As we learn more about the world around us, we’ve become more aware that sometimes our shopping habits can have a negative impact on the planet, whether through unnecessary shipping pollution or poor treatment of workers. Fortunately, there are ways to combat these inadvertent problems, like learning how to shop small.
Lots of misconceptions keep people from shopping small. Some people think that means they have to go to a physical mom-and-pop store in a trendy neighborhood with notoriously bad parking. Others think shopping small means spending more money. And still, others believe that shopping small means less selection.
At Redbubble, we know those misconceptions are flatly untrue. You should be able to find the perfect gift while being socially and environmentally conscious. Read on to find out how to shop small all year long and why it’s important to your community.
A gray water bottle with a sticker that says “thrifty” in multi-colored text
Thrifty Sticker designed and sold by disco dottie ✿
How to support small businesses
If you’ve never shopped small before, you’ll need to change a few habits. But it’s worth it! Here’s how to start supporting small businesses.
1. Plan for it
Often shoppers fall into the trap of shopping based on convenience. When you shop small, it may be a bit more challenging than opening a large retail app that sells everything under the sun, but you and your community will reap the rewards.
To shop small, you’ll need to be more intentional and plan ahead. What shops will you frequent? Don’t be surprised if you have to do a little research to find what you’re looking for. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce or a map of small businesses near you.
Since making a massive habit switch can be overwhelming, start by identifying specific purchases you’ll commit to making at small businesses. For example, do all your holiday shopping this year at a small business or start buying local produce. Once you’ve mastered those purchases, add a different type of purchase until all your purchases are from small businesses.
2. Shop vintage or second-hand
Support a local vintage or second-hand shop. Many of these are locally owned and operated and benefit members of your community. Plus, vintage fits are always in!
Another benefit of shopping vintage or second-hand: it keeps perfectly good items out of landfills and helps minimize our demand for new items.
3. Check out social media
Social media is a gold mine for shopping small.
Check out the social media feeds you already follow. Odds are, you’ll find people selling everything from artwork to t-shirts to figurines to who knows what else related to your passions. Do you follow an artist active within a fandom? DM them and see where you can buy their merch.
You can also check out the ads. Since most ads these days are targeted based on who you follow and the contact you interact with, there’s a good chance you’ll find something you’ll like from a small business or independent artist.
4. Support artists
Going to a box store chain means you’ll only be exposed to the most popular items they know will sell. It also means you’ll see the same selection as everyone else. As a result, what we consume is often standardized and only reflects our dominant popular culture. Since the secret to giving great gifts is opting for the personal and unique, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Instead, an easy way to shop small is to support artists. Find an artist you like online, or explore the local art scene. You’ll have a better chance of finding something unique that no other store offers, which means you’ll find the perfect gift that no one else will bring to the party. Some artists are open to commissions, so you may be able to order exactly what you want, instead of being limited to what’s on the shelf.
5. Look for marketplaces
Instead of looking for stores, look for marketplaces. These are platforms where individual sellers come together to sell their work rather than each seller having their own site. These make it easier for artists and other sellers t