There’s no question that November and December are the biggest times of year for shopping. But this year, it’s more important than ever to shop small and benefit your community.

Supporting local businesses means you’re supporting your friends and neighbors. And you’re likely to find unique items in mom-and-pop shops that you can’t find anywhere else.

So, if you’re looking for ways to shop local—in person or online—in honor of Small Business Saturday, these tips are a great place to start.

Pay attention to local circulars.

Many local communities still send weekly mailers that include coupons for local stores, information on business openings, and special sales. Keep an eye out for specials in relation to Small Business Saturday—and throughout the holiday season. There are bound to be discounts on gifts, holiday foods, and more!

Visit holiday markets and pop-ups.

Speaking of community newsletters, take note of socially distanced pop-up holiday markets and bazaars your town may still host.  These events are full of local vendors selling their goods. You can find everything from one-of-a-kind housewares to painted art pieces that make for excellent gifts

Hit the internet.

Nearly every business, no matter how small, has a website. If you’re looking for something in particular, like a centerpiece for your holiday table, try searching “florists near me”. You can browse through reviews from other local shoppers and make sure you find the right place for your needs.

Ask around.

And while the internet is always a great source of information, there’s nothing like good ole fashioned word of mouth. Ask your neighbors for recommendations on their favorite local stores, or if they know a small business owner you should support.

Think global, shop local.

Just because a small business isn’t down the street doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still support it. Support for small businesses helps the global community, too, and encourages the growth of other small businesses in the future. With Instagram’s shop feature and other sites like Etsy, it’s easier than ever to buy from mom-and-pop shops from the comfort of home!

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