In atlanta

commit to shop small

The Holidays are officially upon us! We are off to Texas this week to celebrate Thanksgiving then on Friday we do Christmas with all of my extended family.

There are gift guides galore all over the blogosphere and in our inboxes. This year I’ve made a commitment to support local businesses and artists with our gift-giving. I love to receive thoughtful gifts, and many of my  favorites came from local shops or artists.

To keep myself accountable, I’m planning to buy one local gift for each gift that’s not.

Did you know that for every $100 spent in a locally owned, independent store, $68 is returned to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures (source: the 3/50 project)? This is the reason for the season – giving back and taking care of one another. I love knowing that my purchases are part of a bigger picture contribution to my community.

We stopped by local toy store, Kazoo in Buckhead to visit with Santa’s reindeer before they take off for the North Pole.
kazootoys_reindeer

Of course we had to get a selfie with the reindeer!
reindeerselfie

Here are a few ways to consider supporting local businesses this holiday season and throughout the year.

  1. Buy birthday gifts at locally owned toy stores. You can’t beat the wrapping job they do, not to mention the gift selection is usually SO much more creative.
  2. Buy your holiday look from a local boutique rather than ordering online.
  3. Find a holiday artist market, like this one.
  4. Can’t handle the crowds of weekend markets? Shop artist/designer collectives like Crafted Westside and The Beehive.
  5. Local coffee shop gift cards are always a hit!
  6. Don’t forget about boutique workout studios. I would be thrilled to receive a package to Pure Barre or Blast.
  7. Check out local art galleries like Gregg Irby or Huff Harrington here in Atlanta. Here’s a wonderful piece I came across recently at Huff Harrington Home I can’t stop thinking about…huffharringtonart
  8. Buy or gift your favorite cosmetics from a local skincare shop like Woo Skincare & Cosmetics.LM_tabletopassortment

Next weekend (November 28th) is #ShopSmall Saturday, so show your love on this day but don’t stop there! I’d love to hear about some of your favorite shops or ways you like support the local economy by shopping local!

Happy Monday peeps!

dmt

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