Not huge teams. Not committees. Just people with a vision, a dream, and probably a lack of sleep.
And when you buy from them, even just once, you’re part of their story. That’s pretty special.
Below are some of our favorite small businesses, the ones we return to again and again, and the ones we’re excited to support today and long after the holiday weekend ends. Not every small business can offer huge discounts, but we are curating a list of our favorites offering incentives this weekend.
Some of these links will be through Amazon, but I have learned from other small businesses that Amazon is an essential sales channel for them! You can also check out our small business favorites on Amazon here - we have a list of them, but you can also play the videos of each product!
Fashion
AYR - 20% off, sitewide - rare sale!
AYR is that quiet, effortlessly chic friend who always looks put together without trying. They use salvaged or ethically sourced materials, produce in their Los Angeles factory, and focus on timeless pieces that actually last. Missy (hi, hello) refuses to stop wearing the Half-Day Tee and Scoop Tee because they’re that good. The Tate is great because the collar stays up and is so chic. The oxford material is very thick but the cotton is a nice option for work. Size down in the Tate. In general, their sizing is generous. I think I am going to grab some denim to try while it is on sale.
Margaux -Very rare, 20% off sitewide sale
If you have been here a while, you know I (Missy) have been singing the praises of Margaux for ages. All of their shoes (including the Wrap Sandals we love,) have a plush, cushioned insole and options for a custom fit with multiple widths (narrow, medium, and wide) and extended sizes (up to size 13!) The shoes are very durable and are made in Spain. Sarah and I both (accidentally, sis-intuition) bought the pointed suede, timeless Roma flat and it is LUXE. Stunning. They are a flat, but have like the babiest chunky heel that make them great for arch support.
Vee Collective - 20% off sitewide, more on some colors!
I am always asked about my totes. I have the Medium Porter tote in several different colors (so does Missy), but the green is my favorite. I was gifted the Porter Essence (above) in August, and it sold out quickly. Thankfully, it is back and on sale now, but running low on inventory per the owner. I love these bags because they’re so lightweight yet still hold SO much. I love the padded laptop compartment and how many pockets it has, but it isn’t so many that you will easily lose things. You can also personalize with hand-painted monograms (as seen on quilted one above)
Colores Collective - at least 15% off everything
This bag is one Sarah and I both have and love. Their bags are so well-made and chic - while still being from a female-owned small business. Inspired by color and travel from all over the world (right up my alley,) all of their pieces are unique and special. A great gift to give (or to give yourself.)
Tucky - 20% off
Missy and I love the Tucky strap belt. A comfortable elastic waistband to tuck in sweaters or other tops vs tucking in! Missy and I both use the M, which fits up to 2X.
Not technically fashion, but helps protect your fashion purchases! It is a portable bag clip that hangs on tables so you do not have to put your bag on the floor. It can also double as a bracelet! It holds so much, too! As seen in the video, holding my Vee Collective tote.
Cincha strap - 20% off (black-owned)
Another fashion helper - the Cincha strap. Makes it easy to travel with any of your bags! It has a trolley strap, grips and a strong buckle so any bag can sit on top of your luggage.
Jewelry
Cupcakes & Cashmere - up to 30% off sitewide + extra 20% off demi-fine jewelry with SISTER20.
One of our favorite discoveries of 2024/2025. Their fine and demi-fine jewelry is cute, classic, non-tarnishy, and unbelievably wearable. Sarah and I get compliments every time we wear their pieces. Missy wears the diamond, dainty Cove Necklace every day. Sarah loves their earrings, and they are such a great value for the impact they make. The best part? Everything is at least 30% off. Small business. Big sparkle.
HART Jewelry - 20% off sitewide
I have several pieces I love from Hart. My most-worn piece was gifted to me by the brand, and it was so fun to make. Rounded up the favorites here. Another favorite that is sold out (show below) on the website, but is in stock on Shopbop (and 25% off!) is the Vesta case. You can see more details in the roundup.
J Brooks Jeweler - Courtney did a collaboration with the brand like four years ago? I had never really invested in fine jewelry before, but wanted to support her and bought the Chan Chain…. and it is probably my most worn piece of jewelry (yes, even more than my wedding rings - my fingers swell). So unique and catches the light in just the right way. I love that the clasp is so unique, too. They did have to raise the price on it because of price of gold, but it is on sale this weekend!
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry - 20% off
Things we have and love: This puffy heart necklace - it is so sparkly and solid gold. This gold link bracelet. This engravable diamond pendant. I love these mini reversible huggie earrings - can be gold or silver! And can’t forget the first thing I bought from Sarah’s stories - the jewelry cleaner - works SO well. On my wish list: These earrings and necklace are on my wishlist…(James…if you are reading…)
The Fete - 25% off with THANKFUL25
I love these petite halo heart earrings (above), but they have a lot of different charms you can add to earrings or necklaces.
