Roth: Vote with your dollars and support small business this holiday

Small businesses are undoubtedly the backbone of the economy and represent everything that we cherish about the United States, like competition, economic freedom, independence, and decentralization. They are the embodiment of the “American Dream."

But there has been a war on small business (as I wrote about in my last book), that accelerated in the past few years with government-mandated shutdowns and has continued as small businesses battle high inflation, labor shortages and rising labor costs, supply chain issues, and more that threaten businesses, nest eggs, and livelihoods.

As we come upon Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and the rest of the holiday season, consider supporting small businesses for Christmas and other end-of-the year holidays. Your purchases are more meaningful to them than ever and could help make the difference between staying in business or shuttering forever.

To make it easy for you, I have curated, from my small business community at CarolRoth.com, where we highlight small businesses year-round, a small business gift guide of incredible products and services from more than 230 small businesses. My team has picked out 12 ideas for you below, and you can see the full list and all the people kind enough to submit ideas here.

Please view, shop, and share the list and support small businesses this holiday season — and all year long!

Chocolate wreath from the Chocolate Pizza Company

This delicious gift is perfect for anyone, from the chocolate lover to when you just aren’t sure what to give! Served in a custom pizza box, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Personalized pet painting from Splendid Beast

This real oil painting is a unique, customizable gift idea, and you can have the pet painted into any situation, from historical scenes to sports scenes, pop culture references, and more. Perfect for the pet lover.

Cocktail kits from Cocktail Kits 2 Go

For the beverage connoisseur, these kits are perfect to create cocktails or mocktails on the go.

Christmas roses from Exotic Flowers

The perfect host or hostess gift for your holiday parties, these gorgeous bouquets and centerpieces will brighten up any holiday party.

All-weather cornhole set from Tupelo Goods

If you’re looking for an extravagant, out-of-the-box idea, these all-weather, customizable cornhole sets are great family fun, especially for those in snowy climates.

Key finder from Finders Key Purse

This gift is a clever solution to lost keys, pepper spray, or other items people struggle to find in their bags. It makes a great stocking stuffer.

Christmas-themed merchandise from Corinthian’s Corner

Those who embrace faith and religion will appreciate the faith-inspired messages and that this business donates 10% of proceeds to Christian charities.

Guitar lessons from MikeWalshGuitarLessons.com

There’s no more valuable gift than learning a skill to enjoy for a lifetime! Search “guitar lessons me” to find a skilled teacher near you and give guitar lesson gift certificates.

Year-round Christmas crates from My Christmas Crate

This year-round subscription box is the perfect gift for the Christmas lover who never wants the season to end.

Curling headband from RobeCurls

This heatless hair curler makes an excellent gift and great stocking stuffer for women of all ages.

Deck maintenance tool from The DECKtool

An ingenious solution for cleaning debris from decks without having to bend over, this is the ideal gift solution for the homeowners in your life.

Magnolia wreaths from Albin Hagstrom & Son

A thoughtful gift with a little Southern charm.

Whether you are looking for stand-out holiday gifts for clients, family, friends, or even just a little treat for yourself, consider supporting small businesses like these! It’s a win-win: You find unique gifts to give, and you support the American Dream.