The holiday season is synonymous with giving. We spend weeks searching for the perfect gifts, planning festive meals, and creating memories with loved ones. But amidst the hustle of big-box store sales and the convenience of overnight shipping, it’s easy to overlook the heartbeat of our communities: local businesses. Here is how you can make a big impact by shopping small this holiday season.

1. Seek Out Unique Gifts At Local Boutiques

Skip the mass-produced items that everyone else will have. Local boutiques often carry handcrafted goods, one-of-a-kind art, and small-batch products you won't find on major e-commerce sites. Whether it’s hand-poured candles, locally made jewelry, or artisanal jams, these gifts carry a story. When your recipient opens their present, you can tell them exactly where it came from and who made it. That personal touch elevates a simple object into a thoughtful gesture.

2. Give The Gift Of Experience

Sometimes the best gifts aren't things at all. Local service-based businesses offer incredible options that reduce clutter and create memories.

• Classes and Workshops: Look for pottery studios, cooking schools, or art centers offering gift certificates for classes.

• Wellness and Beauty: Spa days, salon treatments, or yoga studio memberships make fantastic self-care gifts.

• Entertainment: Tickets to a local theater production, a membership to a regional museum, or passes to a nearby zoo support cultural institutions while providing fun for the family.

3. Eat And Drink Locally

The holidays are filled with gatherings, and food is usually the centerpiece. Instead of ordering catering from a national chain, look to your local restaurants. Many offer holiday catering menus, family-style takeout meals, or festive platters that can save you time in the kitchen while supporting the local culinary scene. Don't forget the beverages. Local breweries, wineries, and coffee roasters make excellent gifts.

4. Purchase Gift Cards For Future Use

If you aren't sure what to buy, or if you are shopping for someone who is notoriously difficult to please, gift cards are the answer. Buying a gift card now puts immediate cash flow into the business, which can be crucial during the slower months that often follow the holiday rush. This is also a great strategy if you want to support a business but don't need anything at the moment.

5. Leave Positive Reviews

Support doesn't always have to cost money. In the digital age, a positive review is currency. If you have had a great experience with a local business, take five minutes to leave a glowing review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Be specific in your praise. Mention the helpful staff member by name, describe the product you loved, or upload a photo of your purchase.

6. Engage On Social Media

Similarly, social media engagement is a powerful tool for small businesses. Algorithms prioritize content that receives interaction.

• Follow your favorite local spots on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Like and Comment on their posts.
• Share their content to your stories or feed.

When you post a picture of your purchase, tag the business. This acts as a personal recommendation to your friends and family, expanding the business's reach organically.

7. Be Patient And Kind

The holiday season can be stressful for everyone, but especially for small business owners wearing multiple hats. They might be the CEO, the marketer, the cashier, and the janitor all at once. Supply chains might be slow, or they might be short-staffed. If a line is long or a product is out of stock, practice patience. A smile and a kind word go a long way. Remember that these are your neighbors working hard to make the season special for you.

Quikstone Capital Solutions has officially reached its 20th anniversary, a moment that reflects two decades of dedication to supporting small businesses across the country. If you need cash for your business, contact us today. We have only one goal: to help your business succeed.