Today’s Small Business Saturday. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you know how much I love my hometown and promoting local business.
In a world where big box (and online) retailers have replaced far too many mom and pop stores, I think it’s important to buy local, especially during the holidays.
Shopping locally ensures that your tax dollars remain inside your own community. Local shops and galleries are often so quirky and charming, and it’s really special when you get to know the owners over the years.
Today I’m teaming up with Fundera (where small business loans are made easy) to share with you some of my favorite gift items from local businesses and why I think it’s important to shop small this season.
Small Business Saturday: A Gift Guide
If you’re local to Mobile, you’ll appreciate these T-shirt designs. We have our very own battleship (the USS Alabama) and our Mobile River Delta is the 2nd largest (and one of the most biologically diverse) in the country. These T-shirts would make a great stocking stuffer!
//via//
This antique shop has such a fantastic assortment of furniture and knickknacks. A high school friend’s mother owns the place, so I plan to look for my some of my family’s gifts there this year.
Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea Company
Carpe Diem is an old favorite of mine. It sits across the street from my alma mater, and I can remember meeting here to study and sip a latte long before our first Starbucks was built. A travel mug and bag of coffee are a perfect gift for college students and sleepless parents alike.
//via//
I don’t know about you, but I love trying new fitness classes. If you’re buying for a fitness guru, think about purchasing a membership or gift card to a local exercise studio. A high school friend’s sister co-owns this studio, and I’m dying to try it out. If rowing isn’t their thing, try a yoga or barre studio.
There’s just something special about old books, amiright? Bienville Books has an extensive collection from local authors, but it also has a diverse selection of other books that any bookworm will adore. The shop is just a couple blocks from Bienville Square—which is a perfect reading spot.
//via//
Run -N- Tri
This one’s for the fitness lovers! I don’t know about you, but big box sporting goods stores can be overwhelming. With places like Run -N- Tri, you have that one-on-one customer service to help you find the perfect gift.
Artwork, to me, is often one of the most thoughtful gifts, and this gallery is full of affordable local pieces. I’m a huge fan of some of the photography on display there, but there are paintings, pottery, and even jewelry that any art-lover will cherish for years.
//via//
This store is located at our regional mall, but don’t let the location fool you—it’s locally owned and operated. The clothes are trendy and affordable and the owners are so sweet.
I love this store! There are so many olive oils and balsamic vinegars to choose from—it’s a foodie’s dream come true. The former owners were so sweet, and while I haven’t met the new owners, I’m sure they’re just as wonderful. The sampler packs are my favorite, and they’re a thoughtful gift for the budding chef.
//via//
Let’s not forget the kiddos. I love this darling toy shop in downtown Fairhope, AL. Every time we visit, I’m taken back to my own childhood. This store has a little bit of everything for your favorite little ones.
This cozy, single screen theatre is such a gem, and the owner is the nicest man you’ll meet. Mark and I used to visit at least every few weeks, but once Bazooka was born, our visits tapered off. A gift certificate and offer to babysit would be a well-appreciated gift for new (and not-so-new) parents.
//via//
If you’re hosting a Tacky Sweater or Dirty Santa party, why not have a blind beer tasting? Old Shell Growlers has beers on tap, and their growlers would be a perfect way to offer a unique, local selection for all taste buds. They’d also make a great gift for a beer connoisseur—just make sure to buy it just before giving it. 😉
What’s common about these stores? They keep my community afloat. Sure, some of their merchandise can be found at big box retailers, but a lot of the items are unique and made locally. These stores have helped rebuild deserted downtowns and communities while encouraging others to invest in the city’s future.
Pledge to #shopsmall this Saturday + #holiday #gift ideas #smallbusinesssaturday Share on XThis year, I urge you to shop small! Go support your favorite local businesses today (and tomorrow) and know that your gifts will keep on giving back.
So tell me…
- What is your favorite local business?
- Did you (or will you) shop small today?
As a small business owner myself I love supporting other small businesses – but particularly those with brick and mortar stores in my local community! We too often turn to online shopping because it’s easier and then those businesses miss out!
Whenever I’m putting together gifts for Mums and parents of my youth group I usually shop locally and then let them know where the gift came from (either by having the store wrap the gifts in their packaging/include a business card) to encourage them to shop there too!
Ugh, I am really guilty for doing a lot of my shopping on Amazon, but I do try to support the businesses I listed as well as others. That’s such a great idea to include the business card in your gifts. Word of mouth is huge when it comes to supporting local stores.