2024 Gift Guide: Small Business Gift Cards

In my family, we still exchange gifts at Christmas. I know some adults think it’s silly, but I still love any excuse to receive or give a personal, thoughtful gift. So for Dave and me, each Thanksgiving our moms text us asking for our grown-up Christmas list. And although that’s lovely, thoughtful, and of course generous… my life is overflowing with lists and IOUs. So I’ve just come to dread this annual task. But then last year, I had a eureka win-win-win solution to my (petty, first world) problem: small business gift cards. <picture heavens opening>

I texted the moms:

I know that the Christmas gift list deadline for Dave and me is looming… and this year, we were thinking: what if we send you a list of local restaurants, shops, and activities that we use frequently and would love gift cards to? That way, you’d support our friends’, neighbors’, and clients’ businesses, and we’d definitely put the experiences to use.

It was a GAME CHANGER. Both for my holiday to-do list and for the enjoyment of experiences that lasted throughout the year.

So if you need some last minute gift ideas for yourself or others, we’d love for you to support our clients by purchasing one from them. But regardless, I hope this idea is a fun and thoughtful way to check your list twice and support small businesses who contribute to the economy with intention.

1 // The Perfect Pair (Nashville, TN)

A giftcard to women’s boutique The Perfect Pair happens to be the perfect gift (it’s on my list as a giver and receiver every year). The most caring team at The Perfect Pair will package up your gift card in a beautiful box, and you can add one of their signature candles for an elegant and complete little package: a gift and experience.

2 // Hola Yoga (Nashville, TN)

If the yogi in your life lives in Nashville, I highly, highly, highly suggest you get them a gift card to Hola Yoga. I’ve been practicing yoga for 25 years, and Hola is the home studio I visit each week. But if the yogi in your life doesn’t live in Nashville, fear not: their fresh and stylish merch also makes a great gift. (They recently came out with the cutest baby onesie. PSA: If I know you and you have a baby, you’ll be receiving one of these – ha!)

3 // The Coterie Wellness Studio (Charlotte, NC)

OR if your yogi lives in Charlotte, we’re excited that this year, we have an option for you there too! The Coterie Wellness Studio was just awarded the best studio in Charlotte, NC – and its owner best yoga teacher. They also have an online membership option that maximizes their inclusiveness and access to top-tier teachers, no matter where your bendable buddy lives or travels.

4 // Flora (Nashville, TN)

Flora is Nashville’s go-to plant shop. Plant and customer care is their top priority, offering services like repotting and custom how-to (not kill your plant) care cards for those with a black thumb. (Speaking for a friend).

5 // Vital Massage & Bodywork (Orlando, FL)

Buying your Orlando-based family member or friend a massage from Vital Massage & Bodywork seems like a no-brainer for both relaxation and health. Afterall, owner Brianna Evans specializes in medical and lymphatic massages, along with structural bodywork. Many of their clients are local, but I have heard stories about those visiting the vacation and conference capital, booking one of Vital’s mobile massages.

6 // Cafe Roze / Roze Pony (Nashville, TN)

Cafe Roze is East Nashville’s all-day cafe and bistro. Aesthetically: think Paris bistro but lighter, fresher, and hipper. Food-wise: think West Village, NYC. A meal at Cafe Roze is perfect for the foodie on your list who treasures quality time, or you can get them a gift card (like my mama did for me last Christmas). If you’re on the other side of town, run, don’t walk, to try the Souffle Pancakes at their sister restaurant Roze Pony (gift cards here).

7 // Meg Bodi Skincare (Austin, TX)

A gift card to Meg Bodi Skincare is ideal for the person who cares about skin health and their whole health. This person glows from the inside-out, as they know: their outsides are a representation of their insides. They want great skin, but more than that, they treasure the understanding and education on the journey to get it.

And one more time, I must say: thank you for your support of our clients in the holiday season and always. And thank you for your support of Ellevated Outcomes. This was an exciting, banner, next-level year for us, in so many ways. I personally am ending the year with lots of meetings on my calendar and peace in my heart.

I hope that your December has had a fun and joyous start, and you’re able to finish out the rush of anticipation, meeting deadlines, and celebrations… then wind way down for a couple weeks.

Because of the holiday lineup on the calendar, this will be my last post for 2024. Have the most restoring time off (I plan to), and we can’t wait to see you again in 2025.