This holiday season, shopping locally is a way to keep your dollars in the local community while supporting small business owners. On average, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores, according to the American Independent Business Alliance.

 

Local businesses create jobs, build community and grow local economies. With the holiday rush upon us and the start of the biggest shopping season of the year, it’s even more important to remember these local businesses and to “shop small” and “buy local” whenever you can. 

 

 

Becker Pizza Depot is a great idea for the lover of pizza on your list as they have great offers going on from now until Christmas Eve.

 

Buy a $100 gift certificate and get $25 free! Buy a $50 gift certificate and enjoy $10 free and buy a $25 gift certificate and get $5 free. Makes great stocking stuffers!

 

 

Godfather’s of Becker is another great place to get superb gift ideas for family and friends this Christmas.

 

Purchase a gift certificate of $25 and receive a free bread side and a two-liter beverage. For $50, get a free medium one-topping pizza. For a $75 gift certificate, get a free large two-topping pizza and for $100, get a free large specialty. For a limited time offer.

 

 

Brigg’s Lake True Value has one of the widest varieties of perfect Christmas gift ideas including a Buddy heater for hunting and ice fishing - on sale for $79.99.

 

They also have  tons of ice fishing tackle, propane bottles and handwarmers at inexpensive prices. Check out their Peak Battery Charger for just $24.99 (after $20 rebate).

 

Make an oil changing basket out of an oil pan/oil/oil wrench and even pick up a Hummingbird feeder and/or nectar. For the kids, they have a 32-piece train set for $19.97. And while you are at it, pick up a gift certificate for gas in various denominations. (Specials run through December).

 

 

Come in and pamper yourself or a friend with a manicure and pedicure for just $35. Ash-Lee’s also has 10% off many retail products throughout the Christmas season as well as a variety of gift certificates in any price range that make great stocking stuffers or greeting card inserts. Ash-Lee’s is open Tues. through Thurs., at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

 

Becker’s newest business has a great variety of awesome Christmas gifts and party favors such as cigars for just $4.99 and up, cigarette cases starting at $2.90 and up, hookahs for $19.99 and shishas from $9.99 to $19.99. They also have wraps, cones and tubes from 89¢ to $3.49 and a large selection of glassware from $1.99 on up.

 

Another great idea is a gift of roll your own accessories and machines. Come in and check them out!

 

 

What better gift is there than getting your loved one an item immortalizing the 2014 Becker football team and their state championship? All-Star Embroidery has tons of state champions apparel starting at just $12. They also have great stocking stuffer items such as beanies and stocking hats for $10. Water bottles make great gifts as well as headbands, t-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets.

 

 

Get that horse lover in your family that one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays from a local horse handling family.

 

Equine-partnered gestalt life or business coaching for just $180 a session. How about a two-hour workshop for just $40 or horseback riding lessons for $60 (or packages for $150 to $650). Holistic services are also available including a Reiki Raindrop Butterfly session for $150 or get that special someone a Walks With Horses Tipi Retreat for $250 to $500. Check out their website at: bieberhorses.com.

 

 

Christmas is all about celebrating and what better way to celebrate than with cordials?

 

Jubilee has Royal Crown whiskey (750) with two shot glasses for just $24.99. How about Ole Smoky moonshine with a flask of apple pie for just $20.49? Pick up a patron anejo tequila with two shot glasses for $46.99, Kahlua (750) with glass and 50ml Absolute vodka for $17.99 or Label 5 scotch (750) with two glasses for $17.99.

 

 

The holiday season can be stressful both for you and your family and friends, so why not treat them or yourself to some care and consideration from a local chiropractor?

 

Scheideman’s has massage gift certificates on sale for $25 on Mon., Dec. 8 and Tues., Dec. 23. For that long winter ride, how about getting a back lumbar support for just $40? Pick up some eucalyptus oil that supports healthy respiratory function for just $20 or lemon oil for $15 that acts as an instant pick-me-up, promoting energy and mental clarity. Or, how about Bio-Freeze, a natural pain relief application that really works for just $15? Stop by and get some relief from the holiday stress!

 

 

Pedal Inn Antiques is a great place to shop for that one-of-a-kind item. They have china dinnerware sets available as well as original and framed artwork prints from $5 to $500. Check out their large selection of clocks for just $10 to $650, books of all kinds including cookbooks for $1 up to $95, vintage and new toys from $2 to $650 and vintage and new Christmas items from $1 to $100.

 

 

Becker Furniture World has a plethora of gift-giving ideas including a foot massager for $99, cozy pillows, throws and poufs starting at $27, area rugs starting at $39.99, chairside tables starting at $73, plus thousands of accessories to choose from that would make ideal Christmas presents for your loved ones!

 

 

Give the gift of family fun and fitness. The BCC has membership gift certificates, fitness class punch cards, daily fee and rock climbing certificates and prepaid TBJ cards available during the month of December at 10% off.

 

Also, check out their birthday gift certificates, goggles, swim caps and accessories that make great stocking stuffers. They also offer daily specials all during the month of December!