It’s that time of year again when some of us are running to the stores or hopping on Amazon to check things off our holiday gift list — all while trying to stay on a budget. The holidays are a great time to think outside of the box for fun gifts and savings, but also provide the perfect opportunity to support the local businesses in your own community!
Shopping Small Businesses with Cash
Swiping a debit or credit card can be an easy way to lose track of how much money you have spent and an easy way to burn through your budget quickly. One way to stay on track is to withdraw the exact amount of cash you want to spend and use that to shop locally. This will help you know the exact amount spent and helps prevent overspending. Shopping small is also the perfect way to support your local community this holiday season. Small businesses take pride in their work and strive to give their customers quality products and services.
Gift Cards as an Investment in Small Businesses
Because gift cards are a set amount, they will help you stay on budget by not going over the amount you set aside to spend on each person’s gift. Giving a gift card from a small business allows your friends and family to choose their own items and helps promote the brand of the local business, which can bring in new customers and potential loyal shoppers.
Ordering Locally
Going from store to store can be a hassle when crunched for time. Shopping online at your local store allows you to browse from the comfort of your home while also being able to watch your total add up in your online cart. You can usually choose between self-pickup or take advantage of same-day delivery. When using the delivery method, make sure this is added to your total purchase budget. Just remember to review your budget before you start browsing to outline what you have available to spend on holiday gifts.
Small Business Saturday
This year, November 25th is Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country, and a day that can create big savings in your budget with the tips above. This weekend, be on the lookout for savings on quality products, and remember – shopping locally can make a big difference in the community, so think of your local businesses first when you are planning out your holiday budget shopping list!
Below are some of our team members’ favorite local, small businesses worth checking out:
- Aroma Labs – Grand Rapids
- Courage & Soar – Grand Rapids
- Oh, Hello Co. – Grand Rapids
- Vault of Midnight – Grand Rapids
- Clover Joy Collective – Lansing
- Dear Ollie & Co. – Lansing
- Flat, Black & Circular – Lansing
- Barks Fifth Avenue – Detroit
- El Dorado General Store – Detroit
- Frida – Detroit
- Three Thirteen – Detroit
- Birmingham Chocolate – Ferndale
- Hanson's Running Shop – Royal Oak