Ah, the holidays. It's a time for celebration, for delicious treats and for… let's be honest – panic buying!

It's also a time of year that can make all the difference for those small, independent retailers in your local area. (You know, the ones who didn't quite make it to space this year. Maybe next year!)

While we all love a shipping window that defies the space-time continuum, there is something very special about using your holiday shopping to support small business. It's the very best thing you can do to keep them afloat at this time of year. During the holidays, little retailers face almost impossible competition from big businesses. Shopping local is also more environmentally friendly (no big carbon footprint!) and best of all, the easiest way to find personal, unique gifts for the people in your life.

At Mustard, we're lucky to be stocked in some of the USA's most special stores. We know first-hand how hard these independent businesses work to thoughtfully curate an incredible range of lovely products. So it's our pleasure to share some of our favorites for you to add to your Christmas list. We hear you've been very good this year!

Bespoke Post | @bespokepost

When shopping in-person isn't an option but you still want to support independent retailers, Bespoke Post has you covered! With both a subscription box option, and a range of thoughtfully curated gifts available to purchase online, every item is hand-picked and vetted. Best of all, Bespoke Post specializes in gifts for men (no more socks + jocks under the tree!)

Francis Henri | @shopfrancishenri

When founder Katherine Oyer realized how difficult it was to ship international baby brands into the US, she decided to take things into her own hands! Inspired by her experience of the world's best baby boutiques during her own travels with her family, she created Francis Henri to bring her favorite Australian, UK and European offerings to New Jersey. She calls it the "I bought this on vacation" feeling of joy. Sign us up!

Little Waves Kids | @littlewaveskids

Another family-owned business, Little Waves is the newest baby for founder Ali Livingston. A destination for beautiful children's toys, apparel and gifts, you'll even find gifts for a new mama here (they've really thought of everything!)

Burke Mercantile | @burkemercantile

If you're shopping for a conscientious giftee, put California's Burke Mercantile on your list of destinations. A one-woman-owned and operated lifestyle store, you can browse their collection of fashion, lifestyle and design pieces with a focus on sustainability. They're a certified California Green Business, not to mention packed full of totally unique treasures you can feel good about gifting!

Starship for Littles | @starshipforlittles

Based out of Dallas, Texas (but shipping globally, yay!) Starship for Littles is an online emporium of kid's clothing from some of the best names in the biz, like Bobo Choses and The Animals Observatory. If you're an interior lover there's plenty on offer, including a full interior design service for your kid's rooms if you'd like – ooh la la!

Jones & Daughters | @shopjonesanddaughters

The name may give it away – Louisville's Jones & Daughters is a family-owned business founded by sisters Amanda and Constance. Inspired by their time living in New York City and by their reputation for giving thoughtful, lovely gifts, Jones & Daughters pays homage to the pair's great-grandmother, Bell Jones. If the story itself isn't enough to make you want to snap up everything in-store, the beautifully-sourced collection of timeless homewares, apparel and kids pieces will definitely have you swooning.

Tarzian West | @tarzianwest

Behind an eclectic glass storefront with its signature neon red signage, you'll find Tarzian West. An iconic housewares destination in Brooklyn (not to be confused with homewares!) this is where you come to find everything you need to produce your next dinner party or perfect your Sunday roast. Shelves heave with everything from icing bag tips to meat thermometers, artisanal matches and decanters to larger pieces like tables and rugs.

Casa Ziki | @casaziki

This is a thoroughly modern gift shop with a knack for sourcing extraordinary, design-led pieces. If you love bright colors, unique shapes and delightful details, you'll love the Casa Ziki curation by husband and wife team Sylvana Kiss and Sasha Zinshtein. Pop into their locations in Brooklyn or Woodstock and pay our newest stockist a visit!