Now, more than ever, small businesses need our help. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many mom-and-pop spots shutting their doors for good, and many more may not survive without a little support from their communities. Whether a local gift shop, corner hardware store or a fashion boutique, our local businesses depend on us, their neighbors, to ensure they have a fruitful holiday season.

To recognize the importance of supporting small business, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been officially deemed Small Business Saturday. And it’s not just a marketing gimmick – the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution in support of the recognition in 2011. In fact, 96 percent of shoppers said that Small Business Saturday makes them want to shop local throughout the year. Not only does shopping at small businesses help keep the businesses afloat, they help support those behind the scenes, such as employees, distributors and producers — people who, like you, have families to support and bills to pay.

Following are some of the goings-on in counties throughout the greater Sacramento area for Small Business Saturday, as well as some of our favorite shops.

Sacramento County

Photo courtesy Midtown Farmers’ Market

In the Sacramento area, you can skip the headaches of the big-box mega stores and instead shop for your friends and family at smaller, locally-owned businesses. In Midtown Sacramento, many small businesses are offering free gifts to shoppers. The day starts out with the Midtown Farmers’ Market, where shoppers can grab a free Small Business Saturday tote bag. Other deals include 20 percent off children’s holiday apparel and books at Moppet Shoppe, 20 percent off all candles and salt lamps at Refill Madness, and 20 percent off the entire store at Mixed Bag. For more deals and other information about Midtown’s Small Business Saturday, check out the Midtown Association.

Other small businesses in Sacramento County include the following:

Shop Cuffs | Midtown

Photo courtesy Shop Cuffs

ShopCuffs has been providing Sacramento with unique, hand-picked clothing since 2004. They regularly stock new and old products to keep both men and women as stylish as possible, from clothing to shoes to jewelry and accessories.

Face in a Book | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy Face in a Book

This neighborhood gathering place is for readers of all ages seeking books on every subject. This bookstore provides a relaxing resting place amidst the activity at El Dorado Hills Town Center, where you can pick up a new book, or grab a gift, greeting card, or stationery.

The Allspicery | Downtown

Photo courtesy The Allspicery

The Allspicery is all about flavor and spicing up the lives, culture and meals of Sacramento. Selections run the gamut, and include exotic spices from all corners of the globe to custom spices mixes and gourmet sugars & salts.

The Treasured Home | Fair Oaks

Photo courtesy The Treasured Home

At the Treasured Home, you can find anything you need to beautify your space, from custom-painted furniture to décor and kitchen goods, as well as clothing and jewelry. They also host crafting workshops where you can learn to paint flower pots and furniture.

Kitchen Table | East Sacramento

Photo courtesy The Kitchen Table

You’ll find all types of kitchen items at the Kitchen Table, including cookware, bakeware, serving utensils and drinkware. They also sell gourmet food from local producers such as Burly Beverages and Chocolate Fish. Enjoy a free cup of coffee as you browse the shop or check their calendar for a list of pop-up food vendors.

Placer County

Photo courtesy Blue Line Arts

Up in Roseville, many businesses are following suit, thanks to the Downtown Roseville Merchants. Shoppers will receive a Shop Small Passport, and can win prizes after getting their passports “stamped” at area businesses. Participating businesses include Sparrow 5, which has quirky, upcycled artist-made gifts; Blue Line Arts, a local art gallery; and Terra Cottage, which sells clothing and gifts.

Other shops in Placer County include the following:

Spin Gifts | Roseville

Photo courtesy Spin Gifts

This unique shop has something for everyone on your list, from the classy to the quirky. Home décor, jewelry, novelty T-shirts and mugs are just a few of the things you’ll find.

Auburn Old Town Gallery | Auburn

Photo courtesy Auburn Old Town Gallery

This artists’ collective showcases work from local painters, photographers, potters and woodworkers. You can pick up their creations in person or online, with items ranging from handmade jewelry to notecards to hand-painted scarves and hand-forged metal garden sculptures. They also host classes and workshops.

Tumbleweed & Company |Roseville

Photo courtesy Tumbleweed and Company

This collection of vendors specializes in “authentic vintage,” meaning you’ll find everything reclaimed, farmhouse, antique and salvaged. Goods range from home décor to furniture, even clothing, jewelry, artwork and knick-knacks.

El Dorado County

File photo

In El Dorado County, the Placerville Downtown Association is also calling on folks to shop small. Small Business Saturday has been extended throughout the entire holiday season, with two hours of free parking and discounts at local shops. Shops along historic Main Street the Tree House, with home décor and Christmas collectibles; TW Bonkers, a toy store and candy emporium; and the Man Cave, with sports memorabilia and T-shirts (plus a special “She-Shed” section).

Other favorite El Dorado County small businesses include:

Panic & Swoon | Placerville

Photo courtesy Panic & Swoon

This curated shop is filled with vintage and vintage-inspired goods, like midcentury canisters, Polaroids, records and record players. There are also modern goods such as custom-designed clothing, handmade pottery and greeting cards.

Tea Xotics | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy Tea Xotics

This quaint tea shop in El Dorado Hills is sure to have the perfect gift for the tea lover in your life. From matcha to oolong to chai, varieties come from all over the world, and many are organic, fair-trade and ethically sourced. They also sell gourmet coffee and bath and body items.

Placerville Hardware | Placerville

File photo

This old-timey hardware store has much more than nuts and bolts. The oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi, they also have kitchen items, novelty gifts, holiday décor and souvenirs.

Yolo County

File photo

Downtown Davis is also encouraging residents to shop small. The Downtown Davis Business Association has launched “Season of Hope,” which aims to help local businesses over the holidays. Shoppers will be given a swag bag full of goodies and discounts at area shops, and can enter a raffle to win cash prizes when shopping at participating businesses, which include Davis Cards & Games, which sells board games and puzzles; Armadillo Music, which sells new and used CDs and vinyl; and Bella Luna Jewelers, specializing in precious metals and rare stones.

Other Yolo County businesses include:

The Candy House of Davis | Davis

Photo courtesy Candy House of Davis

This local chocolatier has been turning out artisan delights for more than two decades. Their signature truffles feature flavors such as champagne, Frangelico, passion fruit and peach, formed into a signature pyramid shape. They sell other chocolate goodies as well, such as chocolate covered pretzels, cookies and orange peels.

Haven | Woodland

Photo courtesy Haven

This hip boutique is sure to have something that meets your needs. They have a wide selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories with a modern vibe, much of it hand-crafted and sustainable.

Bohéme Hip Used Clothing | Davis

Photo courtesy Bohéme

If you’ve got someone on your shopping list who loves vintage clothing, this fun shop is the place to go. They have plenty of items for both men and women, from dresses and jeans to shoes and bags. They also have a large selection of modern second-hand clothing.