Gift Guide: Off the Beaten Path
When we’re looking for gifts, sometimes it’s refreshing to find something that’s not in the common way. Unique, unexpected gifts are sometimes the most prized.
As we all know, small businesses are the backbone of America. With all the economic woes facing so many people today from inflation to the supply chain crisis, shopping small American businesses is a way to help out our neighbors as well as rebuild our economy. Furthermore, the internet has afforded small businesses a way to cast their net out to a wider audiences and cultivate a loyal customer base who appreciate their special niche products.
Today I am sharing several small businesses accessible via the internet that might just have the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for someone on your list.
Let’s start with the basics. Coffee is a must for most people starting their day. So, a go-to gift that can always be appreciated is an artisan bag of coffee. There are numerous subscription based breweries out there that I encourage you to explore. Today I’m highlighting two that I know and highly recommend. They are both based out of Tennessee, where I live, and have their roots in family.
If you’re looking to support a small business brewery and have an impact helping out veterans, than Frontier Coffee Company is the place for you to check out.
Owned by husband and wife team, Nate and Jen, Frontier Coffee Company offers a fun take on coffee. Each brew that they offer is dedicated to an American pioneer. They have Colonel Crockett’s Mountain Morning blend, a medium brew that comes with a dose of American history highlighting the frontiersman Davy Crockett. Then there’s the Annie Oakley blend and the Wanted Wild Bill blend. The Frontier Legends aspect of Frontier Coffee Company is a whole lot of fun.
Then there’s the Frontier Coffee Zulu Roast, a dark/espresso type roast dedicated to supporting The Green Beret Foundation. Nate is a former Green Beret and a current Army reserve, so this brew is near and dear to his heart.
If you’re looking for a single origin, organic option, they have Vaquero Coffee. To be sure, Frontier Coffee Company, out of Talbott, Tennessee, has a little something for anyone on your list. And, if you get your order in before the 17th of December, they will do all in their power to get it to you before Christmas day. (Just so long as the Post Office cooperates.)
If you ever find yourself in Townsend, Tennessee, then you need to drop in for a cup of coffee at the delightful coffee shop, The Artistic Bean. Excellent atmosphere and delicious, organic coffee. However, if you’re further afield and can’t see yourself traveling to Townsend any time soon, let not your heart be troubled. The Artistic Bean has an online shop.
They offer ten different blends of small batch roasted coffee. All of the coffee is guaranteed fair trade and organic. Many blends are also single origin. Since I’m more of a medium roast girl myself, I recommend the Day Hiker’s blend. However, I firmly believe that any brew you would order from this small batch roasting company nestled in the heart of the Smokies will be a delicious addition to any Christmas gift. Or get some for yourself and brew it up when folks drop in to celebrate the season. Really, check out The Artistic Bean.
Speaking of earrings, there are two businesses that you have to check out if you’re looking for the perfect accessory that just says the right thing.
Operated out of Hendersonville, Tennessee, The Vintage Sparrow offers unique pieces of jewelry that convey messages to encourage and empower the people in your life. The mission of The Vintage Sparrow is one that any person can get behind. Born out of necessity, it has now grown into a company whose express purpose is to empower and employ women, nurturing them in their gifts to achieve their creative dreams.
One look at the jewelry that is offered, and you’ll see how working in a company that creates such pieces will empower and encourage anyone.
Offerings include larger, statement pieces such as those found in the Classic collection to more subtle, minimal ones, such as those found in the Minimal collection and the Tiny Classic collection. My personal favorite is the Warrior Minimal necklace as it always acts as a reminder to stand for what I believe in regardless of the opposition I may face.
I can personally attest that the owner, Annie Moss, of The Vintage Sparrow lives by her mission. So many women I have known have been employed by her permanently and even temporarily. The mission to empower and employ women is part of Annie’s heartbeat. And her jewelry mirrors that mission. So, if you’re looking to give a gift to a special woman in your life, one to help her feel empowered to chase after her dream, The Vintage Sparrow is a good place to go.
