Solly Baby started with a $50 Craiglist serger and a positive pregnancy test. After experiencing back aches every time she wore her first baby, our founder Elle Rowley set out to create the baby wrap she really wanted for baby no. 2—something comfortable, functional, and beautiful.
A single wrap she designed for herself turned into an Etsy shop she ran out of her home. That little Etsy shop turned into what Solly is today.
It’s because of that story we care so deeply about supporting other small shops and entrepreneurs—and what better time to share a few of our favorites than Small Business Saturday? If you’re looking for some gifting inspiration, here are a few of the brands the Solly Team is shopping this season and beyond.
For Littles
1. The August People
On the hunt for fun, one-of-a-kind clothing for your little? Look no further. This small, mama-owned shop is full of adorable pieces that can be donned for their daily adventures. Our current obsession: the Snack Aisle collection.
2. Tabitha Paige
Tabitha Paige is a watercolor artist and mom of three based in Fort Worth, Texas. Her nature-inspired, educational storybooks and counting cards make the sweetest gifts for little learners.
3. Bannor Toys
You know those wooden toys from your parents' era you’d love to get your hands on? These are it, made modern. From teethers and rattles to blocks and puzzles, Bannor’s Montessori-style toys are handcrafted in the USA and great for all ages. Talk about heirloom quality!
4. Garbo&Friends
Baby clothing, bedding, and burp cloths. Playmats, loungers, and bibs. Garbo&Friends is a lifestyle brand (for babies, toddlers, and mamas, too!) that sells a wide range of products, but two things they all have in common: (1) They’re stunning (seriously, stun-ning), and (2) they’re ethically made.
5. LMB & Co.
This collection of soft balance beams, climbing sets, and stacking cubes is perfect for mini crawlers, builders, and tumblers…and (can you tell this is a high priority for us yet?) they’re all beautiful.
6. PlanToys
No one does screen-free, nontoxic, sustainable, and imaginative play better than PlanToys. From push walkers that help your baby learn to toddle, to wooden instruments for budding musicians, and play kitchens for little homemakers, their toys inspire endless play and creativity.
7. Polly Wren Studios
Special is an understatement when it comes to the handmade-to-order pieces produced by Polly Wren. Think: Blankets, swaddles, sweaters, and pillows all beautifully knit and embroidered with your name of choice. It would make a beyond special present for any expecting mama.
8. Oat Children
Beautiful, ethically-sourced children’s clothing handmade in small batches. Owned and operated by two mothers. Enough said.
9. Chasing Windmills
When it comes to cold weather layers, Chasing Windmills has you covered (literally and figuratively). Their merino wool essentials for babies and kids are made responsibly with care, and the husband-and-wife team are salt-of-the-earth kind of people.
10. Little Poppy Co.
For little ones who love to accessorize, this is the gift that keeps on giving. Little Poppy Co.’s bow subscription comes with three (oh-so-cute) bows each month with options for headbands or clips, so all ages can join in on the fun.
11. Saranoni
When it comes to babies, there’s a list of things you can never have too many of. Near the top of it: blankets—and these ones, specifically. Buttery-soft and beautiful, they make the perfect receiving blanket for a newborn, lovey for a toddler, or cozy movie-night companion for the whole family. Plus, the story of their business and family will move you to tears.
12. House of Noa
There comes a point when every parent realizes that having a padded, wipeable mat where their little one can rest, roll, and play is a necessity. These ones are beautifully designed (and hand-illustrated by their in-house designers) and functional enough to use all throughout your home.
For Mamas
1. Our Spare Change
For handcrafted, customizable jewelry and lifestyle goods—look no further. Their custom ornaments are the perfect holiday gift to commemorate special milestones. (We’ll take one for every baby’s first Christmas, please!)
2. Innate
Beautiful and timeless clothing made for mothers in every stage and season, from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond.
3. Mandrn
When it comes to gifting, you just really can’t go wrong with 100% genuine leather. The bags and accessories from Mandrn are handcrafted by Balinese and Mexican artisans and each purchase supports a small, family-run business with fair compensation and working conditions.
4. Nemah
Postpartum and baby skincare formulated with pure, plant-derived ingredients and without all that toxic stuff other brands often have. Mamas and babies deserve the best, after all. The cherry on top? Their display-worthy packaging (swoon!).
5. Emily Lex Studio
No one brings beauty into the everyday quite like Emily with her gorgeous collection of watercolor prints, cards, and stationary. Her watercolor workbooks are a soothing way to unwind after putting the kids to bed—or a perfect rainy day activity with toddlers!
6. Joy Creative Shop
Your to-do list never looked so fun! From personalized stationary to notepads and gift wrapping, Joy Creative puts the happy in happy mail with bright colors and cheerful fonts. We love that the company started as a creative outlet for a new mom after the birth of her first child.
