Tis the season where we unleash our normally well-guarded dollars into the world of commerce. What we choose is so personal, but where we choose to buy is so important, too. Our dollars go to support things larger than the small gifts we buy.
There is a good reason to shop local and shop small. The results can be extraordinary, like the small mouth blown vases from Extraordinaryny.com, which sell for about $45.00. These are small, ranging from 3-5 inches tall. At Extraordinary, a small but beautifully curated boutique two blocks from Bloomingdales in Manhattan, you will find an oasis of hand-selected items that are unique and well-made.
How about this fabulous shoe to sit on your nightstand and keep your cell phone or remote at the ready? Pretty cute, right?! It is $39.00 and they gift wrap for free, in a white box and gold ribbon that is, like all of their offerings, tasteful and lovely. Plus, they ship internationally!!!
I will share this quote:
“A tiny, warmly lit store in an impersonal, crowded area of midtown, Extraordinary is a welcome shopping alternative when you’ve just scoured a monolithic Pottery Barn. Owner J.R. Sanders worked as an exhibit designer for museums such as the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Whitney, and while this small space is a challenge for any space planner, he managed to give it a museum look. Items have been individually presented on boxlike shelves that force your eye to wander up the wall. On that wall: an assortment of trays from exotic locales, like a lacquer tray from Vietnam ($185) and a wicker tray from the Philippines ($149). Unusual gifts include napkin rings that can be filled with water and hold flowers, like tiny vases ($36 for a set of four). A set of two champagne glasses ($35 each) is another novel gift idea: The glasses feature silver-plated tops and bronze figurine stems that depict Adam and Eve, suggesting the garden of earthly delights that sometimes follows champagne. – TimeOut New York”
Pewter Key chains ranging from $22 to $28.00 ! 
You will not forget your glasses anymore. And you will be reminded of the tropics!
And to tote your sunnies, here is a super cute case for $30.00.
The sweet little pastry or cheese plate behind it is dishwasher safe and only $39.00!
A view from the window!
Always a dazzling display!
Now from another small and locally owned business is a gem in the Hamptons. DJ Hart is in Sag Harbor. All jewelry featured is well below $50.00! In the Hamptons? Yes!
You can not miss this great store on Main Street!
When you shop locally you reduce your carbon footprint and help ensure that the little guy gets his or her share. And there is a nice personal element to shopping in places like this; the friendly service is heartwarming. Shopping does not have to be a commerce-first enterprise. Plus, the merchandise you get is more unusual.
Shopping small it is a win-win. I hope you will consider this as you make your last minute purchases for the Holidays and the New Year ahead!
All opinions are my own – I was not compensated in any way for this post.
Happy Holiday Shopping! XX, Elle @theellediariesnyc