As you may imagine, this has truly been a wild year for small businesses. It’s been more important than ever to deliver the best possible service to our customers who want some retail therapy, or just an excuse to get out of the house, all while keeping our community and our staff safe. May’s Place has adapted to suit the needs of all of our customers by moving to an online space (thank goodness for Instagram) and eventually establishing convenient shopping arrangements for those comfortable to shop in the store. We can’t even begin to tell you how much your support has meant to us during this time. We imagine other small businesses who have had their own way of adapting would say the same.

The holiday season in the retail space where business is usually booming is looking a little different while small operations continue to adapt. They need your support more than ever before! Thankfully, at May’s, we have plenty of small independent vendors like this to support this season - All of which offer super unique, giftable items anyone would appreciate. We’ve listed some of our amazing (all women-owned) independent vendors to support. Here’s your ultimate guide to shopping ethically this holiday.

Feeling Moody

Insta tag: @feeling_moody

Website

Sarita Moody has done it again and given us the most amazing, cozy, warm, and handmade knit scarves that are perfect for the cold season. Shop cowl scarves, which are small scarves that sit upon your neck nice and tight (like an infinity scarf, if you’ve heard of that). Feeling Moody also offers giant knit scarves that are statement pieces with any outerwear garment or cozy outfit. Shop her scarves in on our website here.

Potion 23

Insta tag: @potion23design

Website: https://potion23.com

Another local sewist, Tori of Potion 23 designs 30s and 40s styled garments that are reimagined with a modern flare. These Potion 23 ruffled masks we have in the shop are the perfect example of the extra little something that’s notorious of Tori’s work. Find them in store and on our website here.

Golden Gems

Insta tag: @shopgoldengems

Website: https://shopgoldengems.com

Our friends at Golden Gems seriously have all the cool and hip holiday stocking stuffers that the feminist and/or activist in your family or friend group will absolutely love. We love their message of growing confidence and individuality so much that we asked them to make “Be The Change” banners exclusively for the shop to share our own message. They’re perfect in windows or walls or doors - really anywhere in the house for a constant reminder to get inspired. Shop the banner here.

Lone Wolf Collective

Insta tag: @lonewolfcollective

Website

Lone Wolf Collective handmade and ethically sourced recycled silver and leather bolo ties always live in our jewelry case. All of Lone Wolf’s items are sustainably made and are basic jewelry staples you need in your life. Shop bolo ties on our website here.

‘Nurses Do It Better’ Tee

Insta tag: @tinylittlemonster

Product

Need a Christmas gift for the nurse in your life? We’ve teamed up with print shop Tiny Little Monster to make this iconic Robert Plant ‘Nurses Do It Better’ tee to support nurses during the pandemic. When you buy these shirts, a portion of the profits go toward nurse organizations, and to the local STL organization of the month through our #maysgivesback program.

A note about ethical shopping

We are truly so grateful to you all for supporting us and our fellow small businesses during these wild times, and we look forward to serving you this holiday season. Keep an eye out for more holiday inspired vintage, our vintage gift guide, and ideas for sustainable gift wrapping.