(Editor’s Note: Some of the information used for this article was comprised from several sources on the internet).

Now that Thanksgiving and Black Friday have passed, many people will be getting a start on their holiday shopping this weekend moving forward. 

Amazon and other leading ecommerce giants have changed the shopping experience in recent years. Easy one-click buys and same-day delivery are what 80 percent of shoppers now look for when shopping. This “ease” earned Amazon $96.15 billion in yearly revenue by the end of September 2020 — all while the COVID-19 pandemic continued. 

Stay-at-home ordering, same-day delivery and extended COVID-19 restrictions continue to wreak havoc on local small businesses. The need to support local brick-and-mortar businesses has never been more important than today as large ecommerce sites and big box stores took the spotlight. Because many businesses continue to struggle to stay afloat, the call to support local businesses has become a widespread initiative within communities throughout the local and global climates.

While many shoppers continue to opt for online shopping in response to the pandemic, many small businesses have felt the biggest sting. 

Shopping small keeps money local. While there are several benefits to shopping local — including smaller crowds and less time spent standing at cashier lines —, many consumers are prompted to shop small to not only help their community, but many times they receive better customer service and find fresh and more unique products.

Our advice...get to know the face behind the business. For the local shops still standing, spend more time and money to support local businesses. As confusion about the coronavirus and the possible strains eases and businesses reopen with new health and safety guidelines, shoppers were quick to return to in-store shopping.

Profusion CBD - 421 Jefferson Blvd, Big Lake - 320- 291-5205

Profusion CBD has five gift packages available for gift giving or a special treat for oneself.

Package #1 - Pain Relief - 2,000 mg. pain cream and 750 mg. pain soft gels. $138/pkg. (Reg. $180). Package #2 - Anxiety/Stress - 1,200 mg. anxiety capsules and 500 mg. CBD oil. $98/pkg. (Reg. $160). Package #3 - Rest in Peace - Sleep soft gels and vegan gummies. $118/pkg. (Reg. $170). Package #4 - Tropical treats - 500 mg. pain cream and 400 mg. body butter ,oisturizer. $90/pkg. (Reg. $130). Package #5 - Deep sleep therapy - New 1,000 mg. CBN oil (aids in sleep). &95/pkg. (Reg. $140).

Clearwater Family Chiropractic – 935 Clearwater Center, Clearwater – 320- 558-6772

Clearwater Family Chiropractic has super great ideas for presents or stocking stuffers. They have massage therapy gift cards (1/2 hour - $40, 1 hour - $70). They also have Chiroflow Waterbase pillows for $60, Biofreeze for $15, back saver wallet for $30 and custom-made orthotics from Foot Levelers!

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

Majestic Creations in Becker is a great resource for finding a unique and satisfying gift! They do screen printing, embroidery and much, much more.

They have tons of beanies, caps and pom poms along with cribbage boards, baseball dice, tumblers, customized cake pans, cutting boards, utensils and chopper mittens!

Lupulin Brewing – 570 Humboldt Drive, Suite 107, Big Lake – 763-263-9549

While stopping by this famous local brewery, why not pick up a great gift or stocking stuffer for a favorite friend or relative on your list?

Knit beanies are available for $25 each. Grab a maroon blanket for just $24 or choppers for just $35. Coffee mugs are great gifts and can be purchased for just $10 and of course, gift cards are available in any amount!

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

Great gifts can easily be had at Pizza Depot! Buy one $5 gift card and get a free t-shirt (while supplies last). Or, purchase something for $25 and get $5 free. Or, buy $50 worth and get $10 free. Or, spend $100 and get $25 free!

Two Cute Boutique – 726 Martin Ave., Suite 102, Big Lake – 763-957-2406

Check out one of Big Lake’s newest storefronts! Pick up some mom/nana/papa/aunt-themed tops ranging in prices from $22 to $42. Grab a poke-a-dot Christmas book for just $15.99! Or, a Dear Santa pillow and place your letters to Santa in the pocket for $21.99. Holiday-embroidered stockings for $21.99. Or, grab some matching holiday jammies from $20.99 to $44.99!

Deli Plus – 13996 1st St., Becker – 763-261-4400

Stop in at your favorite convenience store for gift cards in denominations of $25 to $100. Or, snatch some scrath-off tickets in denominations of $1 to $50! Don’t forget some stylish sunglasses from $12.99 to $19.99. Thirsty? Get a four-pack of Monster for just $7.99 or a six-pack of Bubblr for $7.99!

Jubilee Liquor – 13400 1st St., Becker – 763-262-2066

What is Christmas without a little holiday cheer? Pick up a Bud beer stein for $16.99! Or, Slrrp Jello Shots for just $19.99! Or, grab a four-pack of Twisted Shotz for just $4.99!

Jubilee Liquor also has gift certificates in any amount as well as liquor gift packs from $12.99 to $50.99.

Whether it’s an always-welcome gift certificate or a unique, one of a kind gift, local businesses have it all. It pays to shop locally.