Wellness
Earlybird CBD - $25 / $60 / $100 off orders of $100 / $200 / $300.
I (Missy) truly thought my Earlybird chapter was over when I couldn’t do gummies anymore (GLP-1 era problems). Then I tried the tincture, at Sarah’s suggestion, and became fully obsessed again. It’s easy, effective, and gives me the best sleep. I use the 1500mg - 50mg/ml, but also comes in 750mg and 3000mg. Their gummies are also a follower-favorite. If you have not tried all of their products yet, grabbing one of their holiday kits may make the most sense. Plus, Earlybird is just a great company run by great people. We love them.
Wims makes CBD and THC drink add-ins that are so chic, so easy, and so seamless you feel more relaxed before they even kick in. Their packaging is adorable, their blends work beautifully, and they’re offering up to 20% off right now. Highly recommend. Missy’s favorite is the Ginger-Lime (so good with sparkling water,) but the unflavored is great too and pretty taste-free, considering. For a gift for someone who has everything but enjoys a nice THC/CBD enhancement, Sarah and I received this thoughtful gift set in PR and it is really good and a great way to tell someone you care.
Vio Mouth Tape 20% off everything, sitewide.
(Missy) swear by mouth tape now—something I never thought I would say publicly, but here we are. I first tried it because my Oura Ring told me my oxygen saturation and sleep quality were lacking. With Vio, both improved noticeably.
This is my favorite mouth tape for two big reasons:
1. I can still breathe with it on if I need to, which means less anxiety and the very important ability to sip from a straw if I need to grab a drink in the middle of the night. Also, great for sensitive skin.
2. I genuinely love this business. It’s a female-founded (with her dentist husband) company focused on managing sleep-related breathing issues and supporting facial balance. I can’t speak to the aesthetics part because I did not take before-and-afters like a responsible content creator, but I can speak to the sleep impact.
Mouth-breathing is linked to shorter lifespans, cardiovascular issues, and dental infections (source,) so consider me a fan for life. Highly recommend picking this up (and a nasal dilator) for the mouth-breather in your life.
Beauty/Fragrance
Experiment Beauty - 25% off!
I have been using the Super Saturated barrier serum for a few years now and LOVE it. I will use it under their silicone mask for extra hydration, or just add a few pumps to a moisturizer. The Molecular Mesh moisturizer is INCREDIBLE for the price, too.
Eadem - 20% off on Amazon (black-owned)
One of my favorite everyday lip balms . I have been using it since it launched last year, but the newly launched Guava Fresca is my favorite- light pink and smells delicious. Also love the Butter Mochi as a clear night time mask. It is thick without being too sticky, plumping, and gently exfoliates as you wear it!
Originally, a Caroline Moss recommendation when I bought it three years ago. It is a fragrance oil roll-on that interacts with your body chemistry and smells a little different on everyone. Base (5 ml) is my favorite and the one I get the most compliments on. An ambery musk that gets stronger as you wear it and sweat, which is why I like to wear it to bed! However, I also love the rose oil. I am not usually a rose fan, but this one is great. Starts out rose-forward, then develops into a musky floral scent that I LOVE. So many different sizes to start off with, but if you know you love it, the jumbo roll-on is the best deal.
Mother Science - 25% off - best deal of the year!
Molecular Hero Serum for Discoloration - I have been using for 2 years and it is so easy to use, gently and combines antioxidant protection with discoloration help for melasma and hyperpigmentation. Very gentle and easy to incorporate into routine - no need to ever take a break.
Le Prunier - 30% off
A plum-inspired beauty brand. I LOVE their candles. The Harvest Smoke is hard to describe, but it encapsulates what fall smells like to me without any of the cliche fall smells. This is the candle I have been burning at the office, and I always get so many people asking what it is. Smells a little fruity and floral, but then when it is extinguished, it has a lingering smoky smell. LOVE. Also love the Spring Bloom candle, which is similar without the smokiness. And I love the Plumtox mask. Moisturizing, but also slightly exfoliating. I am re-buying some candles and adding on these prunes that are grown from their farm.
Mutha - 20% off - rare sale
I am not saying you need this body cream, but if you have someone in your life who likes fancy things, it would be a good gift. I still think it is costly for what it is, but damn, if I don’t love the experience of applying it every night. Originally gifted a tub, then bought my own. Full price. That is how much I enjoy it. It is a body cream that has the texture of a cleansing balm. Then applies like an oil? Smells fantastic and is just fun to use. I also like the body butter melt. A need? No. But they rarely have sales.
Sofie Pavitt - At least 20% off sitewide (with 30% off starter kit) with code BFCM20
If you have acne-prone skin, Sofie Pavitt is the truth. Sarah and Britt swear by it, and even I (Missy) use the Mandelic Serum during my hormonal breakouts. Sarah loves the thickness of the Omega Rich Moisturizer for winter skin and even uses it with her Theraface. It’s gentle, effective, and somehow works on all skin types. A small business with a huge skincare footprint.
