The holidays are the perfect time to show the people you love just how much they mean to you, but if you’re like me and don’t have a ton of money to spend, it can feel stressful. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to spend a fortune to show someone you’re thinking of them. Some of the most meaningful gifts are small, personal, and handmade instead of mass-produced, store-bought goods. When you shop from small businesses, you’re not just giving a gift, you’re supporting someone’s dream, creativity, and hard work. Believe me when I tell you how amazing it feels when someone sees your work and chooses to support you.

If you’re looking for heartfelt ideas that make someone smile (and maybe spark a little joy for yourself too), here are 10 thoughtful small gifts that actually mean something (featuring handmade treasures from my small business, Sage & Oak).

1. Stickers to Motivate

Let’s be honest here - everyone has bad days that sometimes feel will never get better. Sometimes we just need that little push of motivation to keep us heading in the right direction. I know I do. That’s why I designed my motivational sticker line. I made stickers using things I needed to hear knowing others could use those words, too. They were designed to spread positivity everywhere they go. With designs like “You Deserve to Take Up Space” and “The World is a Better Place With You in It", there is sure to be something for everyone. Plus, who doesn’t love stickers?!

Our waterproof stickers are great for sticking on laptops, notebooks, water bottles, cars, phones, and pretty much anywhere else you like. Need more ideas? Check out 40 Creative Places to Display Your Waterproof Stickers.

Great for: Friends who need a confidence boost or to be reminded, teachers, students, therapists, coworkers, etc.

Shop motivational stickers here.

2. Art Prints to Uplift

Our 5x7 art prints transform any wall or desk into a cozy, inspiring space with hopeful reminders to read often. Like our stickers but not sure if the gift recipient would use them? That’s what our art prints are for. Using the same designs as our waterproof stickers, our prints are perfect to be framed and displayed anywhere you’d read the message often, like an office space or living area.

Great for: Those who work from home/office, friends who need reminders/uplifted, children’s bedrooms, new homeowners, etc.

Shop art prints here.

3. Earrings To Express Themselves

Know someone who just loves to use jewelry to express themselves? You’re in the right place! Sage & Oak has a ton of handmade polymer clay earrings with a wide range of styles so there’s something for everyone! From neutral colors to bright and cheery, every single pair is handmade with love and is sure to bring joy to those who wear them. We offer stud earrings for those who don’t/can’t wear dangle earrings and all of our earrings are nickel-free and made with hypoallergenic studs/ball posts.

Great for: Earring lovers, anyone who loves expressing themselves, teachers, etc.

Shop polymer clay earrings here.

4. Cute Magnets to Personalize

Love our earrings but your gift recipient can’t wear them? Check out our magnet selection! Magnets are a fun way to add personality to your fridge, locker, workspace, etc. We have a wide range of options from fruits to houseplants and holiday themes when in season. It’s a fun and easy way to turn an ordinary space into something more unique and “them.”

Great for: Teachers, coworkers, parents (for art projects), new homeowners, anyone with a fridge really, etc.

5. Keychains to Bring Joy

Keychains go everywhere you go, so why not make them more fun and meaningful? Our plant-themed 3D printed keychains make great little gifts for houseplant lovers and our motel keychains come in multiple colors and designs so there is sure to be something for everyone on your list this holiday season. Keychains are perfect for personalizing keys, bags, or backpacks to make them unique and bring joy every day,

Great for: New car owners, new drivers, plant lovers, parents/children, students/teachers, etc.

Shop keychains here.

6. Houseplant-Inspired Gifts for the Plant Parent

We see you, plant parents! Our houseplant sticker collection and botanical-themed accessories are perfect for anyone who proudly shows off their leafy friends. Whether they’re watering their Monstera or just dreaming of more sunlight, these gifts let them celebrate their love of plants in a creative way—no green thumb required.

Great for: Plant enthusiasts, gardeners, anyone who names their succulents, etc.

Shop our houseplant collection here.

7. Self-Care Gift Bundles

Combine a few of our small goodies like a motivational sticker, a pair of earrings, and a keychain or print into a personalized self-care bundle. Add a handwritten note and some tea and/or self care items, and you’ve created a one-of-a-kind gift that reminds them they they are loved and to make sure to slow down and take care of themselves.

Great for: Best friends, moms, or anyone who puts others before themselves, teachers, etc.

8. Stickers for Collecting or Journaling

If your loved one loves journaling, scrapbooking, sending handwritten notes, or just loves to collect them, stickers are the perfect gift idea. They make each letter or journal page more personal and creative. Plus, they’re small enough to tuck into any holiday card as a surprise bonus.

(Again, stickers are great to place anywhere, this was just a different perspective than items to put them on.)

Great for: Writers, pen pals, creative people, friends, collectors. etc.

Shop stickers here.

9. Sun Catchers To Cast Rainbows

Our window cling sun catchers are a unique way to brighten someone’s home—literally. They catch the sunlight and cast rainbow reflections across the room, creating an instant mood lift. Perfect for winter days when everyone could use a little extra sunshine. I can tell you first hand just how lovely the rainbows are. It really does brighten my day every time the sun sits them just right.

Great for: Anyone who loves cozy, uplifting spaces, people who could use a daily mood lift, friends, children, pen-pals, etc.

Shop sun catchers here.

10. Handmade Gifts That Carry Meaning

At the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones that feel personal. Whether it’s a sticker that speaks to their heart, an earring set that makes them feel confident, or a keychain that reminds them of their favorite plant, handmade gifts show intention, care, and love.

This holiday season, choose gifts that do more than just fill stockings—choose ones that tell a story, support creativity, and make a real person’s day. When you shop handmade, you’re not just buying an item; you’re helping someone continue doing what they love. You’re helping someone support their families by allowing them to put food on their tables. Supporting local and supporting small businesses is so important, especially during the holiday season. Check out Are You Shopping Small This Holiday Season? You Should Be. Here’s Why….

Explore Sage & Oak’s collection of stickers, art prints, jewelry, and plant-inspired gifts to find the perfect small gift that truly means something.

Also as a special thank you for reading this blog, take 10% off your next order with promo code: “BLOG10”!

10 Thoughtful Small Gifts That Actually Mean Something (and Support Small Businesses)