With 2020 giving so many small businesses a…well, let’s just say it, a black eye, I’ve tried to do as much as I can to help local businesses in my area. We’ve gone out for food, coffee, and beer more this year than we have in the last two years combined. With the holiday shopping season here, this year I wanted to provide a guide (similar to what I did last year), to various businesses you can support throughout the South Sound.

If you’re looking for unique gifts, be it clothing, items made in Washington, upcycled items, or gifts that are artsy, check out this list of boutiques around Pierce County that offer amazing selections, and most have multiple ways for you to shop, in person, by appointment, curbside pick-up, and through online ordering. There are other specialty shops you can consider for holiday gift giving like bookstores, plant shops, and coffee shops. And, let’s not forget supporting local merchants at farmers markets, our favorite is the Proctor Farmers Market, where you can pick up goodies like locally made honey, homemade pies and jams, soaps, and more. Also, don’t sleep on the idea of buying gift cards to local eateries.

Whatever you get up to this holiday season, in whatever corner of the world you reside, I hope you’ll find a way to support a small business or two.