And just like that, it’s the holidays again. Which means gifting — and what to gift — is on people’s minds, especially as the ever-present supply-chain crisis threatens to impact the availability of goods ranging from Christmas trees and iPhones to books and Nike sneakers.
An easy way to make sure you can find something meaningful to give your loved ones this year is to skip the big-box stores and Amazon and focus on local. Of course, budgets are tight and unemployment is high (as is the traditional holiday stress) so we aren’t promoting the “capitalist machine.” But we are promoting the idea that if you’re going to give gifts this year, support small businesses.
The U.S Small Business Administration says that for every $100 you spend at an independent business, $48 of that is recirculated back into the local economy. Whereas if you spend $100 at a national retailer, only $14 stays local.
As we all continue to struggle to make our way out of the pandemic, you can put your dollars to work for local recovery while simultaneously checking someone off your gift list. Besides, Jeff Bezos already has one spaceship; no need to Prime a present to help fund another one.
In this year’s Gift Guide you’ll find a collection of suggestions to spark some inspiration or literal purchases from local boutiques — something for everyone on your list.
Please note, this is obviously not a representation of every single local small business or every gift inside the included businesses; just use this as a starting point and a reminder to support your neighbors.
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