As the holiday season approaches, shoppers gear up to find gifts for family and friends. But this year, why not consider a different approach? Rather than filling online carts or heading to big-box stores, take a look at what your local small businesses have to offer. Shopping local is more than just a trend—it’s a way to connect with the community, find unique gifts, and make a positive impact on local economies. Here’s a closer look at why shopping small matters, and how you can incorporate local businesses into your holiday shopping.

The Economic Boost of Shopping Local

When you choose to shop local, you’re putting money back into your community. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 stays within the community, compared to about $43 at chain stores. This is known as the “multiplier effect,” where each dollar spent locally helps support jobs, business growth, and community development. Small businesses rely heavily on holiday sales, often making up a substantial part of their annual revenue. By shopping local, you’re providing a direct boost to small business owners, which, in turn, sustains the broader community.

Small Business Saturday, which falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has become a vital day for small businesses nationwide. Since its inception in 2010, this day encourages consumers to make conscious choices to support their local economies. Supporting small businesses isn’t just about one day, though—it’s a mindset that can strengthen your community over the long term.

Unique Gifts That Tell a Story

One of the best parts of shopping small is discovering gifts that feel personal and one-of-a-kind. Local stores often feature unique, handmade, or artisanal items, ranging from custom jewelry and handmade candles to locally roasted coffee and artisan foods. These businesses put a special focus on quality, originality, and craftsmanship. Gifting items like this has a story to it. When you buy from a local artist, maker, or small boutique, you’re supporting their passion and hard work—and giving a gift that isn’t mass-produced or easy to find anywhere else.

Imagine gifting someone hand-thrown pottery from a local ceramics studio, a custom piece of jewelry crafted by an independent artist, or a bottle of locally blended perfume. These items not only offer a personalized touch but also support local makers in your area. In a world filled with quick and easy online shopping, these thoughtful purchases can make gift-giving feel more meaningful.

Building Community Through Local Shopping

Shopping small isn’t just about transactions—it’s about connections. Many small businesses are owned and operated by people who live in your neighborhood or city. They understand local culture, cater to the specific needs of the community, and often build strong ties with their customers. When you shop locally, you’re not only helping the store owners; you’re also contributing to a sense of community pride.

Think about the experience of walking into a local shop versus a big-box store. Local shopkeepers often go out of their way to help customers find just the right item, offering a level of personal attention that larger retailers can’t match. This is especially true during the holiday season when many small business owners put extra effort into creating a welcoming atmosphere in their stores. From holiday decorations to curated gift selections, local businesses often strive to make the shopping experience warm and memorable.

Making Local Shopping More Convenient

It’s no secret that online shopping has made purchasing easy and accessible. However, many local businesses have adapted to meet customers where they are. Now, a growing number of small businesses offer options like curbside pickup, local delivery, and online shopping. These new services mean you can support local stores even if you prefer shopping from home. For many businesses, adding an online presence has expanded their reach and brought in more customers. Now, shopping small doesn’t have to be an inconvenience—just a choice.

Easy Ways to Incorporate Local Shopping into Your Holiday Routine

If you’re interested in incorporating more local shopping into your holiday routine, start small. Instead of buying all your gifts from chain stores or online retailers, see if you can replace just a few items with ones from a local shop. Consider getting your holiday treats from a nearby bakery, buying fresh-cut flowers from a local florist, or even purchasing gift cards to local restaurants or service providers. Even a small shift in your shopping habits can make a significant difference for small businesses.

Another simple way to support local businesses is to share their posts on social media. By following and interacting with your favorite small businesses online, you’re helping to expand their reach. Many businesses rely on word-of-mouth advertising, especially in the digital age, so each “like,” “share,” or “comment” can have a real impact on their visibility.

For holiday shoppers, joining email lists or signing up for newsletters from local businesses can also provide early access to promotions or special deals. Many small businesses use these channels to communicate with their most loyal customers, offering exclusive discounts or sneak peeks of new products. Supporting local businesses can be as easy as clicking “subscribe.”

Overcoming the Challenges of Shopping Local

Let’s be honest—shopping entirely local might not be possible for everything on your list. Some items may be challenging to find, or you may still need the convenience of ordering online. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make meaningful choices to support your local economy. Even small changes in your holiday shopping routine can have a big impact. For example, if you’re buying a tech gadget from a national retailer, consider pairing it with a locally made accessory. You’re still giving a thoughtful gift while also supporting small businesses.

If you’re willing to plan ahead, local shopping can even be more enjoyable. Instead of feeling rushed, you can take your time exploring different shops, enjoying holiday displays, and finding unique items. Many small business owners offer gift-wrapping services or special packaging, so your gifts can look as good as they feel. Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress. By making even a few small purchases locally, you’re helping create a more sustainable economy and community.

A Holiday Season That Gives Back

This holiday season, let’s focus on giving in more ways than one. By shopping small, you’re helping support local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs who work hard to bring unique products and services to their communities. Every dollar spent locally helps create jobs, supports families, and contributes to a thriving community. You’re not just making a purchase—you’re making a difference.

Choosing to shop small isn’t just about finding gifts. It’s about investing in people, connections, and the future of our community. So this year, consider stepping away from the usual holiday shopping routine and exploring the local businesses near you. Whether it’s picking out a unique holiday gift or simply finding a local café to relax in, every choice to support small businesses matters.