Shop Local, Thrive Local: A Community Connection
Small Finds, Big Impact: Supporting Local Shops
You’ve probably heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but have you discovered Green Friday and Shop Small Saturday? These days, celebrated right after Thanksgiving, offer a refreshing take on the holiday shopping season.
Green Friday invites us to shop mindfully and sustainably, focusing on thoughtful choices rather than impulse buys. It doesn’t mean you can’t “shop ’til you drop”—it simply encourages us to be more intentional. Consider supporting small, local businesses and dining at neighborhood restaurants. Remember, gifts don’t always come from stores; they can be experiences too. Imagine a coupon book filled with outings like museum visits, lunch at a locally-owned café, or a day exploring one of our beautiful parks for nature walks, bird watching, or a swim ( when the weather gets better).
When you shop green and local, you’re doing more than just buying gifts. You’re creating jobs for friends and neighbors, improving public infrastructure, and investing in your community—both socially and economically.
The Benefits of Shopping Local
- Support Your Community: When you shop at local businesses, you’re investing in your own community. Local shops create jobs, keep money circulating within the area, and contribute to the local economy. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a local business, a significant portion stays in the community, helping to fund schools, roads, and parks.
- Unique Offerings: One of the joys of shopping local is discovering unique products that you won’t find in big box stores. Whether it’s handcrafted jewelry, artisanal food, or one-of-a-kind gifts, local artisans pour their passion into their work.
- Personalized Service: Local businesses often pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service. When you shop local, you can expect personalized recommendations and a friendly atmosphere. Building relationships with shop owners and staff enhances your shopping experience and fosters a sense of community.
- Sustainability: Shopping local reduces the environmental impact associated with transporting goods long distances. Many local businesses also prioritize sustainable practices, from sourcing materials to reducing waste, making it easier for you to make eco-friendly choices.
Shop Green: Here are a few ideas on how check a few names off your list while shopping locally and sustainably:
1. Cool Reusable Gifts: Tote bags, Water Bottles, Mugs
2. Gift Coupons for an Experience: Short Trips, Theatre Tickets, Dinner Out, Museum Visits
3. Gift Certificates: the Auburn Downtown Gift Card is accepted at nearly 50 Downtown Auburn retail shops, spas & salons, restaurants & breweries, service businesses & entertainment venues.
4. Craft Fairs are a great place to shop for a great one-of-a-kind gift. On December 7 and 8, Prison City Pub and Brewery will host its Annual Holiday Market, Finger Lakes Mall is hosting a Holiday Craft Fair and Market on December 7 & 8th the Cayuga Community College Craft Fair is back for its 49th year on Dec 7 and 8th. Check out our events calendar for all the details.
Below are just a few of the many Finger Lakes businesses, and specialty shops you can visit for gift inspiration!
For the coffee lover: The gift of locally roasted coffee is sure to be appreciated by any coffee lover. Simple Roast Coffee in Auburn features delicious fair trade, organic beans and Crow City Roasters also in Auburn offers a variety of small batch artisan coffees. In Weedsport White Rabbit Roasting Company offers freshly ground beans and locally baked goods.
Hand Decorated Holiday Décor and Gifts: The designers and artisans of MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora have created beautiful, original designs that have added joy and grace to homes throughout the world for more than 30 years. Their holiday themed collections include everything from paper goods to bottle stoppers to dish towels and are a unique addition to any gift basket. Online ordering available.
Check out these local shops who specialize in one of a kind, locally made, upcycled and sustainable products.
Check out Reuse Refuge! They offer a plethora of eco-friendly options in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
Just a short walk from Reuse Refuge is Regenerations in downtown Auburn for funky up-cycled wares and home decor. Their store also features the work of local artists and is a great place to buy a variety of gifts including ceramics, jewelry, and ornaments.
If you are in northern Cayuga County, be sure to visit South Shore Artisans in Fair Haven, an artist co-op featuring a unique collection of fine and folks art, all crafted locally. Step back in time at the historic Hardware Cafe and General Store and enjoy a great home cooked meal and shop for locally produced syrups, jams and more!
Need something full of sparkle and bling? Then visit Divine Coverings they offer hand placed bling custom sunglasses, uniquely personalized bedazzled baby gifts, glittered products for women, brides and rhinestone covered office supplies for Divas of all ages.
Looking to purchase a gift basket full of local product or make you own?
Even though strawberry picking season is over, the store at Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm is chock full of jams, jellies, home decor and more! Stop by to grab a fresh cut Christmas tree or peruse their custom-made wreaths and decorations in the full floral shop!
Stop by Taste of NY located in the Equal Rights Heritage Center in downtown Auburn, here you can buy items for your basket or purchase already made-up baskets. Also, while there you can warm up and explore the exhibits.
This holiday season and beyond, consider making a commitment to support local businesses. Whether it’s buying a gift, dining out, or simply exploring what your community has to offer, your choices make a difference.
Do you have a favorite place to shop, and discover treasure in the Fingerlakes? We’d love to hear about it.
E-mail me at dawn@tourcayuga and tell me about your favorite place to shop for local and sustainable items.
Shop local, support your neighbors,
and enjoy the richness of our community!