Editors note: Today we’re welcoming a new contributor to the Cotton & Flax blog: Alexandria Austin! She’s a maker, and a small business strategist currently living in Portland, Oregon. Check out her shop filled with handmade products of her own, Midland Co. You’ll find her inaugural post below. -Erin

Small Business Saturday will soon be here, and in the past few years, we’ve been hearing a lot more calls to “Shop Small” and “Buy Local.” For many people, Small Business Saturday signals a return to supporting small businesses, and an effort to make more thoughtful purchases. But some of you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal?”

Supporting small businesses like Cotton & Flax makes a huge difference, and the holidays create a perfect opportunity for you to choose meaningful gifts. Here’s what happens when you shop small:

You encourage creativity, diversity, and higher quality products. When you make a purchase from an artist or maker, you are voting with your dollars to see more of their goods in the marketplace. Shopping small encourages businesses to offer unique products, and supports companies that are doing high-quality work.

You strengthen the economy and your community. Shopping small allows a small business to create jobs, and make purchases from other small businesses, strengthening your community. When you buy from Cotton & Flax, you’re also supporting dozens of other USA-based companies who supply everything from our fabrics to our shipping supplies.

You’ll receive great customer service. This is where a small business can do amazing things! Small businesses depend on word of mouth, and are often run by a very small team, so they can provide friendlier and more helpful service.

You’ll have a unique story to tell about where you found your gifts! When you shop small, you’re purchasing a gift that has a unique backstory. Your purchase from a small shop is more than a run of the mill item that was made in a factory, it’s a thoughtfully-designed, handmade piece that is rich with meaning. A gift from a small shop like Cotton & Flax carries with it the story of the maker who created it.

You’ll be putting a smile on a business owners face. When you shop at a small business, you’re sharing in someone’s dream. Every single sale encourages their creative work and shows them you support their vision. While you may not see this smile in person, I can promise you that your purchase made their day!

So, how can you shop small for holiday gifts? There are many small shops that stock beautiful, meaningful pieces that would make great holiday gifts. Online shops, like Cotton & Flax, make it easy to shop directly from an artist, and provide a variety of gifts that can be wrapped and mailed straight to your friends and family. If you enjoy buying in person, you can stop by a local craft fair, or visit one of our stockists, where you’ll find hundreds of artisan-made gifts.

We hope this gives you some insight and inspiration as you hunt for gifts. In case you’re looking for more inspiration to shop small, check out our archives of amazing Cotton & Flax stockists! We’ll continue to highlight our favorite small shops and stockists as the holiday season goes on, and don’t forget to share your favorite Cotton & Flax gifts by tagging us on Instagram!