For nearly twenty years, I’ve thrown an annual Favorite Things party—an excuse to gather my people, swap great finds, and celebrate the joy of thoughtful gifting. Over time, that tradition has shaped the way I view the holidays: it’s never been about what you buy, but where you buy—and who you uplift along the way.
As an entrepreneur, interior designer, and champion of local businesses, I’ve curated a guide this season filled with the people and brands that make our work at Smyth House possible. These are the businesses we trust, collaborate with, and genuinely adore. Supporting them means supporting our ecosystem of creatives, makers, and service providers who pour their heart into what they do.
This guide isn’t a shopping list. It’s a gratitude list. It’s a “here are the people who make our world better” list. We could go on and on about the talented designers, builders and craftsmen who also make our dreams come true – but this list is for our unsung heros. The ones behind the scenes who deserve the spotlight.
These local Phoenix businesses fuel our creativity, help us elevate your spaces, and support the work we love doing every day. We hope you’ll discover someone new, fall in love with their craft, and pass the magic forward.
FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR IN YOUR LIFE
Phoenix is overflowing with service-based businesses that help creatives thrive, and so many of them play an essential role in our daily work.
Support their content creation
From video to photography, these teams elevate brands instantly:
Good Vibe Media + Studio, Muse Haus, Nikki Murphy Photography, Erik Kruk, Rachel Richards, Kelli Johnson
Another option? Get them camera ready at The Sparkle Bar. The Sparkle Bar is the go-to glam squad trusted by so many of us in the creative community.
Give the gift of community
For the female entrepreneur ready to scale, grow, and connect: The Foundress — a powerful, inspiring, and fun network that has shaped so many of our journeys. A year-long membership is the gift of expansion.
Upgrade their brand + marketing
For the business owner who needs clarity, momentum, or a fresh brand direction:
B Creative and Elly & Nora — the teams who help you sharpen your voice and show up powerfully online.
Support their growth, mindset, and foundation
For the entrepreneur who wears too many hats:
Coach Christy, Rising Brand Legal, Lindsay Sapanaro State Farm Insurance, Liz Kantak CPA
These professionals are the backbone support every business owner needs.
FOR THE READER WHO LOVES TO GROW
This year marks a milestone: I had the privilege of co-authoring a book with eight incredible women.
Habits of High-Achieving Women
Launched just last week — and already a #1 Best Seller!
This book is full of lived wisdom, personal stories, and meaningful habits shared by the Foundress community. A portion of every book sale goes directly toward grants and resources for women entrepreneurs.
Two dear friends also released books this year:
Do It Fat by Sara Chambers — a reminder to stand boldly in your power.
Holler at Your Dreams by Judi Holler — creative dopamine in paperback form.
FOR THE ONE WHO NEEDS A LITTLE ZEN
Gift them the people who help us refill our own cups:
Casa Luna, Wild Grace Journeys, Au Naturel Wellness, Dr. Whitney Donahue
Any session with these incredible healers is a gift they’ll never forget.
FOR THE HOME-LOVER + DESIGN OBSESSED
Phoenix design lovers have no shortage of beautiful places to shop. These are a few of our favorites:
Found Arcadia + Reserve, Bungalow, Willows, Lifestyled Co, Camelback Flowershop, Urbana, Le Potegier, The Viridian
You truly cannot walk out empty-handed.
For the host who loves a beautiful table, we love Palo Santo’s handmade clay and marble pieces—each item supports communities of women and artisans in Mexico.
And yes… we’ve got something major launching with them in 2026.
Sign up here to be the first to know.
If they’re looking for a little home refresh, look no further than Urban Walls.
We’ve partnered with them on specialty projects, and starting in 2026, those designs will finally be available to you. If someone has a home glow-up on their wishlist, a gift card is a very on-brand win.
Photo by Chloe Huls, Art by Claire Cunningham Creative
And for the true desert-dweller at heart… I’ve had a lifelong love of photography, and we offer a limited collection of my large-scale prints in our online shop—including the iconic 8-foot Prickly Pair cactus set for those giant Arizona walls.
Photo by Tami Paige
FOR THE CHEF IN YOUR LIFE
Two salts they need in a stocking:
See Salt + Secret Garden
Photo by Chloe Huls
This holiday season, shop local, support the dreamers, and spread the magic.
These businesses are more than vendors—they’re partners, collaborators, and friends. We’re honored to celebrate them today and every day.
With gratitude,
Meredith + The Smyth House Team
→ Explore our portfolio
→ Read more on the Journal
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November 26, 2025
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