Of course, as a small independent business we feel compelled to encourage you to support other local, independent, handmade businesses! You'll get a unique gift to give, keep money in your community, and enable people who do exceptional work to keep doing what they do best -- creating things.

Here's a list of small, artisan, and/or local businesses we love and will be supporting this holiday season:

• Maria Schoettler makes our favorite 2012 calendars!
• Homeroom, because nothing says "I love you" like mac 'n' cheese
• Leafcutter Designs for whimsical, one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers
• Rancho Gordo Beans has black-eyed peas for a Southern New Year's feast
• Starter Bakery's Kouign Amann + Christmas morning = perfection
• Fox & Moon Tea brings our tea-loving hearts to song
• Oaktown Spice Shop for baking and gift-giving alike
• Happy Girl Kitchen fills all your pickle cravings
• Heath Ceramics for special ceramic kitchen wares
• Katz & Company's vinegars are truly swoon-worthy
• Boccalone makes some of our favorite charcuterie, yum!

Lovely Bay Area bookstores we think you should support: Laurel Bookstore, Pegasus Books, Booksmith, Omnivore Books, Moe's Books

Have fun, and happy holidays!