As native New Mexicans, we have SO. MUCH. LOVE. for our state and for our fellow small businesses. We also know that there are so many small businesses that are struggling right now, and we want to be able to help in any way that we can.
So we have compiled a list of local businesses in hopes that you will shop small this year (and every year). If you cannot afford to buy from all of these businesses, please remember that a like, a follow, a share all help as well.
Below are just SOME of the local businesses we think you’re going to love. Because lemme tell ya, we have some very talented people in NM, friends. If you’d like to see the other local businesses on our list, you can click here or it will be linked at the bottom of the page.
Wheel thrown pottery that is the perfect gift for the plant-parents out there or for the coffee connoisseurs in your life. They even have décor Christmas trees available. You can’t go wrong with whatever you buy from here, because it’s all SO aesthetically pleasing.
If you’re looking for something quirkier, then you should definitely check out Squidly Designs. Her art, greeting cards and other handmade gifts are perfect for that bubbly + whimsical friend of yours. She has everything from masks with her adorable designs, to necklaces, to keychains, and even pillows, clocks, and phone cases. The more you scroll, the more things you will want to place in your cart.
If you are looking to buy something for the creative kiddo in your life—or let’s be honest, if you, an adult, are looking to relieve some of the stress from 2020 by coloring—then The Doodle Shop is where to go. You can purchase the CUTEST items to color. I’m talking wrapping paper, stickers, gift tags, monthly coloring pages, and of course, the classic coloring book.
For your artsy friend, check out LadyJennD for collages that the viewer will want to grasp and be pulled into. You can find everything from throw blankets, mugs, shirts, fanny packs, coasters, to stationery cards with her designs. You’re sure to find something your friend will not only love to look at but will be able to use as well.
For the friend who is really having a hard time in 2020, a nice relaxing massage or facial might be just the thing that she needs. What better place to go than Aura Beauty Parlor where their mission is to provide the ultimate spa experience? They offer high-end all-natural therapeutic services for their clients, so a gift card is the ideal present for really anyone in your life—including yourself.
For the Mexican Americans in your life or just the true Nuevo Mexicanos. If you’re from NM, there are just certain things that you get. Like, you know what it means to say “all bad” or “eee.” And ALL CHOLA gets it too. They create products that are authentic, unapologetic and that allow their customers to wear their culture on their sleeve. Check out the t-shirts, hats, hoodies, earrings, jackets, backpacks, mugs, and everything else they have to offer. You won’t regret it.
Your neutral-loving friend is going to be so excited when you gift her modern handmade clay earrings from VAGUE CLAY Co. There are SO. MANY. to choose from so maybe grab a few pairs. They are perfect stocking stuffers and there’s a style each of your friends will love.
If you need to buy a gift for someone with a serious sweet tooth, The Pop Co. is the place to go. They have cake pops, cakesicles, caramel apples, and more! And you know what bath bombs are, right? Well they sell chocolate bombs. Same concept. Wildy different use. And let me say, anything they make is delicious.
For the Yoga-lover or the person who always talks about trying yoga, but hasn’t yet, a gift card to Bhava Yoga Studio is the perfect gift. Bhava’s studio holds classes for all ages and levels of experience to practice or learn yoga, and explore the body-mind connection.
Come January, when your friend or family member says 2021 is their year to start working out, let it be. With a small and local gym like CrossFit Petroglyph, it’s like working out with family and that is infinitely better than working out where no one knows you or can hold you accountable. CrossFit Petroglyph will help your friend—or you—finally keep that New Year’s resolution, because you’ll actually want to keep going back. Buy one month of CrossFit and CrossFit Petroglyph will give you l month free, which sounds like the perfect way to build habits and get in shape if you ask me.
For your unique friend, High Vibe Crystals is the place to go. You can find crystals, sacred sage, jewelry, books and more on her website. A gift card will allow your friend to find exactly what they need.
Looking for a unique gift for someone? Say no more. Check out Photon Lasery for custom laser engraved or etched gifts. They also have some pretty cool ornaments and a Zia lamp that is perfect for that person who already has everything in your life.
Do you know a parent that’s working from home with small children? Playbox Discovery Center is definitely where you’re going to find a gift for parent and child. They have the BEST play areas for kids and socially distanced private work pods for parents. The parents can work in a pod with complimentary Wi-Fi and coffee while the littles enjoy supervised semi-structured play and activity time. If you’re just looking for toys to keep the littles busy at home, Playbox has you covered there as well!
For the bibliophile in your life who needs a new book, check out Plot Duckies. They are a local company that sells books by local authors. So not only do you support a local business when you buy from them, you also support local authors.
For that macramé-loving friend of yours, you’re sure to find something they’ll love at Take Care Textiles. Honestly, if you go on the website, close your eyes and point, it’s pretty safe to say that whatever you point at is going to be something worth purchasing, because her work is THAT good. You can find macramé wreaths, plant hangers, mirrors, wall hangings, coasters, keychains and more on the website.
Need a gift for your fur child? Or maybe just a special fur baby in your life? Three Fluffy Tails is perfect then. They create chic accessories for the modern pet, and their bandanas and bows are seriously the cutest.
Do you have a loved one that needs updated family photos? Check out Photography D’Amour for all your photography needs. She offers senior, family, wedding, maternity and really any other type of photography you could possibly need. Her gift certificates will make a thoughtful gift for that person you had no idea what to get—until now.
For your foodie friend, a gift card to Blazin Cajun may just do the trick. They are a family-owned food truck serving delicious cajun-style dishes like lobster bisque soup, pork rinds, cajun shrimp tacos, gumbo and more.
For your ethical fashion loving friend, Sew Minimal has got you covered. They create one of a kind up-cycled clothing and accessories that are handmade in Albuquerque. Located in Old Town, they are offering free curbside pickup so you can be sure you’ll get your gift in time for the holidays.
You know how sometimes there isn’t the best selection for stocking stuffers? Well Candace’s Craft Corner has gifts everyone will love, and many will fit perfectly in a stocking. With coasters, earrings, garland, stickers and more to choose from, you cannot go wrong with anything from this shop.
View the entire list here.