Gifts that give back: Supporting our local business community this December
It’s the season of giving, and at Plum Bottom we’re shining a spotlight on a different kind of gift: one that doesn’t just go under the tree — it lifts up our community. When you support locally owned businesses, you’re not just buying something… you’re making an investment in your neighborhood, your friends, your neighbors, and your local economy.
Independent shops, restaurants, service providers, and makers are the heartbeat of our towns. When you support them, you’re not just buying a product. One of the most meaningful gifts you can give is support for the locally owned businesses that make Central PA special.
Why Shopping Local Matters
Local businesses recycle more of their revenue back into the community through wages, partnerships, and charitable giving. They provide personalized service, curated products, and experiences you simply don’t get from big-box retailers. And every time you choose local, you help keep these places thriving.
If you’re looking for new spots to support, check out Shop Local PA, a simple, growing directory designed to highlight local businesses across the region:
👉 https://shop-local-pa.replit.app/
Use it to discover new favorites — and share it with friends who love exploring local gems.
Five Meaningful Ways to Support Local Businesses This Season
1. Shop Local for Your Holiday Gifts
The obvious one — but still the most powerful. Whether you’re a handbag, a pair of comfort shoes, a gift card, a handmade good, or a meal at a small restaurant, those dollars go right back into the community. Plus, you’ll often find higher-quality, more unique gifts when you shop locally.
Bonus: Looking for gift ideas? We've got you covered here!
2. Leave a Review
A Google or Facebook review is one of the easiest gifts you can give a business — and it’s free. It boosts search visibility, builds trust with new customers, and helps small businesses grow. Two minutes of your time can make a long-lasting impact.
We would love if you'd take a minute to leave Plum Bottom a review:
Thank you!
3. Engage on Social Media
Likes and comments matter. Shares matter even more. Algorithms reward engagement, and that visibility helps introduce businesses to new customers.
So if your favorite shop posts something you love, show it some attention — it really helps.
BONUS: Follow Plum Bottom on Instagram!
4. Tell a Friend
Word-of-mouth is the original “viral marketing.” When you personally recommend a place you love — Plum Bottom, your favorite café, a local craftsperson — your friends listen. Never underestimate the power of a simple:
“Hey, you should check this place out.” That is huge. It means the next time someone has a need you know that business fills, they’ll think of it—not a chain.
5. Use and Follow #shoplocalcentralpa
Hashtags are a hub for discovering new local spots and sharing your favorites.
- If you’re a shopper: follow the hashtag and tag your finds using #shoplocalcentralpa. This simple hack helps you discover more small, local businesses to love.
- If you’re a business owner: use it consistently so new customers can find you. And these are the customers you really need because you already know they care about shopping local.
A Meaningful Call to Action
This December — and all year — let’s make intentional choices. Let’s shop thoughtfully, support generously, and celebrate the businesses that make Central PA feel like home.
Here's your quick "cheat sheet" for supporting small, local businesses without spending a dime:
- Tag and highlight your favorite local shops
- Comment on and share posts that feature Central PA businesses
- Leave a review for a local business you've loved this year
- Explore new spots on https://shop-local-pa.replit.app/
- Use #shoplocalcentralpa to help spread the word and find new shops
Whether you’re picking up a gift at Plum Bottom, grabbing a coffee at a local café, trying a new restaurant, or recommending a business to a friend, remember: your support is a gift that keeps giving.
