Just last week, everyone gathered at homes of family and friends and celebrated the holiday designed to show appreciation for all we have in our lives.

 

This week and next, as we lead up to the holiday of Christmas, how about some of that thankfulness and appreciation overflowing to the local businesses that create and maintain small town living?

 

It’s estimated that, nationwide, local business generates 70% more economic activity per square foot than big box retail. It’s also projected that, if every family in the U.S. spent an extra $10 per month at a locally owned, independent business instead of a national chain, more than $9.3 billion would be directly returned to our local economies.

 

Those are compelling numbers, but local businesses also provide small towns and cities with qualitative value, as they help define the character of the communities they work in.

 

This holiday season, remember to shop locally — it’s easy to do and it has positive effects that benefit all Minnesotans. But as the holiday season comes to a close and 2016 draws near, remember also that ’tis always the season to shop local.

 

Pebble Creek Golf Course is a great place to shop this holiday season for every sport nut on your list! They have shirts and hats and clubs and shoes and a few of their holiday deals include a dozen of Titleist ProV1 golf balls for just $47.99; Sundog® sunglasses in prices ranging from $40 to $60; Local 9 season passes for $250 (individual) and $100 (junior); and gift cards in any amount. The golf shop will hold a holiday sale this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring great gift items and special stocking stuffers!

 

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.

 

The Clear Lake Farmer’s Elevator has been one of the most popular sites to do ones Christmas shopping as they sell a wide variety of items sure to please just about every gift receiver. They have Dog Gone Smart dog parkas, birdfeeders in wood, tubular, platform, fly-through and suet style feeders, Dog Gone Smart rugs and runners in many sizes and colors, western motif gifts including decorations like picture frames, candles, necklaces and cookbooks for the house or barn. Some of their most popular items are their Muck Boots — in all sizes and styles for men, women and children (some on clearance).

 

The holidays can be stressful, so why not stop by Pace Fitness and Wellness to relieve that tension?

 

Pace has Stress Reduction sessions with biofeedback for just $75. They also have tons of essential oils products starting at $10.99. Why not give your loved one a relaxation package for just $25 or an Ionic footbath session for the same amount? They also have Bach flowers that’ll brighten anyone’s day for just $11.99.

 

The Becker Community Center is a great one-stop shop for all your stocking stuffers! Pick up memberships, daily fees, TBJ cards,lifeguard training classes, swim lessons (group or private) and pre-school enrichment camps. Grab some punch cards for fitness classes, daily fees, lap swimming, beverages, cross country skiing rental and more! And why not show your appreciation for the ones you love by buying them some pretzel rods and biscotti and watch their faces light up when they empty their stockings!

 

Beck’s Pub in Becker offers a wide selection in their off-sale liquor for that connoisseur of taste. They also sell t-shirts for $10, sweatshirts for $22, $35 and $40 and beanies for $10. They have wine specials for just $5-$10 and gift certificates in any amount. Stop in and check them out!

 

When shopping, everyone eventually gets hungry and why not go to one of Becker’s brightest hotspots? Pick up lunch or supper or even a libation and while you are at it, get those stocking stuffers taken care of with gift certificates in any monetary amount.