The small business scene in St. Louis is one to be reckoned with. Students at St. Joe have recommended their favorites, just in time for the holidays!

It’s finally that time of year! The season in which corporate giants love to use the warmth of the holidays to convince you to hand over your wallet. Whether it be subtle and nostalgic advertisements or marketing campaigns that are obvious in their design to persuade you to purchase as much as possible, this time of year can also be one of ignorance. 

The season of giving has in reality become the corporate race for consumers’ time and money; oftentimes meaning we overlook the effects of our purchases. Whether it be ethically questionable labor conditions used for that bar of chocolate or the extra carbon emissions from selecting expedited shipping online, it’s easy to ignore the impact of our purchases for the sake of our convenience. 

That’s where local businesses come in! Not only does shopping small support local independent artisans, but it also typically has a much lower impact on the planet and can be ethically sourced with ease. 

St. Louis is a hub of small businesses, stretching far and wide and ranging in all kinds of specialties. Knowing the category of the gift you’re looking for is key, then you can visit the shops that specialize in that item. The following are just a few of the many highly rated local businesses to check out this season. 

Our first stop is in Webster Groves at The Novel Neighbor. The women-owned and operated bookstore strives to “amplify historically marginalized voices and engage with equity and inclusion work in the St. Louis area and beyond’’ by being a hub in which people from all walks of life can connect over their love of literature and the arts, according to their mission statement. They sell books of all genres, the work of local artists, and a wide assortment of unique gifts. 

Junior Kaylie Giljum enjoys her visits to The Novel Neighbor because of the shop’s welcoming atmosphere and their wide array of one-of-a-kind items to choose from.  

“The Novel Neighbor is the most adorable book store! They have everything from vinyl stickers to uniquely-scented candles, and all of their employees are so sweet and helpful,” Kaylie said. 

Next up, we head to Kirkwood for a sweet treat. Founded and owned by Chef Nathaniel Reid, one of the top pastry chefs in the United States, Nathaniel Reid Bakery is a stop worth the wait. It has received a long list of awards and recognitions from the top food critics and food magazines, and was voted in 2017 by Buzzfeed as the best bakery in Missouri. It offers a variety of traditional French pastries, as well as gourmet sandwiches and other desserts. A box of their fresh, house-made macarons would make a perfect gift for the foodie in your life. 

Finally, a South City favorite, is Abigail’s Gift Boutique. A “fashion and gift boutique specializing in the unique, fun and fabulous,” per their website, Abigail’s has everything ranging from apparel to cosmetics to stationary to home decor. Located in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood, the shop upholds its reputation of excellent customer service. Due to the popularity of its apparel, Abigail’s even has a fashion truck that can be found at various markets and festivals throughout the year. 

Junior Cate Guenther is a loyal customer of Abigail’s Gift Boutique, appreciating their products and their charitability.

“Abigail’s is in my neighborhood and has the cutest clothes and jewelry. It also supports local organizations with fundraising, which I find really awesome!” Cate said. 

Altogether, the diversity of small businesses in St. Louis make it a great city to shop locally as opposed to online or at chain stores. Grab some friends and make a day of it; enjoying the process of getting something special for a person you care about, and knowing that your money is going towards important causes and people of your community, and not billionaires.