It may only be October, but holiday decorations have already been popping up in stores for a few weeks now—anyone else feel like it's happening earlier every year? We’re right there with you! We absolutely love the holiday season because it means spending time with the people we care about most.
Of course, it also means holiday shopping is officially here (whether we're ready or not!). Since we started High Pile Designs, supporting small businesses has become a big part of how we shop. So, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite brands to help you shop small this holiday season! Bonus: most of them are women-owned, and we’ve made sure to highlight that. Hopefully, you’ll discover some new brands to love and support this year!
Art
Julsmess.art
JulsMess Art, created by Julia Messinger, is a small, coastal-inspired art business that offers a variety of hand-painted and digital artworks. Raised between New Jersey and Rhode Island, Julia's work reflects her deep connection to the sea and natural environments. With a background in Marine Biology, Studio Art, and Environmental Studies from the College of Charleston, her art is both vibrant and eco-conscious, making it perfect for nature lovers and those who appreciate environmentally-driven creativity.
Julia’s creations range from acrylic paintings and surfboard art to custom murals, each designed to add a splash of coastal charm to your home. Shop her art for unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts this season that celebrate the beauty of the ocean.
Explore more at JulsMess Art
Instagram: @julsmess.art
Land and She Studio
Land & She is a one-woman art studio founded by Emily Kelley in 2016, based in Pennsylvania. Emily creates nature-inspired art prints, block prints, bandanas, and small goods, all made in the USA with earth-friendly materials. Her work reflects a love for the outdoors and folk art, influenced by her upbringing in the woods. Emily's pieces make perfect gifts for nature lovers, and she donates a portion of her profits to environmental and social justice causes.
Pictured: In Bloom Print
Explore her art at Land & She Studio
Instagram: @landandshestudio
The Soul Shine
The Soul Shine, run by Natalia out of Orlando, Florida, is a vibrant small business offering a wide range of creative and inspiring products, perfect for holiday gifting. Based online, her product line includes unique greeting cards, tote bags, stickers, and specialty collaborations such as their fun TU Sock collection. The designs often feature uplifting messages, whimsical illustrations, and floral themes that celebrate joy, connection, and creativity.
Natalia’s greeting cards, for instance, come with thoughtful messages like “You Make Life Lovely” and “Delight Beyond Compare,” making them a heartwarming choice for any occasion
Beyond cards, The Soul Shine also offers playful accessories like vinyl stickers and artistically designed canvas tote bags.
The Soul Shine embodies the spirit of spreading positivity through art, offering high-quality, affordable goods that make perfect stocking stuffers or meaningful gifts for loved ones. For those who love supporting small businesses with a passion for art and spreading good vibes, The Soul Shine is a must-shop destination this holiday season.
Pictured: Be Kind To Your Mind Print
Explore more at The Soul Shine
Instagram: @thesoulshine
Galles Shop
Shopping for someone in your life that has everything? They might love a custom art piece. This Etsy shop only has 1 item to purchase (a custom print) but you can see examples of her work on Instagram. It’s clean, simple and cute. Perfect for those hard to shop for people in your life!
Pictured: Custom Print
Explore more at Galles Shop
Instagram: @gallesshop
Home Goods
High Pile Designs
No gift guide of ours would be complete without a mention of our own product, right? We’re not saying buy your best friend a new rug (although…), but for the person in your life who loves handmade, sustainable items that will last a lifetime, we have some incredibly giftable pieces! Check out our handmade rug coasters which are sure to strike up conversation. Or, shopping for someone that loves interior design? Our throw and lumbar pillows make great gifts and are easy to pair with any decor style.
Pictured: Turkish Rug Coasters
Instagram: @highpiledesigns
Moore Collection
Moore Collection, based in Denver, Colorado, is a family-owned brand known for their handcrafted screen-printed apparel and accessories. Founded by high school sweethearts Taylor and Tanner Barkin, the business started as a hobby and grew into a full-time passion. Tanner personally hand-draws all of Moore's designs, which include t-shirts, journals, hats, and home goods, while Taylor manages operations. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and strong community values makes Moore Collection a favorite choice of ours for unique, thoughtfully-made gifts this holiday season. We’ve loved seeing this brand grow over the last 10 years - it’s been so inspiring. And, they happened to go to our high school!
