With the holiday season upon us, finding the perfect gift is on everyone’s mind and sure, clicking that Amazon link may be easy, but shopping local is just as easy AND beneficial to the community.
According to Forbes, small businesses donate 250% MORE than large businesses to local nonprofits, community causes, and charities, and in doing so, create a positive cycle of giving back locally.
Small businesses have always played a significant role in our communities by sponsoring our little league teams, donating items for school raffles, and everything in between. We love traveling all over the Natural State and being able to support these incredible businesses and wanted to share a few of those with you here. From chic boutiques to historic general stores, we’ve compiled this ‘Shop Local Guide’ to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and support the local community while you’re at it!
Located in the heart of historic downtown Benton, 501 Faire is the perfect place to find carefully curated home décor and gifts this holiday season! With candles, vases, books, pillows, tea towels, jewelry and so much more, you will have no problem finding something for everyone on your list! Check out all the exquisite things they have for you at https://www.shop501faire.com and let them help you be the best gift giver at your gatherings! And check out all the amazing things you can do in downtown Benton HERE!!
Nominated as ‘Reader’s Choice’ in Hot Springs earlier this year for ‘Best Small Business’, ‘Best T-Shirt Shop’, and ‘Best Outdoor Store’, it’s easy to see how this amazing store is on our guide. At Buffalo Clothing Co. you can find incredible Arkansas brands like Rock Squatch and Arkie Apparel, alongside the big ones you know and love such as Teva, Hey Dude, and KAVU, easily making it a one-stop-shop for all your gift giving needs this year. Follow Buffalo Clothing Co. on Facebook and be sure to stop in if you’re in the Spa City this season!
If you’re looking for something truly unique to give this year, Bella Vita Jewelry in Little Rock has beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, local art, and gifts for you to choose from. Specializing in hand stamped and personalized jewelry, Bella Vita offers everything from birthstone charms, mantra bracelets, pendants, crystals, Tarot decks, books…this place has it all! You can access their products and place your custom order on their website to make this holiday a little extra special.
Founded in 2013 and adopting a modern-day approach to quality and time-tested goods, Domestic Domestic in Little Rock has everything...including our Arkansas State Parks Scratch-Off Maps! From stocking stuffers like Bourbon No. 22 Toothpicks by Daneson to gorgeous Shinola watches and SOLO Stoves, you’ll be sure to find so many things when you stop in. Don’t have the time? Check out their products online!!
With two convenient locations in one of Arkansas’ most unique towns, Silver Maple Market in Eureka Springs is a gift-giver’s dream come true! You can never go wrong with In High Spirits cocktail infusion kits and their small batch, locally made-by-women, Silver Maple private collection soy-based candles smell incredible! Don’t forget to order a custom wooden lake map for the lake lover in your life online at Silver Maple Market, each is made to order using natural, untreated pinewood, that’s ethically sourced in the USA. Check out this post for more gift ideas!
If you’re near the ever-romantic Paris, Arkansas for the holidays, make a stop in at
JA Outfitters...you won’t be disappointed! With a great selection of clothing and accessories from your favorite outdoor brands such as Nature Backs, Nativ, Fayettechill, Drake, and Southern Marsh, there’s something for everyone on your list. And it's right across from the historic courthouse all lit up for the holiday's. Follow them on Facebook to find what you’re looking for and check out our video on Paris here!
In Clinton you can find a most unique shopping experience at the Pottery Shop. You’ll not only find the perfect clothing and accessories for any event, but also rustic/metal outdoor décor for each season and holiday! Reindeer? Check. Grinch? Yup. Jack Skellington? Absolutely. AND an Instagram-worthy Ozarks sign to strike a pose with! Head to Clinton or shop online and make this your most festive holiday yet!
Some of our favorite local shops in the state can be found in beautiful Northwest Arkansas, and one of those is City Supply in Fayetteville. As a modern-day mercantile that offers curated homestead goods and provisions, you’ll be blown away by everything you see! With a collection of Arkansas-made coffee, food, décor, gifts, clothing, accessories, and everything in between, you can find all you need this holiday season at City Supply Fayetteville. It's on the downtown Fayetteville square and they're in full swing for the holiday's with carriage rides and an incredible walk-thru display! Check out 5 Things to do in Fayetteville this Weekend for more ideas!!
Another amazing local store in NWA is Bentonville Mercantile, located just one block off the festive downtown square in Bentonville. With one-of-a-kind, locally made products like The Berry Farm hats by Dave and Jenny Marrs from Fixer to Fabulous, handcrafted ceramic wine sippers made locally in Fayetteville and our Arkansas State Parks Scratch-Off Map, holiday shopping will be fun and easy! Find the gifts you’re looking for online!!
Be prepared to step back in time when you shop at the 100-year-old Sand Gap General Store in Pelsor. You can warm yourself by the pot belly stove while waiting for delicious biscuits and gravy, before you take the time to look around at the impressive nostalgia on sale. And it's right down the road from our favorite waterfall in Arkansas, Falling Water Falls!! Don’t miss out on this incredibly unique store and follow them on Facebook for more!
Rounding out Arkie Travels 2022 ‘Shop Local Guide’ is a must-stop place to shop- Dog Ear Books. As downtown Russellville’s destination for book worms, eager readers, college students, and kids, Dog Ear Books is THE place to find what your avid reader is hoping for this year. This independent bookstore offers books for every age, in every genre so be sure to stop by to make your loved one’s day merry and bright! And check out our downtown Russellville Video here!!
And don't forget about our online store, ArkansasAlley.com for Arkie Travels apparel, State Parks Scratch-Off Maps, our all new State Parks Playing Cards and a wide variety of Arkansas themed gifts!!
The holidays are the most magical time of year, filled with family, friends, food, and loved ones. Help keep the magic alive this season in whichever community you find yourself, by supporting local businesses. Shop Small Saturday is coming up, so be sure to look for local businesses near you to support while making memories with those you love. Thanks for checking out our 2022 ‘Shop Local Guide’ and when you stop in at these amazing Arkansas businesses, be sure to tell them we send our best. Happy holidays from all of us at Arkie Travels!
By Lindsay Jordan for Arkie Travels
Lindsay Jordan is the Sales Director and Sarah's right-hand woman at Arkie Travels. She has a passion for promoting all things Arkansas and has been the Executive Director for the Gann Museum of Saline County for the past 6 years, where her profound love of history and Arkansas pride has been exemplified in the exhibits, newsletters, and tours she has created.
Experiencing the Natural State with her family through camping, hiking and kayaking is a great joy in her life.