I love shopping in small businesses any time of year, but particularly on the upcoming Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25. Not only can I find unique gifts and great sales but I, like many, enjoy supporting families in my own community.
Small Business Saturday was a program launched by American Express over a decade ago. Each year, the event has grown, prompting community leaders like The Greater Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce to create their own small business promotion. Over the years, we’ve seen more business window decorating contests, special sales and a general encouragement to shop local.
You can check the American Express Shop Small website for a list of those who have officially signed up, but Hendricks County, Indiana, has many more locally owned businesses than listed there.
This holiday season let’s support businesses who work so hard year-round to provide our favorite products and services.
Finding that One-of-a-Kind Gift
Small businesses can be found at the many craft and artisan shows in Hendricks County throughout the holidays. They are the online shops found on social media or displaying items within other brick-and-mortar businesses.
For example, Sweet Minis Cakes and Bakes in Brownsburg has added a new vendor display wall, featuring local small businesses. Grab a gift and a sweet treat while you’re at it.
Planning on picking up a fun gift for your four-legged family member? Stop by Paw Street Bakery for your pup’s gift and grab something for the dog lover in your life with their additional products.
Be sure to follow your favorite small businesses on social media. Not only can you find locations for their product displays but also, learn about sales and special occasions.
Looking for more ideas? Visit Hendricks County makes it easy with their Top 20 Gift Ideas at small shops in Hendricks County. The annual Gift Guide is one of the best places to discover unique gifts and local treasures.
Where to Look
Nearly every town in Hendricks County offers an area for those who want to shop small for everyone on their list.
Clayton has opened several small businesses in their downtown area in the past year or two. Check out Copper Top Customs for antiques, knickknacks or Amish Made pie filling. Just down the road, The Gypsy’s Den offers a variety of unique clothing, jewelry and home decor.
Shop for the gamer in your family at Brownsburg’s Bulldog Community Gaming or Toy Buzz & Fizz in Plainfield for the collector on your list.
The Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville offers unique shops including Gallery on the Square, Seize the Night Designs and Forget-Me-Nots just to name a few. In addition, Plainfield is home to several boutiques, including Younique Culture, The Rustic Attic by Angie and Simply Chic.
Visit Hendricks County offers a complete list of Local Shopping in Hendricks County, if you’re interested in more!
Dine Small Too
Not only is it important to support the retail businesses in Hendricks County, we shouldn’t forget about the restaurants. Besides, who doesn’t incorporate breakfast or lunch with the girls on a day of shopping or plan to pick up dinner on the way home? Hendricks County offers plenty of options for a sit-down meal or grabbing something on the go.
Enjoy breakfast from Best Friends Coffee & Bagels in Brownsburg or the Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery in Danville.
Just west of Brownsburg, shoppers can grab a slice at North Salem’s Perillo’s Pizzeria or some of the best BBQ around at Rusted Silo Southern BBQ & Brew House in Lizton.
Near plenty of shopping destinations, visitors will find Plainfield’s Oasis Diner a popular stop with their history and fabulous tenderloins. Plainfield is also home to Sal’s Famous Pizzeria and just east from there, at The Shops at Perry Crossing, shoppers will find Bru Burger Bar and Stone Creek Dining Company, among other great dining options.
Specialty Stores
After shopping for everyone on my list, I almost always end up with a small list of “special” shops. You know the ones… you can’t get this specific thing anywhere else but here. Think about the perfect thing from an auto shop for the car guy, a gift card to a spa for your sister or a fun experience like a DIY studio or activity.
Katie’s Professional Dog Grooming in Plainfield, Modern Farm Baby Wellness and Massage Therapy in Brownsburg and Ben’s Garage in Brownsburg all have specialty services that those on your list may enjoy.
Give the gift of experience with a gift card from uPaint Pottery Studio in Plainfield or The Tie Dye Lab in Avon. Though painting and tie dying is fun for the entire family, the adults might enjoy a gift card to try out your golf game at X-Golf in Plainfield or create home decor at Board and Brush in Brownsburg.
Why Shop Small?
Throughout Small Business Saturday, there will be numerous sales and giveaways at our local shops. It’s a great way to get the bulk of your Christmas shopping done while supporting families in the community.
They are often the businesses supporting our local schools through Dine and Donate programs or donating items for the raffle or silent auction at our non-profit events.
Holiday shoppers know the unique and hard-to-find item is always appreciated, and those types of gifts are often only found in a small business.
Schedule a shopping day on Nov. 25 or anytime throughout the holiday season and dedicate a portion of your list to small business shopping in Hendricks County.