Pictured: Aprè Ski Candle
Explore more at Moore Collection
Instagram: @moorecollection
Pottery/Ceramics
Fete Ceramics
Fete Ceramics is a small business specializing in handmade pottery inspired by nature, the sun, and the sea. Each piece, from mugs to tumblers, is crafted with care, making every item truly one-of-a-kind. Known for oceanic designs like seashell and whale motifs, Fete Ceramics creates functional yet artistic pieces that bring a touch of nature into daily life. These unique, beautifully crafted ceramics make perfect gifts for anyone who appreciates handmade, nature-inspired items.
Pictured: Sunrise Tumbler
Explore more at Fete Ceramics
Instagram: @feteceramics
Next release: Nov 11
Callahan Ceramics
Callahan Ceramics, established in 2018, is known for creating stunning, functional pottery that incorporates landscapes and vibrant colors. The studio offers small-batch collections with mugs and other ceramics that are both artful and practical. Each piece is crafted with care, making them a great option for unique and meaningful holiday gifts. Callahan Ceramics frequently restocks limited-edition items, so be sure to check their site for availability. We’ve been following this shop for years and have loved collecting his pieces.
Pictured: Haze Everyday Mug
Explore the collections at Callahan Ceramics
Instagram: @callahanccallahan
Next release: early December - his releases tend to sell out within minutes, so keep your eyes peeled
Clothes/Swim
Patterns and Pops
Patterns and Pops is a local Denver boutique that offers a curated selection of women’s clothing, shoes, novelty, and accessories, that have a playful and trendy style! They focus on providing fun, colorful pieces that add a pop of personality to any wardrobe, plus they feature unique gift ideas! Think patterns that wow, styles that pop. Perfect for anyone looking for fashionable yet comfortable looks. P&P also has a small baby-to-kid collection!
Pictured: Cheetah Quilt Jacket
Discover more at Patterns and Pops
Instagram: @patternsandpops
Londre Bodywear
Londre Bodywear is a sustainable fashion brand known for creating swimwear and loungewear using eco-friendly materials, including recycled plastic bottles. We have been following them for years and just love the two founders and everything they stand for. Founded with a focus on ethical production, Londre offers sculpting swimsuits and versatile apparel designed to support both comfort and confidence. The brand has up-cycled over a million plastic bottles and contributed to environmental causes, such as coral reef restoration, making it a great choice for eco-conscious shoppers.
Pictured: The Miniamlist - Pomegranate
Explore their collections at Londre Bodywear
Instagram: @londrebodywear
Canoe Club
Canoe Club is a boutique based in Boulder, Colorado, offering a curated selection of high-quality apparel, footwear, and accessories. The store focuses on timeless, well-crafted pieces from global designers such as Beams Plus, Kapital, and Engineered Garments, blending classic workwear with modern styles. Canoe Club’s commitment to quality and style makes it a great destination for those looking for elevated, thoughtfully selected gifts this holiday season.
Pictured: Boa Fleece Vest
Explore more at Canoe Club
Instagram: @shopcanoeclub
Jewelry
Ukaome
Ukaome is an art studio created by Jessica Flores, a self-taught artist based in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in beading, drawing, and painting. Inspired by her Mexican roots and the natural world, Jessica’s designs reflect intricate textures and vibrant colors, influenced by her upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Each handmade piece is crafted with care, blending art and nature. Ukaome’s unique, detailed work is ideal for those looking to gift one-of-a-kind beaded and painted creations.
Explore more at Ukaome
Instagram: @ukaome
Next Drop: Nov 9
Hip Hope Hoorah
Hip Hope Hoorah is a handmade jewelry brand that creates custom, unique pieces perfect for those who love personal, adventure-inspired accessories. Known for their charm bar, customers can customize necklaces, bracelets, and earrings with meaningful charms. The brand focuses on sustainability and supporting local and female-owned businesses by sourcing materials locally whenever possible. Hip Hope Hoorah’s playful and stylish designs make them a great option for meaningful holiday gifts.
Pictured: Boy Mom Bracelet
Explore more at Hip Hope Hoorah
Instagram: @_hiphopehoorah
Games/ Kids
Mini Mahjer
Mini Mahjer is a kid-friendly board game designed to teach children the game of American Mahjong. Created by Marian Brisch and Kristin Erwin, the game offers simplified, colorful tiles and an easy-to-follow guide, perfect for children aged 6 and up. With varying levels of difficulty, it’s an engaging way for kids to learn and enjoy Mahjong, making it ideal for family fun.
Pictured: Mini Mahjer Complete Game
Explore more at Mini Mahjer
Instagram: @minimahjer
Have any favorite small brands you love to shop with? Let us know in the comments! Happy Shopping.
Love & Rugs,
Carly and Jessie