It’s the time of year for people to finalize their Christmas shopping. While large corporations are enticing to customers to get what they need or want, people can always find unique items at stores built within the community.

For many businesses in general, the holiday season is what makes or breaks them — what determines whether they operate in the black or in the red for the year.

Even for many successful businesses, the pandemic has cut into their profits this year. Struggling businesses have been forced to cut costs and lay off employees. Some, including some local businesses, haven’t been able to stay open. Before the pandemic is over, others will likely join them.

It’s the small businesses, the mom-and-pop stores and local restaurants, that are struggling the most.

Following are local businesses who could use your patronage:

Golden Nursery Tree Farm  – 15621 5th Ave NW, Rice – 320-393-2155

Golden Nursery is an old-fashioned family farm with Balsam Fir or Colorado Spruces for just $25 (5-14-ft. trees). They also have a plethora of different varieties of pre-cut trees on their lot as well as gorgeous wreaths to adorn one’s home or business.

Magic Mushrooms in Crystal Garden – 171 Lake St. N., Big Lake – 612-805-7111

Buy a 60-minute reading or healing session for $90 and get a 30-minute session free. Sessions offered are: Reiki, Crystal Energy Healing, Intuitive Painting, One-on-one art session for your immediate family (cost of supplies extra), Tarot, Oracle, Medium, Rune and Crystal readings.

Check out their gift baskets for self love, manifestation, crystal healing, star beings, moon practice, divination and much more! Baskets start at $40 and have a higher retail price.

Local Artist’s art is also available including paintings, prints, handmade metaphysical tools, blankets, crochet items, boxes, craft teas, journals and more! Prices start at $8.

How about some stones and crystals for the healer and the collector? Or crystal skulls and other carving and crystal jewelry of all kinds, starting as low as 25¢. Or, pick up a book, Oracle and Tarot card sets, with prices starting at just $10!

Majestic Creations – 15542 137th St, Becker – 763-261-2174

Majestic has loads of games including cribbage and baseball dice for $20 on up. They also have pocket knives, grill utensils, cake pans and cutting boards for just $20 on up (all customizable).

Majestic also has fantastic spirit gear for Big Lake and Becker including key chains, lanyards, power banks, hats and apparel for $5 on up.

Maybe pick up a blanket for that special someone for just $25+?

Oak Park Creamery – 16623 Ironwood Rd NE, Oak Park – 320-968-7864

Oak Park has great feeds including Hubbard, Heims, Purina and Oak Park brands. They also have complete feed for cattle, chicken, pigs and horses.

Oak Park also has low-carb horse feed, dog and cat food, corn & oats & custom-mixed rations, wood pellet shavings and more!

Food products include Bongards cheese & butter, Schwan’s Ice Cream and treats, Heggie’s Pizza and Hope Creamery butter.

Andra K. Salon – 615 Smith St, Clearwater – 320-558-6620

Andra K. has luxury deep conditioning hair treatments from $25 to $50. They also have other hair care products including shampoos, conditioners and styling products for all hair types and needs for just $25 to $80!

How about a 30-minute, express facial for just $50? Or, a spa manicure & pedicure service from $35 to $75?

Andra K. also has gift cards which make great stocking stuffers for prices ranging from $10 on up!

Oodles of Doodles Pet Spa – 505 North Walnut St, Clearwater – 320-558-1134

Oodles of Doodles is a pet spa that takes care of and pampers one’s pet. From baths to haircuts to teeth cleaning and nail trims, Oodles of Doodles does it all!

Pick up a gift certificate for that special friend or family member who also loves animals!

Clear Lake Farmer’s Elevator – 7950 State St, Clear Lake – 320-743-2265

Your farmer’s elevator has some of the best and unique gifts in the area. Stop in and find out for yourself!

They have bird feeders and bird seed, deerskin and goatskin-lined gloves, dog treats, dog bones and jackets, bird houses and tons of beekeeping supplies!

Jan’s Christmas Trees – 12519 37th St SE, Clear Lake – 320-743-3327

Have you seen Jan’s gift shop? Wow! What a feast for the eyes!

They have lighted pictures, snow globes, churches, cardinals and stars for $10.99 to $30! Jan’s sells jellies, salsas, sweet & salty roasted nuts, caramel corn and gift packages for $10.99 to $21.99!

The store is jampacked with greens including wreaths, swags, gnomes for outdoor settings or centerpieces for $16 to $30. Need an ornament? Jan’s has dozens from glittery to country flair, bells, stars, tins, babies first Christmas and more! $4.99 on up!

Brigg’s Lake General Store – 4258 105th Ave SE, Clear Lake – 320-743-2791

Stop by Brigg’s Lake General Store for custom front porch signs in prices ranging from $25 to $55. Going fishing? Pick up a nice rod for ice fishing from $18 to $49.

Lots of kids craft ideas from $5 to $20 as well as puzzles from $7 to $16. Or, grab a Brigg’s Lake General Store sweatshirt and show your support for local businesses for just $32 to $50!

Knitski’s Grill & Bar – 4181 105th Ave SE, Clear Lake – 320-743-2147

When you are out-and-about, don’t forget your appetite and stop in at Knitski’s in Clear Lake for a bite or a drink! While you are there, pick up some gift certificates or a sweatshirt!

Bailey Ray’s – 2120 165th Ave NE, Santiago – 763-856-8900

Bailey Ray’s is another great stop for lunch or dinner and they also have gift certificates available in any amount desired. They are open Thurs. thru Sat. from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 8 p.m.

Peterson Tree Farm – 6113 Co Rd 6, Clear Lake – 763-568-6942

Peterson Tree Farm has wreaths, swags, garland, spruce tops, tree stands and bags! They feature a country corner gift shop with tons of unique holiday gifts!

Their lot is full of new & tall tress at no extra charge and they also offer free shaking & haling.

Pizza Depot – 14281 Bank St, Becker – 763-262-2700

Pizza Depot in Becker and St. Cloud have gift certificates available in $5 increments, good for stuffing those stockings on Christmas Eve! They also have beanies & sweatshirts as well as caps from $10 to $20!

Los Ortizes Mexican Restaurant – 14068 Bank St, Becker – 763-275-0270

Hungry? Stop by Los Ortizes for a delicious lunch while shopping but don’t forget to check out their updated gift certificate promotions! If you purchase certificates totaling $25, you will receive a $5 certificate to treat yourself! For $50 in certificates, get $10 and for $75, get $15.

If you purchase $100 in gift certificates, get a free logo t-shirt for yourself! These all make great gifts!

Becker McDonald’s – 12945 Rolling Ridge Rd, Becker – 763-262-3838

How about giving joy and warmth to families at the Ronald McDonald House? Donations are needed to bring joy to a child and stock the House That Love Built.

McDonald’s is looking for Legos, Magna-Tiles, Razr Scooters, Bike Helmets, Hand Sanitizer Dryer Sheets, Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Restaurant Gift Cards, Amazon Gift Cards, Grocery Gift Cards and Gas Station Gift Cards.

Bring your unwrapped item to the Becker store on Sat., Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or on Dec. 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Marvel Nutrition – 14275 Bank St, Becker – 320-224-2426

Marvel Nutrition is holding a Home for the Holidays Shop Local event this Saturday, Dec. 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Protein balls, drink specials, hot cocoa bombs, fresh baled goods, delicious smells for your home and beautiful colors for your nails and more! Participants include Pink Zebra, Color Street, Trudy’s Kitchen, Steph’s Homemade and, of course, Marvel Nutrition.

Thank you Patriot readers and Merry Christmas!