Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? The holiday season can go by so quickly and before you know it, you’re scrambling to get all of your holiday shopping done. I usually try to wait until Thanksgiving is over before I start talking about the Christmas season. However, with Covid and issues with USPS causing so many delays already this year, it’s a good idea to start figuring things out now if you haven’t already. That’s why I’m putting this 2020 Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide out as early as possible.
I prefer to shop with small business as much as I can in general, but this holiday season I think it’s more important than ever. When you shop with a small business, you’re not just giving another billionaire more money to buy their next yacht. You’re supporting someone’s hard work that they put their all into. This year with so many people still out of work, some small business owners are relying on this income to help pay their bills and feed their families, in addition to being able to afford the materials to keep creating.
This 2020 Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide features small businesses that I have personally shopped with this year. I am not an affiliate with these brands nor have any of these products been gifted. I just genuinely enjoy shopping with them and I think you will too.
With that being said, there is a plethora of small businesses that specialize in alternative fashion and accessories that I really like but have not had the opportunity to shop with yet. There are also small businesses I like that I have shopped with but they have a longer processing time (ie: likely would not make it for Christmas delivery). The shops listed in this 2020 Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide have products that should make it in time for the holidays. Please keep in mind though that this is 2020 and anything can happen. You will see some time frames listed below, but also remember that the shop owners are not responsible for delays once your item ships. No matter who you shop with this holiday season, I highly recommend ordering sooner rather than later to be on the safe side.
2020 Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide
Manku Shop
Manku Shop is my favorite place to find fun, spooky clothing that’s also super freaking comfortable. This past summer I was living in her tank tops. Now that the cold weather is here her super soft hoodies have been my go to. In addition to the cropped hoodie you see above and tank tops, she also carries t-shirts, regular hoodies, and accessories for both men and women. I actually picked up a t-shirt too for my husband’s birthday and he loves it!
Her funny, spooky, and charming designs are what really sets this shop apart and makes it so unique. It’s like an inside joke with your best friend being brought to life. The various designs in her inventory are something you just can’t find anywhere else.
Manku Shop is a one woman operation and all items are made to order. If you’re looking to order holiday gifts, please make sure that you order early enough to allow 6-10 business days for your order to ship out. You can check out what’s available here on her website.
I recommend following Manku Shop on Instagram in general because she has some of the funniest captions and promos that will literally make you LOL. In addition to that though, it’s also typically where you’ll find discount codes for any sales. Manku Shop is currently running a 20% off sale now through December 1st.
Sinister Sisters
Sinister Sisters has clothing and accessories that any alternative girl would love. They typically carry band skirts, dresses, tops, and even bags, in addition to their own goth and rock related creations. The skirt you see pictured above was actually my first purchase from them. I loved it so much that it kept me coming back.
They will be working on a new collection with hopes for it to drop by Christmas. However, they do still have current inventory available now. You can check out what’s available here in their Etsy shop.
This is also a brand that does have items sell out very quickly when they drop a new collection. I highly recommend you give them a follow on Instagram so you can stay up to date with new releases.
Vagabond Kreations
Many moons ago I was looking for a Slayer tank top online and was having no luck. That was until I stumbled across Vagabond Kreations, which specializes in heavy metal clothing for badass babes. I have been a repeat customer ever since. Her clothing is always super comfortable while still being completely stunning. Every item in her shop is handmade and one of a kind.
Vagabond Kreations has her own designs in a variety of styles and colors, in addition to band tops. You can find everything from pants, jumpsuits, dresses, skirts, crop tops, shorts, and so much more. Typically her new collections drop at the end of each month. However, she just released her most recent collection and there is still inventory left to ship. You can shop for what’s available here on her website. The Vagabond Kreations Etsy shop also has current discounted inventory available, which includes some band tops.
When new collections drop, there are usually items that sell out immediately. It’s definitely a good idea to sign up for her Newsletter or at the very least follow her on Instagram so you don’t miss out on future releases. Pro Tip: If you sign up for her newsletter, you’ll be the first to see some of what’s in the next collection and also get updates on sales before anyone else.
A while back I interviewed the shop owner, Amber, and included a look book with it. I’ve recently updated it with some of my favorite looks from this year. You can check out the full look book and interview here.
Creeping Death Designs
Creeping Death Designs is THE shop for finding band merch transformed into something really cool for both men and women. She makes dresses, tops, bags, and even flannels. Her shop also has listings for tops made to order, in addition to her current inventory. Her next collection will be dropping this Saturday at 3pm EST. In the meantime, you can check out what’s currently available here in her Etsy shop.
When new collections drop, some items usually tend to sell out pretty quickly. I would definitely give Creeping Death Designs a follow on Instagram if I were you so you don’t miss out on her new releases.
After this weekend’s collection drop, Creeping Death Designs is hoping to release some more new items in early December. If you’re looking for Christmas delivery, she recommends getting your orders in by December 17th.
If you missed it on my Instagram last week, check out the full look I created with this Metallica top here.
Joceboss Boutique
Joceboss Boutique takes some of the coolest fabrics and turns them into really amazing clothing and accessories. You can find everything from bralettes, shorts, skirts, hoodies, and so much more. She also is able to make plus size items. Her shop has a TON of different prints to choose from that are perfect for pin ups and creepy ghouls. Her bralettes are so comfortable and, while I’m in lounge attire above, they can be worn in a variety of different looks.
This is also a one woman operation that makes everything herself. Because of this, orders typically ship in 7-10 weeks. While this is longer than when you would need it as a holiday gift, she also has mystery promos available in her shop that you can order now through December 7th. They will be shipping every Friday, so they’re perfect for Christmas gifts. Please note: it’s important that you include as much of your sizing information as possible so she can make sure to send you the perfect items. You can find prices and the description for what’s included in these mystery bags here on her website.
In addition to that, Joceboss Boutique is also running a Black Friday sale starting today, November 25, through November 28 (Small Business Saturday). All items on her website are 10% off, Bralettes are $5 off, and orders of $100+ will be 30% off. This sale excludes mystery packages, goodie bags, and promos. And again, please keep in mind that these items would need to be made so they would typically ship in 7-10 weeks.
To make sure you stay up to date on any future sales, promos, or new items, make sure to give Joceboss Boutique a follow on Instagram.
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