‘Tis the season of giving and it’s time again to plan those perfect gifts for your loved ones! While online shopping and big-box retailers might offer convenience, there’s something extra special and heartfelt about choosing to shop locally. Here are five reasons to support your local small businesses this Christmas season (plus, some of our favorites to help you get started!):

1. Unique & Handcrafted Gifts

Local businesses often showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of your community. When you shop locally, you’re more likely to discover unique, handcrafted treasures that reflect the unique talents of local artisans. These one-of-a-kind gifts can feel more heartfelt, but they also tell a story, making them extra special for the ones you love.

2. Support Your Community

When you purchase from a locally-owned business, you’re directly contributing to your community and helping that small business grow. By choosing a local shop over a big-box store, you can ensure that your dollars have a positive impact on the people who live and work around you this holiday season. If you enjoy a local business’s offerings, consider thanking them with your patronage so they can continue to service your community.

3. Personalized Customer Service and Expertise

Local retailers understand that excellent customer service is the key to a successful business. Unlike large corporations, local shop owners often take the time to get to know their customers and can offer a more personal shopping experience. Local business owners also tend to be passionate and knowledgable about their craft, allowing them to give tailored advice to their customers. Whether it’s a book recommendation from an independent bookstore or helping select the perfect piece of jewelry, a personal touch can make all the difference.

4. Reduce Environmental Impact

Choosing to shop locally is not only a heartfelt and supportive decision, but it is also an eco-friendly decision. When you buy from local businesses, the products typically have a shorter supply chain, which means less transportation and packaging waste. Supporting local shops reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping goods across long distances. By opting for gifts from nearby stores, you’re making a small but meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability.

5. Preserving the Charm of Local Culture

Local businesses often reflect the character and charm of your community. Whether it’s a quaint bookstore, a cozy café, or an art gallery, these establishments contribute to the unique identity of your hometown. By shopping locally, you play a role in preserving the unique charm of your community, ensuring that it remains a place filled with character and individuality.

This Christmas season, consider the gift of giving back to your community by checking out what your local small businesses have to offer. Embrace the charm, uniqueness, and heartfelt warmth to make your holiday season not only special for your loved ones but also meaningful for your community. Happy local shopping!

Don’t know where to start? Check out this list of some of our favorite local small businesses in the River Region:

Beauty/ Skincare

For that special someone who deserves a little pampering, consider purchasing a salon service or a few luxurious skincare products for a relaxing at-home spa session!

Aesthetica MontgomeryMontgomery, Alabama

Aesthetica Montgomery is a full-service medspa that offers a wide variety of spa treatments and aesthetic services!

Aqualime SkincareMontgomery, Alabama

This locally-owned brand specializes in small-batch, handmade skincare goodies that are both eco-friendly and ethically sourced!

Lavish Salon & SpaPrattville, Alabama

Lavish is a full-service salon & spa located in historic downtown Prattville with a team of skilled professionals dedicated to helping you look and feel your best!

Montgomery Laser and Skin SpaMontgomery, Alabama

Montgomery Laser and Skin Spa offers facials, scalp treatments, body rejuvenation, and more!

Handcrafted, Vintage, & Unique Gifts

Looking for something special that you won’t find anywhere else? We’ve got you covered! You can find vintage and handcrafted items at many local flea markets and antique shops. Check out the museum gift shop for unique pieces of art and jewelry!

Eastbrook Flea Market Montgomery, Alabama

Step back in time and shop for everything from furniture to vintage glassware while listening to the golden oldies!

Montgomery Antiques & InteriorsMontgomery, Alabama

This is the perfect place to shop for antique lovers and home decor enthusiasts!

Montgomery Museum of Fine ArtsMontgomery, Alabama

The MMFA gift shop offers a wide variety of unique gifts from art prints to handcrafted jewelry!

Prattville PickersPrattville, Alabama

This massive maker’s marketplace houses over 300 local vendors. If you’re looking for something locally made with one-of-a-kind charm, this is the place to be!

Kids & Families

Giftcards and tickets for fun experiences are the perfect gifts for kids and families! Check out some of our favorite family-friendly activities in the River Region!

Alabama Safari ParkHope Hull, Alabama

This drive-thru safari park is tons of fun for animal lovers and families with children!

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife MuseumMontgomery, Alabama

The Montgomery Zoo is home to exotic wildlife that will thrill both little ones and adults. It also offers several educational programs for kids throughout the year!

Newtopia FunParkMontgomery, Alabama

Newtopia FunPark is an indoor play gym with ball pits, interactive games, jungle gyms, and so much more!

Local Shops

This holiday season, skip the online shopping and head into town. The River Region is full of locally-owned shops with something for everyone! From fashion lovers to bookworms, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for this Christmas!

Jones DrugsMontgomery, Prattville, Greenville, & Millbrook, Alabama

This family-owned pharmacy also offers a selection of unique gifts and treats!

Oswalt’s Apparel & Footwear Prattville, Alabama

Oswalt’s is THE Southern Lifestyle store for Prattville, Millbrook, and surrounding areas. This is a one-stop shop to get all the latest southern styles for tailgating, boating, camping, and more!

South BoutiqueMontgomery, Alabama

South Boutique is a distinctly Southern clothing boutique for contemporary and trendy clothing pieces, gifts, and accessories!

Sweet Home BooksWetumpka, Alabama

This independently owned bookstore has a wide variety of interesting reads that is sure to please the book lover in your life!

The BeYOUtiful BoutiquesMontgomery, Alabama

The BeYOUtiful Boutiques offer unique and specialty clothing items in a wide range of styles and sizes!

Vivian O’NayMontgomery, Alabama

Vivian O’Nay is Montgomery’s largest women’s fashion boutique carrying trendy styles in clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories!