Shop Small Businesses this Holiday Season (Small Business Saturday is 11/24/12)

Small Business Saturday is almost here again (11/24). It’s a great remember to shop LOCAL as much as possible – not just on Small Business Saturday, not just during the holidays, but all year round.

Yes, it can sometimes cost a little more to do this. That’s the sacrifice, no? Many of us cannot afford to completely jump ship and purchase EVERYTHING local – but we can all take small steps towards that goal, a little at a time.

We buy our eggs from a local farm, our milk from another local farm. When the budget allows, we also purchase our meat from yet another local farm.

So this holiday season, here’s the challenge: I challenge you to purchase just ONE of the holiday gifts on your list from a local or small business. Whether you buy a handmade craft from Etsy or some locally grown coffee at the farmer’s market or a toy from your neighborhood toy store – you can do it!

Turns out, if you have an American Express card, AMEX will even PAY you to support a small business. November 24th is Small Business Saturday. You will need to register your American Express card prior to that date. Then on 11/24, make a purchase of $25 or more at a small business and AMEX will give you a $25 credit on your statement. Register your card here.

Local readers looking for a great gift idea – consider stopping into one of my FAVE restaurants – the Down to Earth Cafe in Perkasie, PA. Right now DTEC has these super cute gift boxes on sale – for $20 you get a 1 lb bag of One Village Coffee and a package of Asher’s Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers – both companies are local to this area. Your box is completed with pretty bow – all ready for gift giving!

down to earth cafe perkasie

My plan is to swing by DTEC on 11/26 to pick up a couple of these… because pretty much everyone on my holiday gift list loves coffee and loves chocolate. So I can do my part to buy local and support a small business while picking up some fun and thoughtful gifts.

And while I’m there, I just might have to eat. You know, because it would be wrong not too. 😉

down to earth cafe perkasie

What small business will you visit on November 24th?