As the holiday season draws near, the search for meaningful, eco-friendly gifts begins. Finding the perfect present can sometimes feel daunting, but Arizona’s small businesses make the search both easier and more enjoyable. These local gems offer unique and memorable gifts, while also emphasizing sustainability, ethical practices, and supporting the local economy. We’re highlighting ten businesses that are perfect for green-minded holiday gift-givers.
OLIVESPA
For those seeking locally-crafted gifts, OliveSpa, a Phoenix-based business, brings the amazing benefits of olive oil to skincare. Their chemical-free, handcrafted products, sourced from the Queen Creek Olive Mill, are deeply nourishing and perfect for holiday gifting.
“Our most popular items during the holidays are gift boxes and bundles, which come ready to give,” shares Brenda Rea, co-owner of OliveSpa. Top sellers include lip balms, face oils, and olive oil soaps, which not only nourish the skin but also honor the time-tested tradition of using olive oil as a natural moisturizer.
This holiday season, OliveSpa is celebrating the opening of its new Phoenix store on 24th Street, just south of Thomas. “This location allows customers to shop locally without having to travel to Queen Creek,” Rea explains. OliveSpa products are also available at the Queen Creek Olive Mill and Kierland Commons store.
For those unable to shop in person, OliveSpa offers online ordering through its website, making their beautifully crafted, natural products accessible to everyone. Whether it’s a thoughtfully curated gift box or a luxurious face oil, OliveSpa’s offerings make for heartfelt, meaningful presents this holiday season.
2701 N. 24th St., Phoenix | www.olivespa.com
CAYLA GRAY
Fragrance and sustainability come together beautifully in Cayla Gray’s collection of clean perfumes and candles. With a commitment to non-toxic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, these products are a thoughtful choice for holiday shoppers seeking mindful gifts.
For the season, the brand features holiday gift sets perfect for the occasion. Among the highlights is the Holiday Archive Set, a limited edition collection featuring five best-selling collaboration fragrances, each in a convenient 7.5ml perfume spray. Another favorite is the Undeniable Gift Set, which includes a sleek black journal with two metallic pens, a 5 oz candle, matches, and a 5ml Undeniable Perfume Spray.
Located at The Churchill in Phoenix, Cayla Gray’s shop also offers gift wrapping services, adding an extra touch of ease to the shopping experience.
901 N. 1st St., Ste. 108, Phoenix | www.caylagray.com
HUMMINGBIRD MARKET
For the bird lover on your list, Hummingbird Market offers a meaningful and sustainable gift option. Specializing in premium feeders and expertly crafted nectar, this local business is dedicated to supporting the well-being of Arizona’s avian wildlife.
Hummingbird Market’s nectar stands out for its unique formula, which replicates the nutrition hummingbirds naturally obtain from flowers. “We studied 237 flowers to replicate what hummingbirds consume in nature,” shares Douglas Everett, founder of Hummingbird Market. Their kits, featuring the Aspects Mini Feeder and proprietary nectar, are customer favorites. Designed to prevent leaks, deter pests, and ensure bird health, these kits make feeding hummingbirds both easy and responsible.
Everett underscores the importance of proper feeding practices: “A good feeder is important, but keeping it clean and providing fresh nectar is essential.”
By supporting Hummingbird Market, you’re not only giving a gift that delights bird enthusiasts but also contributing to the preservation of Arizona’s vibrant wildlife. For a holiday present that brings joy to people and supports nature, Hummingbird Market is an excellent choice.
Multiple locations statewide | www.hummingbirdmarket.com
LECTRIC EBIKES
For adventure seekers and commuters alike, Lectric eBikes offers a practical and sustainable gift option. These foldable electric bikes make a thoughtful gift for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint while exploring Arizona on two wheels.
With a variety of models and accessories from which to choose, Lectric eBikes is a standout choice for a green and thoughtful holiday gift.
2311 W. Utopia Rd., | www.lectricebikes.com
STINKWEEDS
For the music lover on your list, a gift from Stinkweeds record store in Phoenix is sure to surprise and delight. Specializing in vinyl records, this iconic shop offers a carefully curated selection to suit every taste. “If you come into the store equipped with bands that you know the person likes, we can find something similar, we can find something rare,” says Stinkweeds owner Kimber Lanning. “We can even introduce you to an artist or album you might not know about—there’s always something that will surprise and delight.”
Founded in 1987, Stinkweeds has become a beloved local landmark, known for its thoughtful inventory and community-focused approach. “We’re a store for and by music lovers,” Lanning explains. “Unlike large chain stores, we live and breathe music every day, and our staff’s knowledge is key in helping customers find the perfect gift.”
Beyond vinyl, Stinkweeds carries CDs, cassettes, and music-inspired merchandise such as books, apparel, and unique gift items. Their used record section is especially prized for its high-quality, hard-to-find albums and rarities. “Shopping locally at Stinkweeds means more than just finding great music,” Lanning adds. “When you support us, you’re supporting the local economy. You’re also choosing a more sustainable option since second-hand stores are great for the environment.”
