The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity to celebrate thoughtfully. Gifting is a way to express love and gratitude. Another way to show appreciation is by being intentional about where you shop.
Small businesses employ nearly half of all US workers and they account for 43.5% of total economic activity. Additionally, 68% of every dollar spent at a small business stays within the local economy, a stark difference from the 43% spent at big-box chains. When you shop local, you’re re-investing in the beloved communities we call home.
The gifts themselves are also a plus. Unique, locally-sourced or handcrafted gifts carry more meaning than a mass-produced item that can be found at any big-box store or online retailer. They show that we’ve taken the time to select something special, to support someone’s craft, and to lift up a member of the community. They reflect a personal touch and spark conversations that may lead to more customers for the business. As an added bonus, small businesses give you the opportunity to speak with the people who are passionate about their products. You can get tailored recommendations and genuine customer service without being bombarded by sponsored ads and AI suggestions.
So this season, when you’re searching for that one-of-a-kind find, make sure to visit local shops. This list is by no means exhaustive, but we hope it provides a good starting place with a wide range of offerings!
A DROP OF HONEY
24195 Front St, Grand Rapids, OH | website
CARRUTH STUDIO
1178 Farnsworth Rd, Waterville, OH | website
THE COPPER KETTLE ANTIQUES
1544 S Byrne Rd, Toledo, OH | Facebook
COTTONWOOD SHANTY
65 W Jackson St, Millersburg, OH | website
CULTURE CLASH RECORDS
912 Monroe St, Toledo, OH | website
FIDDLE STIX BOUTIQUE & GALLERY
4165 Chappel Dr, Perrysburg, OH | website
FREEDOM COMICS
2223 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH | website
GATHERED CREATIONS
1675 W Sterns Rd, Temperance, MI | website
GOAT RECORDS
126 W Wooster St, Bowling Green, OH | Facebook
GRAND RAPIDS VINTAGE TREASURES
24122 Front St, Grand Rapids, OH | Facebook
HAND + HOME CO.
622 S Main St, Findlay, OH | website
INSPIRED MINDZ
1234 N Main St Suite D, Bowling Green, OH | website
JACK'S BICYCLE
24308 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI | 206 S Monroe St, Monroe, MI | website
JK GIFT SHOP
114 E Liberty St, Wooster, OH | website
LARAMIE'S SPORTZ SHOPPE
8952 Lewis Ave, Temperance, MI | Facebook
MAUMEE TACKLE FISHING AND KAYAKING OUTFITTERS
104 W Wayne St, Maumee, OH | website
MOUNTAIN MAN SPORTS
2735 N Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH | website
OAK GROVE COLLECTIVE
186 S Main St, Bowling Green, OH | Facebook
OBJECTS OF DESIRE ARTFUL LIVING
117 W Crawford St, Findlay, OH | website
OLDE CROWS HOMESTEAD
764 S Honeytown Rd, Wooster, OH | website
RAE RAY'S DECOR & MORE
218 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH | website
ROCK'EM SOCK'EM RETRO
127 S Main St, Bowling Green, OH | website
ROOBARB STUDIOS
520 S Main St, Findlay, OH | website
SCALLY WAGGS DOGGY BAKERY & PET SUPPLIES
44 W Front St, Monroe, MI | website
SMARTY PANTS TOYS AND GIFTS
618 S Main St, Findlay, OH | website
SUMMER CREEK APPAREL
521 S Main St, Findlay, OH | website
TANGEN TEXTILES
Wooster, OH | website
TOLEDO GAME ROOM
3001 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH | website
TOLEDO LEATHERCRAFT CO.
307 S Detroit Ave, Toledo, OH | Facebook
TRIPLE P BOUTIQUE
10 E Front St, Monroe, MI | Facebook
VIDEO GAME UNDERGROUND
1947 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH | website
Small businesses make a monumental impact. Make sure to mark your calendar for Small Business Saturday on November 29th. You can give your favorites a boost by patronizing their shops, interacting on social media, and recommending them to others. May you have a fruitful season of giving!