As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing to check off our gift lists, decorate our homes, and gather with loved ones. Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to default to big-box stores or online giants for convenience. But this year, choosing to shop small can make a meaningful difference—not just for the businesses you support, but for the entire community you call home.
When you spend your dollars at local shops, you’re doing more than purchasing a gift. You’re helping a neighbor keep their dream alive, supporting someone who pours their passion and creativity into every product or service they offer. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our towns—they bring character to our main streets, provide local jobs, and help create a sense of place that makes a community truly feel like home.
Local spending also has a powerful ripple effect. Studies show that more money stays circulating within the community when spent at locally owned businesses than when spent at national chains. This means your holiday purchases can help fund local jobs, support local families, and contribute to public services that make our area stronger and more vibrant.
Choosing to shop small this season is a simple yet impactful way to invest in your community. Whether you’re buying handmade goods, dining at an independent restaurant, or picking up gift cards from locally owned shops, every purchase sends the message that you value the people and places that make our community unique.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate the spirit of giving by giving back—right here at home.
With that in mind, here is a local gift guide to some of my favorite shops in my charming hometown of Stoughton.
8. Fleeced Terry Oversized Hoodie in Regency Green - $46
9. Sweet Water Decor Ho Ho Ho Candle - $36
-By Solveig Schroerlucke
