Small Business Saturday was founded in 2015 as a way to encourage consumers across the country to support small businesses within their hometowns. It’s a calmer alternative to the crazed hullabaloo of Black Friday — and a way to support local businesses!
In fact, statistics show that every dollar spent at a locally owned business generates roughly three times more economic activity than the same dollar spent at a national franchise. Additionally, the revenue from shopping locally boosts area employment, and the taxes support schools and emergency services. Plus, small businesses offer better customer service and expertise; when you walk into a local business, you can ask questions, test products and purchase the right item the first time.
Here in Cincinnati, there are lots of local businesses that open their doors on Small Business Saturday, offering special incentives to shoppers, in addition to unique and mainstream gifts for everyone of your list! Here are 10 ideas:
1. Blue Manatee Bookstore
Customize a Blue Manatee Box for all the kids on your shopping list! I especially love doing this for any pregnant parents as a way to start a library for their baby!
2. Cincinnati Museum Center Membership
Consider buying a membership for yourself this holiday season — family memberships are currently on sale! This would be a great thing to ask for from the grandparents — it’s literally a gift that keeps giving year-round!
3. Cincinnati Zoo Membership
You guys know how much I love the zoo — one of my favorite things is taking the kids on cold, sunny days in the winter! This is another great idea for grandparents who don’t know what to buy.
4. Gift Cards to Local Businesses
I don’t know about you, but buying for my parents is tricky. They have everything they need — so getting them a variety of gift cards is fun because they can use them! Think Graeter’s, Skyline, Frich’s, LaRosa’s, Montgomery Inn or Kroger!
5. Great Parks of Hamilton County
For just $10 a pop, you can get your all your family members 2016 motor vehicle permits to the Great Parks!
6. Joseph Beth-Booksellers
This local bookstore has a cafe, which would make a fun date night for your brother and sister in law!
7. King Arthur’s Court
Get all of your toys from this beloved local toy store. For maximum convenience, you can order online and pick up in the store — making holiday shopping a cinch!
8. Park + Vine
From baby products to locally designed apparel, books to artwork, Park + Vine has some really unique and fun gifts for the hardest-to-shop-for folks on your list.
9. Tickets to Cincinnati Holiday Traditions
Think things like: the Duke Energy Trains, ice skating on Fountain Square, Festival of Lights, The Nutcracker, Holiday Pops and A Christmas Carol!
10. Donations to local charities
This holiday season, consider making a donation to a local charity or non-profit. If your kid’s into animals, make a donation to the spca in their name. If your parents love books, give a gift to the Public Library. There are lots of ways to spread the love locally this holiday season — with or without the “stuff!”
So enjoy your family this Thanksgiving week — and consider shopping Small Business Saturday instead!