How to really support local and small this Christmas (2025 edition)
Every year I set myself a challenge to do as much of my Christmas shopping as possible locally. It takes more time, and sometimes more money, but in 2025 - a year where the cost of living is still stretching families and local business owners to their limit - it feels more important than ever.
Shopping locally isn’t just a “nice idea” anymore. It’s one of the most powerful, practical ways we can support the people who keep our towns thriving, employ young people, donate to community groups, and show up for our schools, sports clubs and events. Every hand-made item, every café voucher, every toy bought on your main street helps someone real.
Before we begin, I want to acknowledge something that’s true for many of us in 2025: budgets are tight, prices are up, and most people are cutting back.
Shopping small will not always be the cheapest option, and this is not a guilt-trip article. Instead, it’s full of ideas - some free, some low-cost, some creative - that help you support local businesses in ways that feel good and align with your financial reality this year.
I hope that by the end you’ll have a few new ideas, and maybe you’ll share your own favourites in the comments to help others too.
Ways to save money while still supporting local (2025 reality edition)
Let’s start with expectations - because in 2025, simplifying Christmas is not just sensible, it’s sanity-saving.
Ask yourself:
Do we actually need to exchange gifts at all this year?
Can we set clearer expectations with family and friends?
Would one thoughtful gift be better than five rushed ones?
I think this is a great year to give yourself permission to reset traditions.
With the rising cost of groceries, fuel, and interest rates, almost everyone is reassessing what matters. So feel free to be the one who suggests something different.
Here are some cost-conscious ways to support local:
Organise a Kris Kringle with a realistic budget.
Kids-only gifting so adults can enjoy food and company.
Swap gifts for experiences that don’t break the bank.
Announce your intention to shop local - accountability helps.
Plan Christmas lunch together so nobody shoulders the entire cost.
Shop early (last-minute purchases are always the most expensive).Buy fewer gifts but better ones - quality over quantity.
And please remember that time, laughter and connection cost nothing.
Supporting local with your Christmas feast
Food costs have risen sharply again this year, so planning ahead is your best friend. Fresh, local and seasonal food is often cheaper per kilo, lasts longer, and tastes better - which means nothing goes to waste.
Shop directly from:
Farmers markets
Local greengrocers
Food hubs and collectives
Local butchers
Farmgate stores
Pre-order your hams, turkeys, cherries, seafood and sweets - especially this year, as demand is high and harvests have been inconsistent in some regions.
Online options (Victoria + national):
www.openfoodnetwork.org.au
www.yourgrocer.com.au
www.localharvest.org.au
www.victorianfarmersdirect.com.au
www.farmerspick.com.au
Supporting local with general gifts
A slow wander around a nearby town can unlock a surprising number of gift ideas. Many small towns in 2025 have revitalised their main streets with markets, pop-ups and local makers. I know across Gippsland, our small towns often have a late-night Christmas shopping day and they are great opportunities to catch up with friends and help your local retailers with a bit of cash flow.
Online portals to shop from regional and small Australian businesses include:
www.buyfromthebush.com.au
www.spendwithus.com.au
www.etsy.com/au
If you write a list of who you’re buying for first, you’ll spot perfect matches everywhere.
Budget-friendly local gifting ideas
Because affordability truly matters this year.
Locally made pantry staples (sauces, oil, jam, honey)
Handmade ornaments or Christmas decorations
$20–$30 market stall gifts - soaps, teas, treats, earrings
DIY mixed gift baskets using items from local producers
Prints or calendars from local artists
Local makers’ clearance shelves (every shop has them!)
Local gifts don’t need to be large - they just need heart.
Sustainable & eco-friendly local gifts (a growing trend)
Eco gifting is no longer just a trend, for many families, it’s the norm.
Ideas include:
Refillable/waste-free products from local makers
Beeswax wraps, produce bags or soap refills
Native plants and edible seedlings
Locally crafted ceramic mugs, bowls or pots
Upcycled furniture or reclaimed timber pieces
Digital art downloads from local creatives
Secondhand & circular shopping (huge in 2025)
Secondhand has hit a new level of popularity this year - for environmental and budget reasons. You have to know your audience for this one, because not everyone understands the value of secondhand and you don’t want to upset anyone.
In an article last September, Forbes noted “The [secondhand] market grew from $28B in 2019 to $49B last year, projected to hit $74B by 2029, as the stigma around used clothing diminishes.”
Try:
Independent op-shops
Charity stores - upcycling with your own flair
Local vintage clothing shops
Kids’ toy libraries selling ex-rentals
Marketplace groups for pre-loved bikes, décor, books
Supporting second-hand supports local charities, recycles perfectly good items, and saves money.
Garden gifts (practical, long-lasting and local)
Garden goodies continue to be an affordable and meaningful option.
Seedlings from local nurseries
A pot and a strawberry planter for kids
Handmade garden art
Locally made terracotta or ceramic pieces
Tip for next year - smaller plants bought early in spring will be lush and full by December.
Supporting local through experiences
Experiences remain one of the most heartfelt ways to support small businesses - especially this year as many are still rebuilding after inconsistent trading periods.
Gift:
Local restaurant vouchers
Workshops, classes or tastings
Tickets to local attractions
Picnic hampers
Guided tours
If you’re in Gippsland like me head to www.visitgippsland.com.au
Food experiences I still adore:
www.realbreadbygeorgie.com.au
www.stringandsalt.com.au
Local wine, beer, cider & spirits
Skip the big chains and head to an independent bottle shop - the knowledge, quality and local options are far better.
Gippsland favourites include:
www.lightfootwines.com
www.arcwines.com.au
www.dirtythreewines.com.au
www.sailorsgravebrewing.com
www.bandolierbrewing.com
www.burrabrewingco.com.au
www.gurneyscider.com.au
www.lochbrewery.com.au
www.goodland.beer
Non-alcoholic options:
www.etchsparkling.com.au
Four Pillars non-alcoholic gin
Supporting local with big brands
Even when the product itself isn’t local - like Lego, books or board games - the store can be. In 2025, independent toy and book retailers need community support more than ever. Buying from them helps keep local jobs, local knowledge and local service alive.
Ways to support local without spending a cent
Given how tight finances are nationwide this year, you might not be able to buy something from every business you love and that’s okay.
You can still support them by:
Leaving glowing Google reviews
Commenting on and sharing their posts
Recommending them to friends
Posting about your favourite local spots
Tagging them in your stories
Visiting local markets and sharing content on your social media
Visibility is a gift in itself.
Finally, if you can, consider donating to a local charity especially food relief groups, who are seeing record demand in 2025. Every small donation adds up to something big.
Merry Christmas, lovely people and thank you for choosing local. I hope this year brings you connection, calm moments, and community spirit. Supporting local has never mattered more, and every choice you make - big or small - helps someone in your own backyard.
If you have more ideas, please share them in the comments. The more we pool our creativity, the more we support one another.
Hi, I’m Erika - a marketing and customer experience specialist with decades of experience understanding customer behaviour and helping small businesses grow with strategies that are sustainable - not stressful.
My coaching is all about cutting through the overwhelm, simplifying your marketing, and showing you what will actually move the needle.
I help business owners one-on-one and deliver action-focused workshops, masterclasses and webinars for organisations, business groups and Boards looking to build skills and confidence in their marketing.
If you’re ready for marketing that feels clearer and more effective, book a free discovery call or send me an email and let’s get started.