ZIIP - 20% off devices / 25% off gels with code SISTERS.
If you’re tired of me talking about the ZIIP Halo, I (Missy,) regret to inform you this will not be the day I stop. This device has truly given me the best skin of my life—lifted, smoother, bright, and noticeably less jowl-y. They never run better sales than right now. You don’t have to use the Ziip gels (there are less expensive microcurrent options), but Missy swears by the Golden Gel, and all gels are 25% off. She says it lasts the longest without drying down, a bottle lasts forever, and it gives a nice little glow and plumping boost, even after washing it off.
Home
Hulken - 20% off the game-changing rolling tote
Hulken is the bag/cart/rolling life organizer I never knew I needed. Well, until Sarah told me I needed it. It’s technically a utility tote… but spiritually? It’s the glue holding my life together, on wheels. Laundry? Groceries? Packages? Mail? Donations you’ve been meaning to drop off since June?
It’s lightweight, collapsible, practical, and even kind of chic for something industrial, and saves my back every single week. I like the medium size, but large and small are helpful too. A small business solving big problems.
Hotel Lobby Candle - 25% off with code SISTER25
Hotel Lobby Candle is for people who want their home to smell like they are absolutely wealthier than they are. Every candle feels like it should come with a complimentary bellhop and concierge. The scents are elevated, the packaging is stunning, they have the best cold throw out there - plus I enjoy every hour of (the 60-hour) burn time. They have great gifting options, too, this year! Rounded up our favorite scents in this collection with more details, but absolutely check out their newly launched fragrances. A perfect small business Saturday gift or “accidentally keeping for yourself.”
Stakt
Stakt is the only workout mat that makes me feel like I might actually use it. It folds (!!!), which means it doubles as a step-up platform, a cushion for knees that are older than my actual age, and a sturdy surface that doesn’t curl up. During this busy season, Sarah and I have actually even used it as a napping mat in our office; pretty comfy.
It’s a small, woman-owned business making fitness gear that works for real people: people who do Pilates, people who do yoga, people who stretch, and people (me) who occasionally just lie on the mat and consider that “movement.” Durable, smart, easy to store.
Sleep Crown On sale, which is rare - restocking 12/1
I will never stop loving this brand. Everyone in our family owns at least one, and I personally sleep on a pile of Sleep Crowns like some cozy princess. They never run sales, and much is sold out (as always), but if you see one available - grab it. They restock on 12/1, but will go FAST.
The Archives Candle Co - 20% off
A brand developed by a candle influencer, Feeling Bougie, and you can tell she knows her stuff. The scents have so much depth and such a clean burn. Christmas, 1914 is one of my favorite holiday candles. We burned it all last weekend and it smelled like we lit a fire and had a real Christmas tree up. It smelled SO cozy. I also love Chivalric Love
Weezie 20%/25%/30% off depending on spend, sitewide
I struggled with where to categorize Weezie because, technically, they offer home items. But they also provide the best wellness item - a cozy robe - one that is not too thick or itchy or feels too weird if it gets wet (well, amirite?) . Their robes and towels are unbelievably soft, beautifully made, and somehow get fluffier with age. They make great gifts and they also offer kids’ and mens’ mongrammable robes and cozies and things like monogrammable aprons and hand towels too. Weezie is woman-founded, thoughtful about materials, and everything they make feels like a hug. Sarah grabbed both Rebecca and I our own Scallop Robes as gifts this year and we love them.
Food and Drink
Ground Up Nut Butters - 25% off
Caroline Chambers introduced me to this brand when I bought her Salted Maple collaboration. We are not even that big of a nut butter family, but it sounded good. I bought one jar. It was gone IN A DAY. James and I loved it so much, we ordered 12 jars before it sold out. It is back in stock and would make such a great hosting gift! I love it on apples, strawberries, grahams (SMORES), and my oatmeal. Also, I have been a paying subscriber to her Substack for a few years and have cooked many of her recipes - a great gift idea!
Not on sale, but a local Columbus favorite. Their Buckeye Crunch popcorn is one of my favorite treats and gifts to give - and it is only $4.99. Caramel popcorn covered in a peanut butter coating and drizzled with chocolate. SO good.
Another local Columbus favorite. I have been drinking their coffee for four years, The Ranger, being my favorite. We usually buy in bulk, but when we want to try a new flavor, will buy a smaller can of it. The cans really do keep it fresh!
In Booze Kits - black owned brand
We have been buying these for 5 years now. They are liquor infusion kits to make flavored liquor. Since I don't drink as much, I LOVE using them in iced tea. I think we have tried every flavor. James loves the old fashioned infusion, I love the sangria infusions
So happy Small Business Saturday, friends.
Treat yourself, support a dream, brighten someone’s day and maybe pick up that piece you’ve been eyeing all year, like us.
So many good recommendations and gift ideas!
Thank you!!!:)