5 Reasons to Shop Small This Holiday Season

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

In a world that's becoming increasingly digital and automated and filled with big-box stores, it's important to support small independent businesses that drive our local communities and offer unique shopping experiences for its customers. 

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, creating two out of every three new jobs in the country. So as we celebrate Small Business Saturday, we’d like to take this opportunity to highlight some awesome up-and coming brands and share a few reasons why you should shop small this holiday season.

Shopping small...

1. Helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

As you know, at Yumday, we exclusively curate snacks that align with your sustainability and diversity values. 

One of the brands we are proud to offer is Battenkill Wholesome Foods, founded by Leslie Kielson and her wife, Liz. They are extremely committed to doing the least harm to our planet that they run their operation on solar power and are virtually zero waste. They produce less than 2 pounds of garbage a week! Everything else gets reused, composted, or recycled. 

The seed bags become packaging material, plastic bags are recycled or reused, cardboard boxes are reused for shipping, and five-gallon pails are donated to local farms.

2. Supports your local community and helps keep money circulating within it.

Photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash

You support your neighbors and friends when you shop at small businesses. 

Studies show that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy. That means more money for new businesses, jobs, and community initiatives.

Just like Nomad Mix. They source their delicious blends of nuts & seeds, dried fruit, vegs, herbs, spices, and honey for their extraordinary trail mix from local producers, giving you an authentic taste and experience of the Pacific Northwest harvest.

3. Preserves traditions for future generations to enjoy.

Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

Keeping small businesses in operation ensures that traditional methods and knowledge are passed down to future generations. This way, your children and grandchildren can experience the same sense of community and connection you enjoyed.

When you shop small, you're not only supporting the business owner but also the employees and their families. In addition, you're helping to keep your community strong and vibrant. 

Take the story of The Ugly Co. Founder Ben Moore, a 4th generation farmer who is continuing to farm with an eye on the future by trying to reduce waste by upcycling imperfect produce.

Isadore Nut Co., wherein their spiced nut blends were inspired by the legacy of founder Tasya Kelen's grandfather. He was a trailblazer in approaching food as an avenue for health, and Tasya's recipes embody this admirable value of treating food as medicine through wholesome snacks that are good for you and the planet. 

And Chunk Nibbles, which was a recipe of founder Brad Cocklin's grandmother Cuddy, who came up with a unique blend of gourmet ingredients that became an addicting combination of salty and sweet treats that they now share with the world. 

4. Provides better customer service than big box stores.

Photo by Lidya Nada on Unsplash

There's something to be said for the personal touch. When you shop small, you're more likely to get better customer service than at a big box store. The employees at small businesses are often more invested in their work and have a vested interest in keeping their customers happy.

Plus, let's face it: dealing with crowds of people can be a nightmare. When you shop small, you can avoid the headache of fighting for a parking spot and battling long lines. You'll probably even be able to find what you're looking for more easily!

Now, if you're looking for unique and wholesome snacks made by independent brands, Yumday's got you covered. All our snacks have been thoroughly researched and vetted for your convenience. We even have curated snacks that you can readily receive straight to your doorsteps every month without worrying about what to choose. 

5. Small businesses offer unique products!

If you're looking for something unique this holiday season, then small businesses are the place to go. Whether it's hand-crafted pottery for your table setting, a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry for your turkey day outfit, or wholesome food items, small businesses offer products you won't find anywhere else. 

Like these snacks from amazing independent food brands offering unique Fall flavors you should try this season: 

Lake Ellen Farm's Pumpkin Fig Sprouted Granola

When Pumpkin purée & California figs had a baby, they created a flavor that reminds you of cool weather, cinnamon, and the fragrance of pumpkin pie. This snack is perfect to nibble on this Fall. 

Made without oats, grain, gluten, oil or preservatives, this nutrient dense sprouted nuts and seeds are air-dried at low temperatures to preserve natural enzymes

Marimix's Cinnamon Churro Snack Mix

Rich swirls of aromatic Korintje cinnamon and pure vanilla are kissed with organic maple sugar for an irresistibly sweet & spicy treat. With party-ready petite pretzels, whole-grain pillows & a crisp confetti of golden quinoa. 

Every batch is baked to a big, craveable crunch & showered with love.

The Art of Pecan's Sea Salt Activated Native Pecans

These delicious Activated Native Texas pecans are unlike any snacking pecans you've tasted before.

Why? Well, aside from the fact that I'm proud that they're produced in my local area of Texas…

They're buttery and crispy because native pecans are full of wonderful natural oil, and they've been long-soaked in purified Texas rainwater, then very slowly dehydrated. 

The result? It stimulates the pecan, making it easier to digest, nutrients become more bioavailable, and they become deliciously addicting!

Union's Charcuterie Crisps

Salty with a potent sip of Spanish paprika and a one-of-a-kind crunch, Union's Chorizo Crisps are uniquely satisfying. Whether on a charcuterie board, paired with a rioja or IPA or on the go, these crisps will surely delight your taste buds!

Finally, shopping at small businesses just feels better!

When you shop small, you are supporting hard-working entrepreneurs who have poured their heart and soul into their business. As a result, you'll enjoy a more personal shopping experience and walk away feeling good about supporting your local community.

And you can start to feel great and have a delicious day today. Shop from unique small and independent snack brands today here in Yumday.

Happy Holidays!