Anyone who knows me knows I love to shop small and local first! I’m a big advocate for keeping our business and money in our community and into the bank accounts of those whom need it most. This year I wanted to make a simple and quick guide to just a few of my favorite shops in under an hour from your home, even if you live in the East Valley!

In no particular order, I will start with the cute new shop Desert Market in Yucca Valley. The Hi Desert communities are a beautiful extension of our Coachella Valley and they’re certainly not rich stores taking your money for new Bentleys. These are small town folks working for a simple, humble living to provide for their families and retire one day as they hand down their family-run Mom and Pop shops. Desert Market is just that. It’s just that for several families actually. This adorable store carries handmade home decor, gifts, clothing, and more made by shop owner Heather Mahaffey and local creators across the high desert cities. She created the store to have a place for local creators to sell their unique designs in a storefront space they otherwise wouldn’t be able to open on their own. Heather makes her own furniture pieces and fabulous upcycle furnishings at incredible prices! If you’re a fan of Etsy, this is your favorite website in living color. Follow them on Instagram @desert_market and links to their online store as well if you can’t make the drive soon.

Thick as Thieves in downtown Palm Springs, in a side corridor around the corner from Grand Central, is one stop you have to make this shopping season. This quaint little shop has so many wonderful pieces of home decor and special items you won’t find in box stores and chain locations. From vintage leather goods to one of a kind wood carved accents and handmade pieces, Thick as Thieves has what your loved ones will wish they’d put on their list all along. They also sell custom local inspired designs and tees, place settings, and other handmades for you. Go to @shopthieves on Instagram and http://www.shopthieves.com for holiday store hours and their online products.

Jadabugs in La Quinta near Five Guys and Vons across from the Point Happy shopping center has long been a go to for our family, especially when our kids were little and we needed better baby and toddler goods we couldn’t find on Amazon or at Target. The brands and products they offer are unmatched and now owner Heidi has added classes and programs for moms and their kids! Heidi MacArthur does such a wonderful job with her shop and inventory and is just the friendliest person to greet you. Their newly expanded kids’ boutique is perfect for all of the grand kids, kids, moms, and families to be in the CV.

The other store we LOVED as parents of young children was Lumpy Bunny on El Paseo. Another fabulous small business owner and fellow mom, this store is just incredible! They have a huge selection of very well made baby clothes that are truly fashionable and perfect for family photoshoots. You won’t find any better, more incredible designs. Their toy and book selection is also fantastic and they have busy sensory boards for the little ones to keep them engaged and not getting into stuff at home!

Lastly, (for now) is the Farmer’s Market! I love the Certified Farmer’s Market that runs in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, La Quinta, and Joshua Tree. You get an array of vendors not only for fresh produce and artisan foods, but also goods and products not in any stores. From apparel and bags to jewelry and soaps, the marketplace is a wonderful destination to put on your list. Visit certifiedfarmersmarkets.org for local times and vendors of the week, including Tea with Iris, the knife guy from Ronin Sharpening, local bands and painters, and more!