Happy November! We hope everyone has had a great month so far, as we begin to wrap up the 2023 year! As we closely approach the holiday season (some may argue we are already in it), many of us use this time to reflect on the loved ones in our lives, finding ways to give back and show support through acts of quality time and gift giving. Though important, this can sometimes take precedence this time of year and it can be easy to overlook many ways you can also support others, while supporting those in your life. One of the best ways is to shop small during these next few months, supporting your community and its fellow small businesses! Here in Flint, we have many small businesses or organizations that are able to be supported, it’s impossible to list them all. But, in this next section, we offer you a few avenues for you to get the most out of your shopping, and what you can gift, while you’re able to show the most support.
BUY GIFTS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
This may seem like a given, but this one could never be left out. Small businesses have amazing items that are perfect for gifting this holiday! On top of this, many locally owned businesses bring unique items to their stores, unlike the larger department stores, bringing even more of a charm to potential presents. Here in Flint, some of the small businesses that are great to shop from are, but not limited to: Comma Bookstore and Social Hub, Flint Trading Co., SHIFT, Bedrock, BAU-HOUSE, the Flint Farmers’ Market (which holds over 20 small businesses in one space), and of course Shops on Saginaw (this holds over 20 small businesses in one space, too!) Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25th, the perfect time to go out and kick off your holiday shopping!
HOLD HOLIDAY GATHERINGS AND GIFTED SERVICES LOCALLY
On top of physical items, your service based gifts, and holiday lunches and gatherings, can also be done locally! When looking for activities to do with loved ones this season, a few perfect options are: pedicures at Eight Ten Nail Bar, bartending classes at Drinks of Essence, a whip & sip at Elle Jae Essentials, and a plethora of others. If you’re looking for spaces to reconnect with old friends/family for a bite to eat this season, consider dining at: Xolo, The Cork, Hoffman’s Deco Deli, The Poke Bowl, Sauce, Churchill’s, Blackstones, and so many more!
DONATE & VOLUNTEER LOCALLY
If you’re looking to show support and gift outside your friends and family this season, finding ways to donate and volunteer, locally, is a great option. With many ways to do so, a few local Flint places to volunteer are: The Eastern Michigan Food Bank, Sloan Museum & Longway Planetarium, ForMar Nature Preserve, Hospice Centers, and more. Donating is another great option if you find yourself without time for volunteer work. Giving Tuesday, happening Nov. 28th, is the perfect day to show support for local nonprofits and organizations. A few in Flint are: Whaleys Children’s Center, Flint Greater Health Coalition, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, and, of course, 100K Ideas!
No matter where you are, supporting small is the perfect way to help so many individuals this holiday season. Whether buying gifts, planning holiday lunches, or just donating to support a local organization, we can all do our best to stay local and bring the festivity and cheer to our community in many ways. Happy Holidays!
