There are so many ways to support local businesses and sustainability this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re gifting something to your significant other, friends, or yourself. Here are just 5 different kinds of local businesses you can easily buy from for holidays and continue to do so regularly.
1. Florists
Sending flowers for Valentine’s Day is an unmatched classic, and making the effort to buy them from local florists supports local businesses as well. Another option for your resident plant lover is to meet functionality with gift giving and get a new house plant for them!
2. Thrift Shops
Browse through local independently owned thrift shops, charity shops, or antique stores to curate your own gift box of what you know your gift recipient likes while paying less than you would for new items! Shopping second hand also reduces waste that goes to landfills and promotes the reuse of items in working condition. The options of what to get at secondhand stores are endless: records, art, books and magazines, clothing, and more.
3. Local Artists
Buy directly from local artists for prints, ceramics, decor, jewelry, textiles, and other forms of art, or purchase a Patreon subscription from creators! Many small artists and businesses begin by advertising on platforms like fairs or commercial sites like Etsy, Redbubble, Society6, and more, and can be easily discovered on social media.
4. Bookstores
Books can come off as a lazy gift, but if your gift recipient is an avid reader, get thrifted books or from lesser known authors at independently owned bookstores. I bought zines at a local fair a while back and both the joy of supporting local creators and getting unique content not found in mass-produced, more famous works made me really grateful for the increasing availability and attention to independent creators.
5. Bakeries and Restaurants
Yes, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Whether you pick up a meal from a restaurant or bakery or eat in, enjoying a meal together is always a good time and the options of what to choose are endless. You could even hit up the farmers market and go on a picnic after picking up your food there.