Think local this holiday season

Students should think small this upcoming holiday season. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t pursue elaborate gifts and decorations which may or may not be influenced by Pinterest, but we should look beyond the norm for choices that support local businesses.

Shopping local is truly a mutually beneficial relationship – it strengthens the business, the community and fulfills our needs as consumers.

The competition provided from smaller businesses improves the variety, quality and price of products we buy. The overall product diversity will only increase as small business sales increase. Choosing a local coffee shop over a chain can result in a higher quality of coffee beans and some surprising flavor combinations, while increasing the competition that local coffee shops cause for a chain shops.

You’d be surprised at what local businesses already have to offer. Whether it’s organic honey, a hand-woven blanket or a piece from a local artist, what’s available locally provides special gifts that will be remembered.

Vermillion offers a great opportunity to find local business. While you may be familiar with some of the more well-known local businesses such as coffee shops like The Bean and Latté Da, there are other, lesser-known businesses that provide great gift opportunities.

One such business is Sharing the Dream. Located on Main Street, Sharing the Dream has a unique partnership with Guatemala to provide hand-made protects, such as jewelry and scarves, with the goal to reduce poverty in the country.

What if you’re from a larger city? A great place to find and support these businesses comes in the form of farmer markets. Also look for your local list of the “Best of” in the area. There you’ll find better directions for local specialties you may not have been aware of.

Small Business Saturday, on Nov. 25, 2017, is a day dedicated to small business shopping that showcases their ability to fulfill their respective communities’ needs and wants.

So while you’re shopping for spooky decorations or attempting to buy gifts before the rush of Black Friday, remember to think small.