How to Support Small Businesses During December

If you’re wondering how we are already half-way through December, you’re not alone. Between holiday parties, shopping and gift wrapping, there is still an opportunity to make a positive impact by supporting small businesses. These businesses play a vital role in local economies and communities, and December is one of the most important months of their year.

How to Support Small Businesses During December

Supporting small businesses does not require a lot of thought or large spending. Small, intentional choices can make a significant difference.

Shop small when possible

Let’s start with the obvious, buy from small businesses when you can. This doesn’t mean you need to boycott big retailers or feel guilty because you ordered gifts online. We live in the real world.

But maybe instead of buying everything from a giant corporation, you choose one or two gifts from a local shop. A bookstore, boutique, coffee shop, toy store, or specialty food store. Even small purchases matter. A twenty-dollar candle or fifteen-dollar children’s book might not change your life, but it absolutely changes theirs.

Also, smaller shops often offer unique products, personalized service, and items that cannot be found in larger chain stores, making them ideal for thoughtful holiday gifts.

Buy the experience

Small businesses often shine when it comes to experiences. Gift cards for local restaurants, coffee shops, salons, fitness studios, art classes, music lessons, or workshops make fantastic presents, especially for the person who already “has everything.”

You’re not just giving a gift; you’re giving an experience and supporting someone’s livelihood.

Social media support

One of the easiest ways to support a small business doesn’t cost anything at all. By following a small business on social media, liking or sharing their posts, leaving comments or writing positive reviews you can help increase their visibility and help them reach new customers.

It might not feel like much, but algorithms love engagement, and small businesses depend on it. That single Instagram story you post could introduce them to five new customers or more!

Be patient

December is busy. For everyone. Especially small business owners who are juggling inventory, customer service, packaging orders, and possibly doing all of this while short staffed.

Shipping may take a little longer. Responses may not be instant. The line might move slowly. A little patience and kindness go a long way, especially during the most stressful month of the year. Remember, behind that small business is a real person who probably hasn’t had a day off since October.

Buy local food and treats

December is peak snack season. Cookies and chocolate seem to appear out of thin air. Support small bakeries, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, and specialty food shops. Bring locally made treats to parties. Use them as host gifts. Keep some for yourself because you deserve some holiday joy.

Food-based small businesses thrive during December, and your support can help carry them into the slower months ahead.

Choose thoughtful gifts

Small businesses often emphasize quality, craftsmanship, and meaning over mass production. Shopping small encourages us to be more thoughtful with our gifts, choosing items that tell a story or feel personal. And thoughtful gifts tend to be remembered longer than whatever was trending on social media anyway.

Support beyond shopping

Not all support has to involve buying something. Attend local events. Visit holiday markets. Recommend a small business to a friend. Hire local service providers when possible. Even sending an encouraging message can mean more than you realize.

December is emotionally and financially intense for many small business owners. A kind word or genuine appreciation can be the boost they need to keep going.

Why it matters

For small businesses, December can make or break the year. Holiday sales often determine whether they start January with momentum or stress. When you choose to support small, you’re supporting families, dreams, creativity, and communities.

You’re helping keep unique shops open, local jobs alive, and neighborhoods vibrant. That’s some powerful impact for something that might start with buying a piece of pottery or sharing a post.

The takeaway

Supporting small businesses in December is about making intentional choices. Shop small when you can. Share generously. Be patient. Be kind. And remember that every purchase, post, and recommendation can add up.

Remember, the holidays are about connection. And what better way to connect than to support the people who pour their hearts into what they create.

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Photo courtesy Pixabay/kasjanf