With the holiday season around the corner, it’s easy to get swept into the convenience of online shopping – trust me, we’ve all been there. The demands of family, work, and packed to-do lists can push us toward quick solutions when it comes to holiday gifts. But this season, I encourage you to pause and consider the impact of shopping local. Every dollar spent at our local neighborhood shops is more than just a purchase, it’s an investment in our shared community.

For example, revenue from local businesses goes directly back into the community, supporting essential services like street and infrastructure improvements. When you shop at a local business, you’re not only helping sustain a local dream, you’re fueling a ripple effect that strengthens the entire region we call home.

Here are five reminders on why shopping small matters this holiday season.

1. One-of-a-kind gifts. Our local shops often carry unique, hand-selected items you won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s a handcrafted necklace, original artwork or a gift card for a local experience, shopping local means finding something special that your loved ones will truly cherish.

2. Boosting our local economy. Dollars spent locally are more likely to stay in our community, supporting local jobs, families, and businesses. Choosing to buy local is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to the economic health of our region.

3. Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Local businesses are the heart of creativity and entrepreneurship, bringing fresh ideas and new products to our area first. When you support these businesses, you’re fostering a culture of innovation that makes our community more vibrant and resilient.

4. Environmental impact. Shopping local often means shorter travel distances for products, leading to fewer emissions and a lower environmental impact. This holiday season, choosing nearby shops is an easy step toward sustainability.

5. Preserving community character. Local businesses are more than just shops, they reflect the character and culture of our community. They’re gathering spots, meeting places, and venues for shared experiences, all of which contribute to the unique sense of belonging we feel and directly impacts our quality of life.

So as you start your holiday shopping, consider the lasting impact of choosing local It’s more than just gift-giving, it’s supporting a region and local economy that you care about, an investment that will continue to benefit us all, long after the season is over.

Astra Ferris is the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.