Christmas is right around the corner and with the holidays quickly approaching it’s a time to think about giving back to your friends and family.
However, it’s also an opportunity to give thanks and give back to your neighborhood. If you have any last minute Christmas shopping needs or need to actually start gift shopping, take a pledge to support the local and small businesses in your community! By shopping at small businesses in your area you’re supporting your local community. For example, when a local business generates a large income they will pay higher taxes; this includes paying local taxes, therefore money goes back to your local schools, fire, and police department. Additionally, small businesses provide opportunity for growth by encouraging other businesses to set up shop and job stability to residents of that area.
Furthermore, you won’t have to deal with the madness of shopping at a big retailer by shopping small. For instance, while everyone floods into stores to wait in line for hours you’ll be comfortable knowing you completed gift shopping and have time to relax after. Plus, if you shop local you won’t have to travel far, and we all know how crazy traffic gets this time of year!
Thus, remember when you shop small not only are you making a positive impact on your community, but you’ll receive service you just can’t get in those big box retailers. Moreover, as a local business of Stafford Springs ourselves, we’d like to give back to our community and recommend the following small businesses for shopping this season:
This store has a variety of handmade soaps, candles, and lotions, as well as clothing such as scarfs and gloves. The shop owner is also a local artist!
This is a new a vibrant gift shop that offers handmade handbags/ coin purses, jewelry, glassware, bath sets, candies, and toys for your furry family members. BellaNess also offers Hydeville syrup (a syrup produced here right in Stafford Springs). It’s wonderful syrup too, there’s no artificial sweeteners and isn’t too strong for those of you who do like a sweeter syrup.
This pottery store offers classes which would make a unique gift for aspiring artists in the family. The owner also makes beautiful homemade plates, cups, vases, and other decorative homeware for sale.
This craft store is located on Furnace Avenue. It’s also another great stop for creative minds on your Christmas list. They offer a variety of art supplies, DIY crafting classes, and scrapbooking materials.
This antique shop offers a variety of vintage wares like furniture and decor for the home. If you’re looking for some odd end trinkets, miscellaneous goods, and unique gifts for your friends definitely check Rustology out.
This is a consignment shop that sells a variety of furniture, decor, and vintage goods. Perfect for collectors or recycled craft projects.
Bittersweet Country Collectables
This store located on West Main Street and offers a plentiful variety of home goods with a rustic feel to them, as well as Christmas decor to keep festive spirits alive.
This nail salon offers massages, nail treatments, and facials. Perfect for anyone on your list wanting a spa day.
Located right on River Road, this business offers yoga, meditation, and stretching classes for all levels and ages. Gift certificates are available and this would make a perfect gift for anyone looking to unwind, stay fit, and relax.
If you’re local or in town for the holidays, visit the Main Street area in Stafford Springs to give some of these wonderful shops and businesses a try! Have you ever shopped small before? If so, where? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.