Make a big difference this holiday season by shopping local

The season of giving is coming up, which means it’s time to put together a shopping list filled with gifts for all your loved ones. But did you know you can also give to your community simply by shopping for the holidays at local small businesses? This one change can make a bigger economic impact than you may think — and by strengthening the community, everyone who inhabits it will reap the benefits.

Why choose local small businesses for holiday shopping?

Major retailers dominate the holiday season with huge Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This takes the spotlight away from local small businesses who may not be able to match the same deals or level of publicity. Small Business Saturday (on November 29 this year) was created to put the focus back on these businesses in the midst of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping.

But why is it so important that small businesses get their shine? The simple answer is because we all need them! A whopping 86% of Americans believe that small businesses have a positive effect on the way things are going in the country, and economic statistics back this up — small businesses have accounted for 62.7% of net new job creation since 1995. This shows that the impact of small businesses isn’t small at all, and that same impact is likely to benefit other aspects of the community. For instance, when you choose to buy local, your money could help hire a new employee in the area, go toward a local charitable cause, or directly support the community member or family who runs the business.

How to get started (plus a few of our picks for the Lincoln area)

While it’s important to support small businesses all year round, Small Business Saturday presents a perfect place to get started. Many Lincoln shops will be celebrating the holiday with discounts, coupons, and more, giving even more of an incentive to buy your holiday presents locally. Need some ideas on where to go or what to buy? We put a brief list together of some of our favorite places to shop local in Lincoln:

• Of the Earth Florals offers flower arrangements for all occasions, ready for pick-up or local delivery in Lincoln and surrounding areas. Beyond flowers and gifts, they also offer classes, an in-house café, and an event space.
• Fritz + Lloyd Interiors works with homeowners to make their dream home a reality, providing high-end, full-service residential interior design.
• Elleinad Books provides a space to learn, play, and discover the joys of reading. Not only are there books, but blocks, puzzles, coloring pages, and games as well — creating a fun yet comforting environment for families to enjoy.
• House of Flowers, founded in 1908, is Lincoln’s longest-running full-service flower shop. Built on a passion for flowers and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, their team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect blooms.
• Lulubee Chocolates is the home of award-winning gourmet truffles and bonbons, handcrafting more than 20 delicious flavors using signature artisan recipes.
• Kiechel Fine Art specializes in 19th and 20th century American art, Old Master and Contemporary prints, and regional and national contemporary art. They offer galleries, gifts, and art-related services such as appraisal, storage, and more.
• Paint Yourself Silly has grown from a little studio in Lincoln to having several locations across the city. Founded in 2000, each location allows you to paint your own pottery, create with clay, and try your hand at glass fusion, all with the help of their friendly, knowledgeable staff.
• D’Covi Skin Care offers safe and effective alternatives to mass-marketed skin care products. Each one is free of phthalates, sulfates, parabens, and alcohols — keeping your skin care routine all-natural.
• Encompass Farming produces all-natural, plant-based products straight from their farm, including oils, candles, soap, and more.

Thank you for supporting small business in your area, and happy shopping!