Why You Should Shop Local this Holiday Season

As the holiday season progresses, so does the demand to purchase holiday gifts. Many people resort to the easiest method to getting gifts quickly: Amazon. However, with the holidays inching closer, Amazon is overloaded with orders. The result tends to be one of two options: either gifting a rushed note with a bit of cash in the envelope or a generic gift card. 

Yet, people shouldn’t be resigned to purchasing basic, copy-and-paste items for their loved ones in order to meet the holiday deadline. Because let's face it, the best gifts aren’t the ones that tend to be regifted the following year or sit in a corner collecting dust; they’re the ones that come from a place with a story, a personality, and a little extra care. Local businesses are where you’ll find those.

Thankfully, Needham has several small businesses where you can easily find personal items without having to worry about the inefficiency of ordering online. I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorite local businesses, and I hope you take these shops into consideration when picking your presents this holiday season. 

1. Sky Candle Co, Needham

Sky Candle Co., which opened its doors this past summer at 1096 Great Plain Avenue, offers a variety of handmade candles and home decor—perfect for anyone who loves accessorizing their space or unwinding with a cozy candle during movie night. Sky Candle– named after the owner’s rescued French Bulldog– donates 10% of their profits to local animal rescues. So not only would you be picking out a beautiful candle, but you would also be contributing to help save many animals across Massachusetts. 

If premade candles or home decor aren’t on your shopping list, Sky Candle also offers a make-your-own candle bar where customers can pick out different scents and styles to make their own candle. This can be a great experience to share with someone special, or you could simply make a candle for a gift recipient that reminds you of them. A fun experience or a personalized item—both options show that you appreciate the other person enough to get them something thoughtful, instead of just grabbing a generic gift to tick a box on your holiday shopping list.

2. Proud Mary

Also located on Great Plain Avenue, Proud Mary has a variety of unique gifts that range from home decor and candles to jellycat stuffed animals and funny socks. When I talked with one of the employees at Proud Mary, she explained that its jewelry selection had recently been the store’s most popular item. Proud Mary sells several different brands of jewelry that have been particular bestsellers this holiday season, including dainty E Newton bracelets and waterproof earrings.

Based on my personal experience in the store, Proud Mary feels more targeted towards young to middle-aged women, who are hoping to find items that correlate with the most recent trends, yet it feels more distinct than generic stores.The store also sells a variety of clothing, accessories, and other stylish home items; some are simple, while others are covered with playful designs. Whatever you choose, Proud Mary’s gifts are perfect for thoughtful holiday presents, offering stand-out options while giving you the chance to support a local shop.

3. Tin Rabbit Decor

If your gift recipient is looking for something a little closer to home, Tin Rabbit Decor at  85 Chapel Street offers several custom Needham-oriented gifts, such as mugs, sweatshirts, pillows, and wall decor. These gifts are perfect for someone who might’ve moved away– like a recently-graduated sibling who is now in college– as a little reminder of home. Tin Rabbit Decor also has lots of little charms and holiday-themed trinkets. I found a variety of ornaments and holiday candles, as well as a decent amount of spa-like items, such as bath bombs, facemasks, and scrubs. The prices are pretty reasonable, as most items range from $20 to $60 dollars. 

Yet of course, it is crucial to consider that spending $60 dollars at a small business is far more meaningful than spending $60 at a large corporation like Amazon. When in the shop, I witnessed an engaging conversation between a local customer and the woman working at the store. They were discussing the excitement that comes with collecting ornaments for Christmas, as the customer had selected an ornament they said would “look amazing on their tree.” What stood out to me most was the customer joking, “I probably shouldn’t be spending my money on these things, but where’s the fun in that?”  

This lighthearted exchange captures the essence of shopping at small businesses like Tin Rabbit Decor—where the experience is as much about the joy of finding something special as it is about supporting a community. While the item may cost  slightly more at a small business than it would online, the value goes beyond the item itself; it's the connection, the personal touch, and the unique charm that you can't find at larger retailers. So, this holiday season, consider where your dollars are going, and maybe treat someone else (or yourself) to something meaningful that helps keep the spirit of local businesses alive.