The Ultimate Local, Small Gift Guide
Celebrating Borough Businesses and Non-Profits this Holiday Season — Why buying Local Matters
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves relying on speed and convenience when choosing gifts. But before you add another item to your Amazon cart, consider the transformative impact of shopping locally and supporting small businesses and non-profits. Beyond finding unique and meaningful gifts, your dollars can make a difference in ways that go far beyond the wrapping paper.
1 - Keeps Money in Your Community
When you buy locally, more of your money stays in the community. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a small business, $68 stays within the local economy, compared to only $43 for larger chains. That means stronger schools, better infrastructure, and vibrant neighborhoods.
2 - Supports Local Jobs
Small businesses account for 66% of employment growth over the last 25 years. By shopping locally, you're helping your neighbors pay their bills, send their kids to school, and live their dreams. Non-profits invest heavily in their communities through services, outreach, and education. Local shop owners take pride in their products and are often eager to share their expertise. This level of personalized service is rare when you’re dealing with faceless corporations. The Velvet Mill alone houses more than 100 artists, retailers, restaurants, and service businesses.
3 - Creates a Unique Gift-Giving Experience
Small businesses are incubators for creativity. A visit to your local potter, jeweler, or community center can uncover goods that reflect your community’s culture and spirit — something mass-produced items simply can’t replicate. That hand-sculpted vase or artisan-crafted charm necklace is something you won’t find anywhere else, making your gift truly one-of-a-kind.
4 - Fosters a Stronger Sense of Community
Behind every small business or non-profit is a passionate individual or team working tirelessly to make a difference. Shopping locally often involves connecting with real people, and your purchase validates their efforts and fuels their growth. Relationships built around shared values create tighter-knit communities. When children see their parents supporting local businesses and non-profits, they learn to value community over convenience — a lesson that will shape their future decisions.
5 - Reduces Environmental Impact
Local businesses often source goods closer to home, cutting down on transportation emissions. Non-profits frequently emphasize sustainability and eco-friendly practices in their operations. Antiques and “second hand but grand” gifts are the ultimate choice in reducing environmental impacts.
This season, think beyond convenience. Supporting small businesses and non-profits is an investment in a more connected and sustainable community. Amazon’s CEO may not notice your dollars, but your neighborhood jeweler, antique dealer, or potter certainly will. Each purchase can be the difference between thriving and struggling. Let your gifts tell a story of care and consciousness — after all, the holidays are about giving from the heart.