Our curated recommendations for “Want, Need, Do, Read, Share, Wear.”
We put this guide together with so much love for the small shops, makers, and families pouring their hearts into what they create. Some of these businesses are ones we’ve personally ordered from, enjoyed, and wholeheartedly recommend. Others are brands we know by reputation, from friends we trust, or from the communities we’re part of.
No matter which category they fall into, each of these small shops aligns beautifully with the Taeda values: slow living, nature, intentionality, craftsmanship, and meaning.
If you’re looking for gifts that feel wholesome, thoughtful, and rooted, this is our short list.
WANT
Something beautiful, cozy, or joy-bringing.
Designing Twins Candles & Gifts
We love these candles and we buy their Fraser fur every year! You will not be disappointed!
NEED
Something practical, clean, or genuinely useful
Wildland Coffee
We love the ease and utility of these coffee bags. They taste great too! Amazing for a busy morning on the go!
EarthHero (Dropps & eco goods)
We are SUCKERS for Dropps! We started using them a few years ago and have never looked back! Truly we cannot share our love for them enough!
DO
Experiences, creativity, hands-on activities, or family moments
1000 Hours Outside Shop
We love this movement! We stumbled across them a year ago looking for resources of things to do outside. We have a tracker and a few other goods for fun! Check them out! Get your kids outside!
Wonder & Wise
I do not have personal experience with this brand, though we have friends who rave! We wanted to give a little fun with a small shop plug!
Earth Grown KidDoughs
You can NEVER go wrong with a play-dough sensory or activity box. Time and time again, my kids LOVE these!
READ
Books, stories, and learning that deepen roots
Tiny Seed Journal Bookshop
I stumbled upon this little virtual bookshop shop when searching for poems. I have enjoyed their blogs and resources! Enjoy! 🩵
Roots So Deep (film + learning)
Carbon Cowboys are a group of people trying to encourage and educate farmers to sustainable farming, while maintaining profit and the health of soil. I cannot recommend or support their movement enough! If you have any interest in ag and sustainability in it, please check them out and support them!
SHARE
Food, goodies, and treats meant to gather around
Big Spoon Roasters
Tried these guys at a vendor event and it was literally so good! If you are in NC definitely check them out!
Milliways (plastic-free gum)
Love this gum! Though not what you expect, I have been pleasantly surprised! We bought 50 packages 🙈
WEAR
Clothing and accessories rooted in comfort, craftsmanship, and beauty
Evelina Apparel
I love watching this brand unfold. I have followed them for over 8 years.
Cynthia Out West
Cynthia was the property manager for the location Caleb and I got married, she hand-makes BEAUTIFUL jewelry! She started in MT and is now in Maine and we look forward to following her journey! 🩵
Roots So Deep (wearables)
Again, gotta plug Carbon Cowboys and their message! It is something we believe to be IMPERATIVE to the health of our world. Working with the land is the only way we can move forward!
