Why I’m Choosing to Shop Small (And You Should Too) and a Giveaway!
There is something special about buying something that was made by hand. It feels different and more special. Lately, I have been trying my best to spend my money with small businesses and independent makers whenever I can. It is not always easy, and sometimes it costs a little bit more, but the feeling I get from it is worth every penny.
It turns out, this small change has made a huge difference in how I feel about what I buy. It is not just about getting “stuff” anymore. It is about connection, community, and finding things that actually have a story.
When you buy from a small business, you are not just buying a product. You are buying a piece of someone’s dream. You are helping them pay for their daughter’s dance lessons or put food on their table. It sounds a bit cheesy, I know, but it is true.
Here is why I am making the switch, and why you might want to consider it too.
You get things that are actually special
When you walk into a big chain store, you know exactly what you are going to see. It is the same stuff that is in every other branch across the country. But when you buy from a maker or small business, you are getting something unique.
I recently stumbled across Mims Clay Hearts, a small business on Etsy. Miriam, the owner, has been running her shop for over a decade. She makes incredible handmade trinket dishes and decorations. I ordered some clay stars from her for my Something Blue boxes. Knowing that Miriam hand-makes these items in Ferndown makes them feel so much more valuable than mass-produced items from a factory.
The gorgeous spoons from Spoonful of Art are stunning, aren’t they? I love pyrography and wish I was artistic like this. They are made just a few miles from me so a very local small business, and they are so unique and a perfect gift too. I can’t believe how talented Jen from Spoonful of Art is, she draws all the images herself.
Your money stays in the community
This is the big one for me. When you spend money at a massive corporation, that money often disappears to a headquarters hundreds of miles away.
But when you shop local, that money stays right here.
That money pays for the owner’s child’s birthday party. It pays for local taxes that fix our roads. It goes back into other local small businesses, like the accountant or the window cleaner the shop owner hires. It is a cycle of support that keeps our towns alive.
The quality is usually better
Have you ever bought a shirt that fell apart after two washes? Or a toy that broke within an hour? Small businesses live and die by their reputation. They cannot afford to sell rubbish because they want you to come back.
Take Touch of Charm in Mansfield Woodhouse (visit their site here). They are a florist and venue styling company run by Kelly Wilson-Parkes. They don’t just throw flowers in a vase. They have won awards for their work because they care about the details. Whether it is a wedding or a corporate event, they put their heart into it. You get a level of care and quality that big national companies just cannot match. This is why I have chosen them for my wedding bouquet!
It is better for the planet
I am trying to be more mindful of my environmental footprint, and shopping small helps with that.
Local makers often produce on a smaller scale. This means less waste. They are also more likely to use sustainable materials and less plastic packaging. Plus, if I am buying from a shop down the road, the item hasn’t had to travel halfway around the world to reach me. I was shocked when I ordered a vase from one of the big Chinese companies, and it took 3 weeks to arrive, coming by land from China! The carbon footprint of something like that is crazy. It really made me think about what I buy and from where.
You get a real human connection
In a world where we spend half our lives looking at screens, it is nice to actually talk to a human being. This is especially important if, like me, you work from home for yourself.
I love places like PoFfles tea rooms. It is not just a place to grab a coffee; it is a community hub. They have a “Chatty Cafe Table” for people who might be feeling lonely, and they host craft clubs. It is run by real people who care about their customers, not a board of directors looking at profit margins.
When you buy from a maker, you often get a little note in the package or a smile when you collect your order. It makes the whole experience feel warm and personal.
Supporting dreams
This might sound a bit cheesy, but it is true. When you buy from a small business, you are supporting someone’s dream.
Miriam at Mims Clay Hearts works as a home carer and does her crafting as a “labour of love.” Every sale helps her keep doing what she loves.
Spoonful of Art is a pyrography artist (find them on Facebook here). One talented lady turns everyday spoons (and other wooden items) into stunning pieces of art. It is such a creative, quirky idea. By buying from small businesses like this, you are validating their creativity and telling them, “Yes, your art is amazing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shopping with a small business always more expensive?
Not always! While handmade items from a small business can sometimes cost more due to the time involved, you often save money in the long run because the quality is better. Plus, you can find plenty of affordable gems if you look around.
How can I find small businesses near me?
Social media is great for this. Instagram and Facebook are full of local makers. You can also check out local markets, craft fairs, and sites like Etsy, which allow you to filter by location.
Does buying online from a maker count?
Absolutely. Even if you are not walking into a physical shop, buying from an independent maker online still supports a small business owner rather than a giant corporation.
What if I can’t afford to shop at a small business for everything?
That is totally fine. You do not have to change everything overnight. Just try to swap one or two purchases a month. Maybe buy your greetings cards from a maker, or get your coffee from an independent cafe. Every little bit you can do helps.
If you want to check out the businesses I mentioned, here are their links:
Giveaway Time!
I am giving away a gorgeous, unique spoon created by Spoonful of Art. It is a beautiful example of how something ordinary can be turned into something special. There will be 3 winners, chosen at random from all valid entries using the widget. Each winner will win one spoon. It will be one of the pictured spoons at random, but I cannot guarantee which one. That said, one of the entry options is to say which you prefer in the comments, so if I can, I’ll send your favourite!
How to Enter:
Use the widget below to enter. You can enter in a number of different ways, e.g., by visiting my Facebook page, following me on TikTok, etc. Just remember that if you say you have completed it, then you must have, or the widget will invalidate your entry! UK Entrants only due to the postage of the prize.
Good luck!
