The festive season is here, bringing with it the joy of giving, the twinkle of fairy lights, and, let’s be honest, a touch of holiday stress. With gift lists growing and time slipping away, it’s tempting to rely on big-name stores or quick online orders. But what if your Christmas shopping could feel more meaningful this year?
Choosing to support small businesses this Christmas isn’t just about finding unique gifts—it’s a chance to directly make a difference in your community.
Every purchase from an independent company supports real people, from start-ups, small and medium sized businesses to established businesses, and helps create opportunities for local employment. And in turn these employees will spend money and help to grow the local economy.
12 Top Tips to Support Small Business
Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas, here are 12 top tips to help you support small businesses this festive season.
1. Shop at Local Businesses for Unique Gifts
2. Search Online for Handmade Jewellery
3. Attend Christmas Craft Fairs
4. Follow Small Businesses and Share on Social Media
5. Leave a Review
6. Buy Vouchers from Independent Businesses
7. Support Local Farmers and Producers
8. Gift an Experience
9. Plan Ahead
10. Recommend Your Favorite Small Businesses
11. Choose Sustainable Gifts
12. Partner with Small Business Owners
1. Shop at Local Businesses for Unique Gifts
There’s something special about wandering through local high streets or visiting Christmas markets. By supporting local businesses, you can discover handmade, one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find in large chain stores.
In Cornwall, for example, there are small businesses creating everything from handcrafted jewellery to artisan foods. Shopping locally supports the local economy and helps these companies thrive.
2. Search Online for Handmade Jewellery
Thanks to the internet, supporting UK small businesses has never been easier. Websites like Sennen Jewellery allow you to browse and search a beautiful range of handcrafted designs from independent businesses without leaving your home.
By shopping online, you can find small businesses who put thought and care into every piece they create. It’s a win-win: you get something special, and they get the support they need to grow online.
3. Visit Craft Fairs and Local Christmas Markets
Craft fairs are fantastic for discovering small businesses in person. From village halls to larger events, these fairs are filled with handmade goods and cheerful small business owners ready to share their work.
Check your local listings for fairs in Cornwall or nearby—these are the perfect places to buy gifts while supporting local companies and connecting with the community.
4. Follow Small Businesses and Share on Social Media
One of the simplest ways to support independent businesses is by sharing them with your followers. It costs nothing to follow your favorite small businesses on social media, but it means a lot to them.
Posting a photo of a recent purchase, tagging the company, or leaving a glowing comment can help these businesses reach new customers. Engaging with their posts or sharing their updates helps connect them with new audiences and build their customer base. Every like, share, and comment supports their efforts.
Whether it’s jewellery from Sennen Jewellery or another small business you love, every mention makes a difference.
5. Leave a Review
Reviews are a lifeline for UK small businesses. If you’ve had a great experience with a product or service, take a few minutes to leave a review.
Your feedback doesn’t just help small businesses gain new customers—it gives the company valuable insights to improve their service.
6. Buy Vouchers for Independent Businesses
Not sure what to buy? A voucher from a small business is a great option. It’s thoughtful, flexible, and benefits the company immediately. Small businesses often offer vouchers for specific products or services, so the recipient can choose something they’ll truly appreciate.
7. Support Local Farmers and Food Producers
Christmas is a time for indulgent meals, and what better way to enjoy them than with fresh, locally sourced ingredients?
By supporting local businesses like farmers’ markets and bakeries, you’ll not only get better quality but also help small businesses who rely on the festive season to boost their profit margins.
8. Gift an Experience from a Small Business
Experiences are often more memorable than material items. Consider gifting a jewellery-making workshop or a day out organized by an independent business. These thoughtful presents support the business and create lasting memories for the recipient.
9. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Rushes
When you plan your shopping early, you can prioritize independent businesses and avoid defaulting to big retailers in a last-minute panic.
Many small businesses, like Seaside Jewellery, offer a range of beautiful gifts online with fast shipping, so you can get organized without sacrificing convenience.
10. Recommend Your Favorite Small Businesses
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support small businesses. If you’ve had a positive experience, tell your friends and family about it. Whether it’s over Christmas dinner or in a group chat, your recommendation can connect others with amazing independent businesses.
11. Choose Sustainable and Ethical Gifts
Many small businesses focus on sustainability and ethical practices. By shopping with these companies, you’re making a conscious choice to support businesses that care about their impact. At Kernow Gold there is a large choice of ethical gold jewellery, with some special pieces made from Single Mine Origin gold.
12. Partner with Small Business Owners
If you run your own local business or service, consider partnering with other independant businesses. This can be a fantastic way to support local economies and create new opportunities.
By working together, small businesses can share resources, expertise, and networks to achieve common goals.
Shop Thoughtfully, Shop Small this Christmas
This Christmas, let’s celebrate more than just the season—let’s celebrate the small businesses that make our communities unique.
By following some of these tips and supporting UK small businesses, you’re giving back to passionate creators, helping grow online opportunities, and fostering the future of independent companies.
Ready to get started? Explore our collections at Sennen Jewellery and discover beautiful designs crafted by small businesses.
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