If you are like me, you have noticed a trend going on in cyber-world.  The trend is to buy homemade gifts as well as gifts from small business owners during this holiday season.  Even American Express is part of the movement.  Needless to say, I am thrilled beyond belief, being a small business owner myself.  I have always tried to support the small business owners as much as possible, so what am I doing this Holiday season?  Am I putting my money where my mouth is?  Absolutely!  Here is a list of where I have gone shopping so far...

Always B Designs :  I have purchased notecards for my 96 yr old Grandmother, who writes letters weekly.  I have also ordered a designer clipboard, notecards and necklace for a niece.  Angela is also designing a domino tile necklace for my son - yes, I said my son, it will have a Star Wars character on it and I guarantee, he will LOVE it! 

Freckles Crafts - My best friends daughter loves to paint, draw, write - in general she loves anything artsy.  So, of course, I thought of Freckles crafts!  Rebecca puts together complete craft kits with instructions - all I need to do is wrap and ship them.  How awesome is that?  I purchased 4 kits, 3 to giveaway and 1 Christmas Chalkboard for us. 

Avon - Lisa Nicholson - When I was growing up, the Avon lady lived next door.  I have always loved Avon, but quite honestly had not thought about ordering it for years - the lady I knew passed away.  In the Mommy Perks community is a WONDERFUL Avon lady named Lisa!  I started looking at the catalog and realized how much I have missed Avon products.  I ordered stocking stuffers - body paints and bubble bath for the boys, hand lotions for my Mom. 

Return to Eden Cosmetics - I am very, very picky about the lotions I use on my face.  I haven't been able to find exactly what I want in any line of cosmetics yet.  Along comes Return to Eden Cosmetics, again through the Mommy Perks Holiday Guide - all natural lotions.  Mine should be arriving this week and I am so anxious to try it out! 

Gold Canyon Candles - Deborah LaPrada - I love candles, but again, this is something I am very picky about purchasing.  I want the scent to last for the entire life of the candle, no matter how long it sits on my shelf.  In my opinion, Gold Canyon Candles are the best.  I can order them locally here in AZ, since the factory is only 30 miles from my house, I'm sure there is a consultant close by, but I support Deborah who is outstanding in customer service and I really appreciate that and she is a member of Christian Moms Business Resource - another fantastic community.  I ordered the Breast cancer awareness candle in Sugar cookie and it is one of the best smelling candles ever.- just this last week, I ordered 2 more for Christmas gifts.

GaGaGouGou   - Although my boys are out of the baby stage, I have a friend who just had a baby girl.  Beautiful, soft blankets are always a welcome gift, especially going into winter (even though it is Phoenix, but we still get chilly nights!).  Iris is a member of the Mommy Perks community, so why would I go to the store and purchase a gift, when I could support a fellow small business owner? 

I am proud to shop with these merchants, the service is outstanding and quality of products is superb.  With the Holidays quickly approaching, be sure to check out small businesses, you might just find a true gem, I know i have!