The season for big bows, shiny gift wrap and the fragrant smell of pine is right around the corner. It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is already upon us. But before you know it, you’ll be ringing in the New Year with friends and family — so you need to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping now!
While we may all appreciate the lure of Black Friday deals and the hustle and bustle of the local shopping mall, why not buy something from the comfort of your own home and support a fellow MilSpouse?
From colorful clutches to one-of-a-kind onesies, check out these 10 MilSpouse-run businesses that offer unique gifts for your loved ones and give back the gift of support to your fellow military families!
1. She Swank Two
Started by MilSpouse Lakesha Cole, She Swank Two is a globally inspired online children’s clothing store will have your kids heading to school in style. While quality and “embracing the innocence and fun of childhood” are at the forefront of this imaginative marketplace, there’s a lot more meaning behind the business than colorful accessories and fashion-forward dresses.
After Lakesha’s two-year-old daughter Kirby was diagnosed with Renal Tubular Acidosis and Diabetes Insipidus, she began The Kirby Project to help young girls feel confident and comfortable while battling life-threatening illnesses. For every turban purchased, The Kirby Project will donate another one to a U.S. children’s hospital. What could be better for this season of giving?
2. Cover Love
Navy wife and MilSpouse mom Courtney Jeffries started her own custom pillow cover business, Cover Love, in July 2012. If your Secret Santa appreciates the farmhouse style of HGTV’s Chip and Joanna Gaines, you’ll want to check out Courtney’s Etsy shop ASAP.
“Gift giving has always been a little passion of mine. I love the feeling of finding a perfect treasure for a special person,” Courtney explains. “Each item created here is developed with that potential in mind.”
3. Daisy Faye Designs
Started by Kim Chapman, the wife of a marine pilot, Daisy Faye Designs is where you’ll find no lack of colorful clutches and cute bags. From small stocking stuffers to vibrant statement pieces, Daisy Faye Designs started a baby shop inspired by military aviation and eventually moved into modern accessories for women.
Browse the nearly one hundred hand-sewn products and you’ll be gushing about the Anthropologie-esque design in no time.
4. Stinkmuffin
Started by A. Cowan, a military wife and mother of a baby boy, Stinkmuffin is your go-to spot for cozy leggings for adults and kids.
Whether you’re looking for florals, solids, plaid, or tribal prints, Stinkmuffin has it all. Support this MilSpouse who turned her love for sewing into a five-star online business!
5. seventythreedesigns
Seventythreedesigns, started by Sahara LeVine, features more than 200 unique pieces of delicate jewelry. Thousands of five-star reviews speak to the shop owner’s exquisite attention to detail and creativity.
Seventythreedesigns, started by Sahara LeVine, features more than 200 unique pieces of delicate jewelry. Thousands of five-star reviews speak to the shop owner’s exquisite attention to detail and creativity.
Many reviewers note that her pieces have become everyday wardrobe staples. Don’t feel guilty if you add a little something for yourself to your shopping cart!
6. Smallprints
Alison Donnelly is a MilSpouse who got back to her artsy roots after living overseas for several years by creating Smallprints.
Her personalized silver jewelry makes for meaningful gifts and keepsakes. She can print just about anything, too. Fingerprints, pawprints, footprints — you name it.
Check out her Etsy shop and browse the selection of pendants, charms, keychains and jewelry.
7. PolkaDotPrintsInc
This shop, PolkaDotPrintsInc, is perfect for those on your list who are welcoming little ones into the world.
Military Wife, Amanda Thompson, took up embroidery when she was pregnant and has grown her hobby into a booming business.
From onesies and hats to stuffed animals and blankets, it won’t take you long to cozy up to one of her colorful creations.
8. SimplySchulze
Started by Natasha Schulze, SimplySchulze is chock full of charming home decor. Her specialty is farmhouse signs — and, don’t worry, you can customize these, too.
The best part? All proceeds are donated to the Semper Fi Fund, an organization that provides financial assistance and lifetime to support to injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces. All orders placed before December 5th, 2017, are guaranteed to be delivered before Christmas.
Happy holiday shopping!
