Shop Local, Thrive Local: A Community Connection
Small Finds, Big Impact: Supporting Local Shops
We’ve all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but have you heard of Green Friday and Shop Small Saturday? These special days, celebrated the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, encourage us to slow down, shop mindfully, and celebrate the small businesses that make our communities thrive.
Shopping green doesn’t mean you can’t “shop ‘til you drop”—it simply means being intentional about your purchases. Choose local stores, eat at neighborhood restaurants, and consider gifts that create experiences rather than clutter. Think museum passes, locally owned café lunches, or a day exploring Cayuga County’s parks and trails.
By shopping green and shopping local, you’re doing more than checking off a gift list—you’re helping create jobs, supporting your neighbors, strengthening public infrastructure, and investing in the heart of your community.
The Benefits of Shopping Local
1. Support Your Community
When you shop locally, you’re investing directly in your community. Local businesses create jobs, keep money circulating in the area, and contribute to schools, roads, and parks..
2. Unique Offerings
One of the best parts of shopping local is discovering one-of-a-kind finds. From handcrafted jewelry and artisanal foods to custom home décor, local makers put heart and creativity into everything they produce.
3. Personalized Service
Local businesses pride themselves on offering friendly, personalized service. You’re not just a transaction, you’re a neighbor. Building relationships with shop owners makes every shopping trip more meaningful.
4. Sustainability
Shopping local reduces the carbon footprint of your purchases and supports businesses that prioritize sustainable practices—from using recycled materials to reducing waste.
Shop Green: Local and Sustainable Gift Ideas
Need some inspiration for meaningful gifts this holiday season? Check out these ideas for locally made, sustainable, and experience-based presents:
🎁 Reusable Gifts: Tote bags, water bottles, or mugs from local makers.
🎟️ Gifts of Experience: Theatre tickets, dinner out, or museum passes.
💳 Gift Certificates: The Auburn Downtown Gift Card is accepted at nearly 50 local retailers, restaurants, spas, breweries, and more.
🧶 Craft Fairs: Support local artisans at these community events:
Local Shops to Explore in Cayuga County
For the Sweet Tooth:
Satisfy someone’s cravings with locally made treats and confections found throughout the Finger Lakes. Sweets by Sarah in Fair Haven NY is famous for their 1lb cinnamon rolls.
For the Coffee Lover:
Gift locally roasted beans. Simple Roast Coffee in Auburn and White Rabbit Roasting in Weedsport are both known for their small-batch, fair-trade brews.
For the Home Décor Enthusiast:
The artisans at MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora have been creating whimsical, hand-decorated pieces for over 30 years. Their holiday collections from dish towels to tableware make the perfect addition to any gift basket. If you are in the area be sure to stop by and take a farmhouse tour or artisan tour and discover how many of the goods and made.
For the Eco-Friendly Shopper:
- Reuse Refuge in downtown Auburn offers eco-conscious gifts and household items.
- Just around the corner, Regenerations features upcycled furniture, art, clothing and locally made jewelry.
For the Treasure Hunter:
Explore Cayuga County’s many antique shops and secondhand stores, where every find tells a story. Whether you’re searching for vintage décor, collectible items, or gently used treasures, shopping secondhand keeps items out of landfills and supports local small business owners with a passion for history and craftsmanship.
Discover Forget Me Not in Fleming or the Second Hand Flea in Fair Haven. NY
For a Little Sparkle:
Divine Coverings specializes in custom “blinged” sunglasses, personalized gifts, and rhinestone accessories for all ages.
For the Foodie or Gift Basket Builder:
- Strawberry Fields Farm offers jams, jellies, décor, and holiday greenery in their full floral shop.
- Taste NY Market inside the Equal Rights Heritage Center features curated Finger Lakes-made products and pre-made gift baskets.
Shop Local. Support Local. Thrive Together.
This holiday season—and throughout the year—make a commitment to shop small, dine local, and explore all that Cayuga County has to offer. Every purchase you make strengthens our community and helps our local businesses grow.
Check out these Small Business Saturday Events in Auburn and Moravia NY. Click on photo to learn more!
Shop local, support your neighbors, and enjoy the richness of our community!