I love the story of how Wired for Freedom came into being. Founder Sarah grew up in a Christian home, even bore the label of a good, Christian girl, but inside felt that she was worthless. This worthlessness led to self-abuse. However, through time seeking the presence of God in worship and through His Word, Sarah began to be transformed from the inside out. Her self-worth, her personal value began to grow as she experienced first hand the love of the Father. However, after so many years of self-harm, she needed something to do with her hands.
That’s how Wired for Freedom began. She started shaping wire into words that fashioned necklaces. Each word was an affirmation of the identify and hope she possessed as a child of God. The venture started with necklaces, but has grown to include a myriad of accessories from hats and shirts to home decor to a full range of jewelry.
Wired for Freedom: Wear Your Weapon is a company born to encourage and empower people who struggle with their self-worth. Each word wrought in wire is a word to be spoken over your life, to affirm in you that you are loved and deeply valued by God.
So, if there’s someone in your life who is going through a hard time, check out Wired for Freedom. You may happen upon the perfect gift that will speak life into their life whenever they wear it.
Essential oils are a part of my life. I use them for so many things on a daily basis from diffusing to skincare to cleaning products. However, I am not happy with the prices of the MLM companies such as DoTerra and Young Living. I have been a part of both of those companies and can attest to the high quality of their products. However, their high prices make me less of a fan. That is why I was so thrilled to discover Revive Essential Oil. The first thing I love about this company is the fact that you don’t have to sign up for anything. You don’t need to be a member. You don’t need to order a certain amount of product each month to keep your membership active. Nothing. You’re a free agent.
Second, whatever you order, you get free shipping. I cannot even begin to describe to you how much I love this aspect of this company.
Third, and most important, their oils rank up their with any MLM oils in quality and effectiveness. I have done the comparison and I am more than pleased with Revive oils. This is coming from a woman is ultra-picky about the oils she lets into her home.
Through Essential Oil University, headed by Dr. Pappas, Revive EO puts every lot of essential oils they make through a rigorous battery of testing to ensure they are the highest level, purity, and potency. (Dr. Pappas has worked with both Young Living and DoTerra, too.)
Revive EO sources their plants from all over the world, ensure that those plants are sustainably harvested, and, when brought to the U.S.A., are tested before steam distilled.
So, if you know someone who’s into essential oils, or someone who loves to have their house smelling wonderful, check out Revive Essential Oils. A diffuser and an oil blend are a really great gift.
For my final offering, I give you Mountain Rose Herbs. Based out of Eugene, Oregon, Mountain Rose Herbs carries an extensive collection of herbs, salts, essential oils, butters, oils, teas, and so on.
I use Mountain Rose Herbs for all of my culinary spices and herbs. Due to their high standards, I believe they are the best available spices out there.
Mountain Rose Herbs is not only a store, they also have an herbology team that run a blog full of all sorts of naturopathic remedies and recipes. While I have not tried everything they offer, I have been more than pleased with everything that I have tried from them, even their essential oils.
Mountain Rose Herbs offer delicious and medicinal tea blends. I really enjoy their Earl Grey blend; it’s actually one of the best that I have found. Their Mint tea is delicious, too, and is the perfect cuppa for after a heavy dinner to promote better digestion. My mother is partial to the Dream Tea, though she’s been known to enjoy a cup of their chamomile tea, too. Along with the various herbal and black tea blends, Mountain Rose Herbs also has a variety of tea accessories from infusers to tea pots.
When it comes to companies that sell spices, herbs, teas, and the like, it is heartening to see one who is committed to sustainability, zero waste, non-GMO practices, organic offerings, and ethical sourcing practices. All this and more is what Mountain Rose Herbs stands behind.
If you’ve got someone in your life that loves to experiment with flavors in the kitchen or who enjoys crafting their own skincare products, Mountain Rose Herbs is a great resource to introduce them to.
Those are some of the ideas I have that may seem off the beaten path when it comes to ideas for Christmas gifts. They are companies I have dealt with personally and I believe I can vouch for them. If there are any small businesses that you think would be a great addition to this post, please take a moment and leave a message with their information and a link if possible down in the comments. Happy shopping, dear readers.
