Shop Local with Georgia’s Small Business Exporters

This holiday season, celebrate the spirit with Georgia’s small business community by choosing gifts made right here in the Peach State, including a few that are also shipped to customers around the world. Small businesses make up more than 80% of Georgia exporters, and their creativity and innovation shine especially bright during the holidays.

Below are a few Georgia-based businesses, each supported by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Trade team, that offer gifts perfect for clients, employees, and loved ones. 

For the Creatives & Makers 

A large format printer finishes a colorful roll of paper, demonstrating Ecker Textiles’ products and their ability to capture vibrant colors.
Ecker Textiles produces high-quality mediums for high-impact designs. Image credit: Ecker Textiles

Ecker Textiles
US-made textiles for artists and creators.

Artists and DIY-enthusiasts will appreciate the high-quality canvas and specialty textile products crafted by Ecker Textiles in Lawrenceville. With all manufacturing done in the U.S., their materials are ideal for painters, printers, and creative professionals seeking durability and premium surfaces.

  • Perfect for: Creatives who specialize in textile mediums and artist-inspired raffle baskets.
  • Growing with GDEcD: The Trade team has supported Ecker Textiles with due diligence reports on global customers and a market assessment in Europe, helping the company build confidence as it expands internationally. 

For the Self-Care & Wellness Crowd

 Ecoslay’s founder surrounded by products and materials that support her multimillion-dollar small business.
 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution featured Ecoslay in the story “How a First-time Entrepreneur Creates a Multimillion-dollar Business.” Image credit: Natrice Miller/AJC


Ecoslay
Natural hair care crafted with Georgia-grown ingredients

Based in Clarkston, Ecoslay creates vibrant, handmade hair products using ingredients sourced from local farmers in Georgia.

  • Perfect for: Employee wellness boxes, client appreciation gifts, or stocking stuffers as thoughtful self-care gifts.
  • Growing with GDEcD: The Trade team developed work orders in markets including Europe and South America. The company also participated in the 2025 Metro Export Challenge, where representatives shared how they used a $5,000 grant to court potential distributors and clients in Central America. 
     

PuffCuff
Patented hair clamps designed for curly and textured hair

PuffCuff delivers durable and easy to use styling tools for textured hair. Shortly after the first PuffCuff hit Amazon.com in 2014, the company relocated from Illinois to Georgia and has continued growing ever since.  

  • Perfect for: Family and friends with curly or textured hair; individualized thank-you gifts.
  • Growing with GDEcD: The Trade team assessed market opportunities and potential partners in North and South American markets. 

For the Food & Beverage Enthusiast

 Rows of barrels are stacked and organized in a distillery.
 Georgia's distilleries offer unique flavors and experiences across the state. Image credit: Dalton Distillery


Dalton Distillery
Heritage craft spirits with a Georgia legacy

Located in Historic Downtown Dalton, this family-run distillery produces unique spirits with deep roots. Their offerings include:

  • Raymond’s Reserve Moonshine: A more-than-100-year-old family recipe.
  • TazaRay: A unique spirit made from malted sunflower seeds and corn.
  • Responsibly Vodka: A five-times-distilled, corn-based vodka.

Available across Georgia and at the distillery, these small-batch spirits make exceptional corporate gifts or holiday hosts’ presents.

  • Perfect for: Clients, friends, or family who appreciate craft spirits with a story.
  • Growing with GDEcD: Trade provided initial market assessments for European, South American, and Asian markets. The company is also exploring opportunities in North America and Southeast Asia with GDEcD’s support. 

    Distilleries like Richland Rum showcase the equipment used to create unique flavors, such as machinery and barrels.
    Richland Rum's original distillery enhances the small-town charm of the city of Richland in southwest Georgia. Image credit: Richland Rum

National news: Richland Rum, featured in previous stories and on CBS News, is a long-time GDEcD client and fan-favorite for Georgia Grown® gifts. Distillery tours at both the Richland and Brunswick locations offer a behind-the-scenes look into how the company delivers hand-crafted flavors.

Meaningful Gifts from Home
From Georgia-made textiles and natural hair care to craft spirits, Georgia’s small businesses offer gift options that are meaningful, high-quality, and globally competitive. Choosing local companies supports our communities while sharing the creativity and craftsmanship that make Georgia’s entrepreneurs stand out.

Looking for more Georgia-based gift ideas? Explore our previous guides and discover how local businesses are reaching customers worldwide:


How were these businesses selected?
Each company works with the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Trade team to explore international markets and grow exports. These are Georgia businesses that are investing in their global growth while creating jobs back home.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliate relationship with any company or product mentioned. No affiliate links are included in this article. GDEcD is not sponsored by any brands featured in this post, nor does it receive any financial compensation.