Support Small This Holiday Season: Where to Find Unique, Local Gifts
As the holiday season rolls around, many of us want to make our gifts meaningful and personal. And while it can be tempting to hop online and have a package shipped to your door, shopping small this season can have an impact far beyond your gift list. Here in Sacramento, our local businesses are more than just stores—they’re an essential part of our economy, community, and culture. Supporting small businesses isn’t just about buying; it’s about supporting your neighbors, making connections, and discovering hidden gems that can make your holiday shopping memorable and fun.
Here’s what you need to know to be the best gift giver this year without having to stress about shipping times or generic gifts.
Where to Find the Best Gifts
Downtown Sacramento is home to a wealth of independently owned shops where you’ll find handcrafted items, local art, vintage finds, and goods you just can’t get anywhere else. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, start at places like:
Capital Books: Give the gift of new worlds, forbidden love, education, or improvement in the form of a great book. Book stores are the places places to find stocking stuffers too! Cute notebooks, or pens, book lights, fun pins, stickers, the options are endless.
Stage Nine: You’d be surprised at how many people you can check off you list at Stage Nine, they have games for any age or occasion, character plushies, key chains, clothing, authentic Disney gear, and more.
PLA: PLA is a skateboarders haven, they sell cool clothes, shoes, hats, and apparel. They also have everything you’d need for your board, decks, trucks, wheels, and hardware.
Pregame Vintage: For the sports lovers in your life. This awesome store specializes in vintage sports apparel and memorabilia. Pregame Vintage is a fun store to look through because each piece is unique and feels one-of-a-kind.
The Market: Another great vintage store in Old Sacramento. The Market has a lot of jackets and sweatshirts from your favorite brands of the past, when clothes were made to last. They also sell records, record players and accessories, and beautiful houseplants.
Threadeco: This boutique offers clothing from high end brands for affordable prices. If you have a fashionista in your life, think about getting a gift card to Threadeco! This eco friendly store offers styling appointments to learn your colors, what cuts fit your body best, and can pull the items your closet is missing.
Give the Gift of an Experience
Shopping small doesn’t just have to mean “stuff.” Sacramento is packed with amazing small businesses that offer classes, workshops, and experiences that make unforgettable gifts. Consider giving the gift of a dance class from Tango By the River, a painting workshop at Atrium 916, or even tickets to a show at The Crest or Golden 1 Center. Not only will you be giving something memorable, but you’ll also be helping these venues thrive as part of Sacramento’s cultural fabric.
Why You Should Support Small
Make an Impact with Every Dollar
Did you know that for every dollar spent at a local business, more than half stays within our community? Shopping small means helping to fund local jobs, keep storefronts alive, and invest in Sacramento’s growth. By choosing to buy from local shops, you’re doing more than checking items off your gift list—you’re contributing to the heartbeat of the city.
Personalized Service That Makes a Difference
When you shop local, you’re more likely to experience customer service that is genuinely focused on you. Many small business owners and employees go out of their way to make your shopping experience memorable, whether by sharing stories about the products or helping you find exactly what you need. These interactions don’t just make shopping more fun—they create connections that ingrain you in the community.
Make This Season Meaningful with Small Choices
Shopping small doesn’t have to mean buying more or feeling pressured to spend beyond your means. It’s about making mindful choices and supporting businesses that make Sacramento unique. Whether you’re purchasing a gift card, exploring holiday markets, or simply grabbing a coffee from a local café instead of a chain, every small choice can make a big impact.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate Sacramento’s vibrant local scene and the people who make it all possible. From discovering special finds to experiencing the warmth of community, there are so many ways to make your holiday shopping feel both special and impactful.