Every year, plenty of people promise themselves they'll shop local for the holidays, and every year a lot of that shopping still ends up in a cart on a giant website at midnight. Usually it isn't a lack of good intentions. It's not knowing which shops are nearby, what they carry, or whether they'll be open on the one afternoon you're free.
This guide fixes that. Here's how to find independent gift shops, florists, bookstores and makers in your area, plan a shopping trip that actually works, and get gifts that people remember.
Why shop local for the holidays at all?
There are a few practical reasons beyond feeling good about it.
- Better gifts. Independent shops tend to carry things you won't find on every big-box shelf: handmade jewelry, local art, regional foods, used and rare books.
- Real help. The person behind the counter often picked the inventory. Tell them who you're shopping for and they'll usually have three ideas in a minute.
- Easier fixes. If something is the wrong size or arrives damaged, you can walk in and talk to a person.
- Your town stays interesting. The shops that make a main street worth visiting stay open because people buy from them, especially in November and December.
The local shops people forget about
When most of us think "shop local," we picture a gift boutique. That's a great start, but the list is longer.
Bookstores and specialty shops
Independent bookstores often carry puzzles, games and gifts for readers along with books. A Novel Idea Bookstore in Lincoln, Nebraska, for example, describes itself as an independent bookseller carrying used, rare, out-of-print and new books across two floors, with gifts for readers alongside. Shops like that make it easy to find something personal for the hard-to-shop-for relative.
Florists and holiday greenery
A local florist can do far more than a bouquet in December: centerpieces, wreaths, table arrangements and same-day delivery to someone who lives across town. Towers Flowers in North Babylon, New York, lists same-day delivery and floral designs for every occasion.
Makers and small brands
Some of the best small businesses are tiny operations that make one thing well: silver gifts, candles, ceramics, holiday decorations. Lynch Creek Farm in Washington handcrafts live holiday wreaths and garlands and ships them across the country. Ask a maker whether they take custom orders, and how early they need them, because the popular ones fill up well before December.
Clothing boutiques
Local boutiques are great for scarves, cozy sleepwear, accessories and the kind of gift that looks like you put real thought into it. The clothing stores category is a good place to see what's listed near you.
Services as gifts
Don't overlook gift cards for local services: a haircut, a massage, a car detail, a photo session or a class. They support a local business and they don't need wrapping.
How to find independent gift shops near you
A little searching up front saves a lot of driving around.
Search by what you want, plus your town.
"Handmade jewelry near me" or "bookstore in [your city]" turns up better results than "gift shop."
Browse a directory by category and state.
On Listings Junkie, businesses are organized by category and state, so you can open the shopping and retail category or the specialty and gift shops and narrow it down. You can also start from all categories or browse by location.
Check the hours before you go.
Many small shops add extra holiday hours, but some also close early on certain days. Call or check the listing.
Look at the photos.
A quick look at the shelves tells you whether a shop carries what you want.
Ask friends.
Your neighbors know which shops are worth the trip.
How to tell a local shop from an online-only seller
Not every business that shows up in a search has a storefront. Some are excellent small brands that sell only online, which is fine if you're shopping for something to ship. But if you want to walk in and browse, look for a street address, posted store hours and photos of the actual shop. If the listing only shows a website and a mailing address, call before you drive over.
Plan a local holiday shopping day that works
A little planning turns a frantic afternoon into a fun one.
- Make your list first. Write down each person and one or two gift ideas. It keeps you from wandering.
- Group shops by area. Pick three or four shops close to each other and park once.
- Go early in the day or early in the week. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually calmer than Saturday afternoons.
- Ask about wrapping and shipping. Many small shops will wrap gifts or ship them for you, which saves a trip to the post office.
- Bring a list of sizes. For clothing gifts, a quick note on your phone saves a lot of guessing.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, which many towns celebrate as Small Business Saturday, is a fun day to go if you like a crowd and a festive atmosphere. If you'd rather have the shop owner's full attention, go the week before or the week after.
When "local" means a small business somewhere else
Shopping local doesn't have to mean only your own zip code. If you're sending gifts to family in another state, look for small businesses near them. A florist in your sister's town can deliver the same day, and a bakery or specialty shop near your parents can drop off something fresh.
You'll get a better gift than something shipped across the country in a cardboard box, and you're still supporting an independent business.
Make your support count after you buy
Buying is the biggest thing, but a few small actions help a local business long after the holidays:
- Leave a short review. Mention what you bought and how the staff helped. Specific reviews help other shoppers decide.
- Tell a friend. Word of mouth still drives a lot of small-shop business.
- Follow the shop. Many small shops announce restocks, events and sales to their followers first.
- Come back in January. The weeks after the holidays are often slow for small retailers. A visit then means a lot.
Frequently asked questions
Is shopping local more expensive?
Sometimes, but not always. Small shops may charge more for handmade or specialty items, but they often carry gifts in a wide range of prices, and you save on shipping and returns. Ask the owner for ideas within your budget.
When is Small Business Saturday?
It falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Many local shops run events or special hours that day, so check ahead.
How can I tell if a shop is independent?
Look for a single location or a small number of locations, an owner who's named on the website or listing, and inventory you don't see everywhere else. When in doubt, just ask at the counter. Owners are usually happy to tell you their story.
Can I shop local if I'm sending gifts out of state?
Yes. Find a florist, bakery or gift shop near the person you're shopping for and have them deliver. You'll support a small business and the gift will arrive fresh.
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