Small Business Saturday: Our Top 5 Picks to Shop this Holiday Season

When it comes to holiday shopping (and any shopping, really), our hearts are with small businesses! Nothing can beat that extra personalized touch, that friendly face behind the counter that knows every corner of the shop inside out, those carefully curated shelves! As a small business ourselves, we understand (and truly appreciate!) all the hard work and dedication it takes. And the amazing and quirky small shops in the US are endless. So this season, and in honor of Small Business Saturday, we have put together a list with five of our favorite shops across different states, each sure to hold the perfect gift for every kiddo in your life.
… And who knows, while browsing their shelves, you might just spot a few Worldwide Buddies products, too. 😉

1. Paper Hearts Bookstore

📍420 E 21st St, Little Rock, Arkansas
The magic at Paper Hearts Bookstore sparks from their commitment to stocking unique books for every adult and child. From their thoughtfully selected Staff Picks to an intriguing array of Banned Books, along with a funky selection of games and puzzles, you’re sure to leave with something quirky and special.

🌟 What makes your shop unique?
“Paper Hearts Bookstore is a micro store of 300 sq.feet. Our catalog is lovingly curated with community in mind, and we look for books with characters and authors that are representative of everyone. We believe reading is social so we carry books that will get you talking to others.”

Image source: https://www.instagram.com/paperheartsbooks

2. Little Cocoa Bean Co.

📍114 South Street, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Shopping for kids 4 and under? Little Cocoa Bean will steal your heart with their purposeful collection of stylish, sustainable, and functional feeding accessories. We also appreciate their values of honoring heritage, prioritizing inclusion, celebrating positivity, as well as recognizing parents and all their efforts – principles that shine in everything they do.

🌟 Little tidbit: if you happen to drop by, don't miss their Tot Café – a perfect place for parents and children to eat, play and connect with others!

Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJRHqsOTk8/?hl=en

3. Joyride Bookshop

📍2750 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, California
📍200 W. Island Avenue, San Diego, California
Joyride Bookshop truly stands out for its exceptional selection of diverse children's literature and their collection is one we can definitely identify with! It includes a wide range of stories for children, introducing little readers to experiences and worlds beyond their own – our type of books! If you are in San Diego, make sure to explore one of their two storefronts or even check out their mobile book truck!

🌟 What makes your shop unique?
“We strive to include many voices, many perspectives and many ideas on our shelves. Children who visit our shop will find a story that reflects their own lived experience. They will also find stories that contain experiences very different from their own – that open their eyes to the wonder, beauty, complexity and difficulty of the world but do not condescend to them or dismiss things they know to be true. We want them to laugh and play and question and, most importantly, feel seen and valued within the pages and spaces we offer. Welcome to Joyride Bookshop, where we have a book for all children, everywhere.”

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/joyridebookshop/

4. City Kid Boutique

📍222 N 9th St, Boise, Idaho
Looking for chic clothing this Christmas? City Kid Boutique specializes in on-trend, comfortable clothing that compliments children’s personalities and their parents’ fashion aesthetic. You’ll also spot a fun assortment of knick-knacks like toys and accessories for an even bigger and special gift.

🌟 Little tidbit: As a parent, the owner, Cat Jones, carefully chooses a variety of gender-neutral clothes to offer high-quality options suitable for both boys and girls, making it much more convenient for fellow parents!

Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJRHqsOTk8/?hl=en

5. Dancing Bears Toys & Games

📍15 East Patrick Street Frederick, Maryland
Why we love Dancing Bears so much (other than because of their awesome name, of course)? All of their products are screen-free! From wooden and sensory toys, to crafts, as well as a large, colorful collection of books, there’s something for every kiddo in your life. Plus, their mission statement is something we can all get behind!

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🌟 What makes your shop unique?
“We specialize in unplugged, screen-free play. Our mission at Dancing Bear is simple: put some play in everyone’s day! We strive to be the ‘happiest place on earth’ here in Frederick, MD.”

Image source: https://www.tiaojiri.top/products.aspx?cname=dancing+bear+toys+%26+gifts&cid=12