One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the ability to pick out gifts for everyone in the family. However, with all the options out there, shopping itself can seem overwhelming. That’s why, instead of heading to the mall, I chose to support small vendors and artisans for all my holiday needs. Here are my biggest reasons for shopping small.

 To nurture community

I think we all have those places.

The old bookshops that smell like home. The ring of the bell at a local butchers, the cashier that has checked you out for the last five years. These moments are all found at small businesses.

Not only do they help you define home, they are what makes every town unique.

 To create jobs

According to the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, small businesses employ over 50 percent of the workforce in America. That's a big number.

That same report also found that small businesses have generated over 65% of the net new jobs since 1995.

 To encourage innovation

Perhaps my favorite reason for supporting small businesses, is you get the most unique products from them. Unlike big box stores, independent stores only need to satisfy those in their community, which gives them a lot more room to be creative.

Whether it's honeycomb ice cream or handmade jewelry, it may be your only chance to experience that product.

Small businesses are great for so many reasons. With the holidays just around the corner, I encourage you to shop around at some of your favorites and to let me know what you find.

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