During the holiday season, Stinkweeds elevates the shopping experience even further. “On Black Friday, we’ll have hundreds of limited edition vinyl releases from some of the biggest names in music,” Lanning shares. “We’re even setting up tents outside and opening early to make sure people can get their hands on these rare finds.”
With its unique inventory, expert guidance, and dedication to the local community, Stinkweeds is a must-visit destination for gift-givers and music enthusiasts alike this holiday season.
12 W. Camelback Rd., | www.stinkweeds.com
STRAWBERRY HEDGEHOG
Strawberry Hedgehog, a Phoenix-based vegan soap and body care brand, creates thoughtful, sustainable holiday gifts using unique natural ingredients. With vibrant hues derived from minerals like hematite and lapis and aromatic scents from pure essential oils, each product is crafted to delight the senses. The brand is perfect for those with sensitivities to artificial fragrances or for anyone seeking cruelty-free, toxin- free options.
The journey of Tracy Perkins, the owner of Strawberry Hedgehog, began in 2002 following a partial lung lobectomy due to health challenges. “I have a history of health challenges and a passion for smelly things,” she explains. “At the time, I worked part-time at ASU and a mall shop. I noticed my symptoms were far worse at the mall. I decided to avoid the things I’d been breathing in, but to do so, I felt like I needed to DIY. I started putting together body care for myself, and I felt so much better.” Over two decades later, she’s still crafting those same nourishing recipes for her loyal customers.
For the holidays, Strawberry Hedgehog offers themed soaps like Forest Chai, Candy Cane, and Yule Fire. Standout gift options include the best-selling Pink Soap Sampler Box, which comes in a bakery-style box with eight luxurious soap bars, and sample bags featuring six quarter-sized bars. Every item is handcrafted by Perkins herself, including intricately painted specialty soaps like the Green Man and Krampus.
1501 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix | www.strawberryhedgehog.com
CHANGING HANDS BOOKSTORE
Changing Hands Bookstore, an iconic Arizona institution celebrating 50 years, offers a meaningful and engaging shopping experience this holiday season. With locations in Tempe and Phoenix, the store embraces the idea that books are the ultimate gift. “Books are entertaining, an escape, and an essential presence in humanity,” says co-owner Cindy Dach.
Books make timeless presents, connecting readers through shared stories and knowledge. Whether it’s an inspiring novel, a guide to mastering a new skill, or an invitation to escape into a different world, the store’s knowledgeable booksellers specialize in helping shoppers find the perfect match, making holiday gift-giving effortless.
Beyond its extensive literary selection, Changing Hands also curates a variety of unique gifts, including puzzles, candles, handmade mugs, and toys that pair beautifully with their book offerings. At the Phoenix location, the wine and coffee bar adds another layer of charm, with their signature coffee blends available for purchase as thoughtful gifts.
Shopping at Changing Hands is about more than just finding the perfect present. “By shopping with us, you’re supporting local businesses, keeping dollars in the community and engaging with like-minded people,” Dach notes. The store also enhances the holiday spirit with events like kids’ crafting workshops and pictures with the Grinch, making every visit a memorable experience.
Locations in Tempe and Phoenix | www.changinghands.com
ARCADIA MEAT MARKET
For the foodie in your life, Arcadia Meat Market offers a sustainable and thoughtful gift option. This whole-animal butcher shop specializes in pasture- raised, all-natural meats sourced from the finest family-run farms and ranches across Arizona and beyond. Their wide selection includes grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, lamb, chicken, bison, venison, and elk—all reflecting a commitment to ethical farming practices and transparency.
With exceptional customer service, the team happily provides cooking tips and custom cuts. The market also features fresh produce from local farmers and shelves stocked with other locally sourced foodie finds. For added convenience, they offer pre-prepared options alongside custom gift boxes and holiday packages. Perfect for those who value top quality, ethical eating, and supporting Arizona’s agricultural community, a gift from Arcadia Meat Market is as meaningful as it is delicious.
3950 E. Indian School Rd. #130, Phoenix | www.arcadiameatmarket.com
LAUNDRY SAUCE
Yes, even laundry can be transformed into the perfect holiday gift. Laundry Sauce proves that premium laundry care can be both luxurious and eco-friendly. Their high-quality detergent pods are crafted with biodegradable formulas and minimal packaging to prioritize sustainability. With elegant, sophisticated scents, Laundry Sauce turns a mundane chore into a small indulgence, making it an unexpected yet practical gift for the eco-conscious household.
CSA SUBSCRIPTION
A subscription to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. Local Arizona farms like Singh Farms, Crooked Sky Farms, R.City, and Agritopia Farm deliver fresh, seasonal produce directly to your doorstep or set pick up location, making it a perfect choice for promoting healthy eating. By subscribing, you’re also supporting small-scale farmers and their dedication to fostering sustainable urban agriculture in Arizona.
By choosing thoughtful, eco-conscious options this holiday season, you’re not only giving a gift but also making a meaningful impact on your community and the planet.
