Why Supporting Small Businesses This Holiday Season is its Own Kind of Giving Back
Large corporations and retail giants can make small businesses feel like the unsung heroes – the ones who add that special touch of personality and charm to our communities. And during the holiday season, when the spirit of giving is in full swing, supporting these local gems is more crucial than ever.
Supporting small businesses isn't just about snagging one-of-a-kind finds; it's about investing in your community's well-being. When you choose to shop small, you're not just buying a product; you're supporting the dreams and aspirations of the people who poured their hearts into creating it.
Think of it this way: every dollar you spend at a small business is like a superpower that fuels local economic growth. It's the power to keep jobs in your community, to revitalize neighborhoods, and to foster a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Ever heard of the phrase, “vote with your dollars”? Shopping small is a great way to do just that.
And the benefits go beyond economics. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, the places where we gather, connect, and share our love for local flavors, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. They're the cornerstones of our identity, shaping the unique character of our towns and cities.
So, this holiday season, let's make it a point to embrace our inner superheroes and empower the small businesses that make our communities shine. Ditch the impersonal big-box experience and discover the thoughtful gifts that can only be found when shopping small. After all, supporting small businesses is not just about shopping; it's about celebrating the spirit of community, creativity, and often times, sustainability, that makes our world a more vibrant, engaging, and healthy place.
Check out some of our favorite small businesses!
Ethically made bedding and bath products that are good for both people and planet.
A queer owned candle business that doesn’t only create incredible scents, but gives back to LGBTQ+ organizations.
Part plant-based and part recyclable electric toothbrushes designed for life. Suri offers repairs on their recyclable aluminum body and a 40+ day battery to help you travel light. Maximum Clean. Minimum impact.
Natural wines mean organically farmed, no additives, including acid or sugar, and no fining or filtering. Mysa offers single bottles or wine club subscriptions where you can disover your next favorite bottle, region, or wine style!
Because our furry friends can do good too. Wanderruff makes dog collars, harnesses, and leashes out of recycled water bottles for the wagging adventurer – merging comfort and consciousness.
Jewelry created to make honest self-expression simple so that your becoming process might be more transparent. Handcrafted jewelry using recycled metals and responsibly sourced stones. They also offer repairs and a swap service, that allows you to recycle unwanted pieces for store credit.
A clothing brand who’s supply chain is rooted in USA organic cotton farms, American heritage mills, family-owned factories and a San Francisco sewing community. All of their clothing is made in the USA from seed to stitch. Their goal is to rebuild American supply chains with clean and ethical practices.
Two sisters who work with mill partners in Australia and Europe to weave recycled wool blankets that are made from textiles waste, and can be recycled at the end of their life. They introduce playful colors and shapes and earthy neutrals using their recycled wool.
A chocolate brand that tastes and does good. TCHO partners with cacao producers and research institutions worldwide to create a better cacao bean, for better chocolate. But their mission is also rooted in doing good across their supply chain from the people to the farms to the all the communities in between. They have a lot of fun flavors and they can be bought in giftable sets!
Throwing ourselves in the mix here because we are a small business and are pretty proud of everything we do. Check out our gift guides or scroll through our products to find the perfect planet friendly carryall or insulated tote for you or your loved ones.
The Walrus Mini in Ebony - The perfect insulated lunch bag for anyone on your list!
For all those who celebrate, Happy Holidays from the Out of the Woods team! May your season be merry and bright.