3 Reasons to Shop Small First

This post is sponsored by Tip Toes. All opinions and views expressed are mine.

Olivia’s clothes and accessories are all sold at Tip Toes!

When I started chatting with Tip Toes, a local Holland, MI shop that offers clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, and gear for babies to children, about partnering together, I immediately got to thinking about why I love to “shop small” at their boutique vs. shopping at chain stores. There’s just something about a small shop that brings nostalgia, charm, and high quality products.

I’ll be the first to admit that I love the convenience of shopping online and at chain stores when I’ve got a huge holiday gift list to cover. This post isn’t meant to guilt anyone out of doing so. Rather, I’d like to suggest that you consider just heading to your local business first to check out their products, get some advice and get in the holiday spirit.

Here’s a few reasons to shop small first:

1. You support the local economy and your community when you shop small

“An average two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in the local community.”. From the American Express Small Business Economic Impact Study, 2018.

Not only does shopping small help boost the local economy, it also helps non profits making a difference in the local community. “Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to local non-profits and community causes.” from SCORE and OnDeck, 2019

2. you get high quality product when you shop small

A small business is going to be selective on the products they put out in their shop floor. They are passionate about their items, and it shows! They will also be able to provide input and advice in a way that you won’t be able to get otherwise.

3. you get a personalized experience when you shop small

When you step into a local shop, its not just about picking up an item you want/need. It’s also about how you feel when you step into the store. There are local shops that I make a point to visit just because they make me feel cozy, happy, and inspired. This is especially true around the Holidays. Small shops go all out to deck their spaces out in Christmas cheer!

I love how Tip Toes literally has a big tree house in the middle of their shop. It’s stocked with toys for kids to play with! It makes it so fun for me to bring Olivia along while I shop.

Be sure to check out all that Tip Toes has to offer! If you’re not local but see something you love, you can shop many of their products online! And BIG NEWS! Tip Toes has given you, darling reader, a special coupon code:

Use code: darling20

This code only lasts a few days, now through 11/27/19. It works for in store purchases and online. Plus, you can select in store pick up if you don’t want to ship!

exclusions: sale items and kickee pants oceanography collection.

North face, Patagonia, other kickee pants collections are normally excluded, but they’ve graciously included them just for you!

Don’t forget, today is the last day to enter the $75 Tip Toes gift card giveaway on my Instagram!

Feeling festive? Check out my Rustic Glam Christmas Garland for some inspiration!

#baby #GiftGuide #holiday #shopping