By the time you read this, we will have already hit double digits on the calendar for December, meaning that time is already running out for that holiday shopping.

But this is no reason to panic, and it is certainly not a reason to relegate yourself to the soulless experience of thoughtlessly buying a bunch of stuff from conglomerate retailers (ye who shall not be named in this column, but might rhyme with “Hamathon” and “Tall-bart,” for example).

Relying on these carnivorous Kranks of consumerism not only robs you of the experience of finding something meaningful and unique for a friend or loved one, it also robs our small businesses of critical dollars that sustain them and contribute massively to our local economy.

According to the 2024 Small Business Profile from the United States SBA, Rhode Island comprises an astounding 109,983 small businesses (meaning 500 employees or fewer), with a vast majority of those (107,367) having no more than 19 employees. That means, of all businesses in Rhode Island, about 99% are considered small. It’s quite the fitting statistic for the smallest state, we think.

Throughout our cities and towns, you will find that Main Street America is still alive and well, despite the ever-growing proliferation of big box stores and the rapid migration from in-store experiences to online shopping.

While those big box stores serve their purpose, admittedly, for providing vast quantities of essential goods for the weekly needs of large families, or carrying a specific belt in stock and available for immediate purchase at 8 p.m. when your dryer breaks on laundry night with your best pair of pants inside (not speaking from experience, or anything), it is our responsibility to not allow them to become the go-to spot for holiday shopping — not when there are so many small businesses worthy of your support.

Within these businesses you can find every imaginable gift idea suitable for everyone on your list. A small, local gift shop can provide plenty of stocking stuffers. A locally operated hardware store carries items that would make any DIY-er happy. Countless small boutiques contain clothing to bring a smile to an array of fashion tastes. Antique shops and bookstores provide wonderful shopping experiences, with knowledgeable purveyors who can help you find that perfect something for that certain someone.

You don’t even necessarily need to go hunting through the shops at all. Many community churches and merchants groups hold holiday bazaars and craft shows throughout the season, bringing the artisans and small businesses to one central location so you can easily browse through and find a little bit of everything, or find inspiration for the one who is hard to shop for.

So often, the pressure of the holidays makes us forget that the gift-shopping experience should be just that — an experience. Rather than treating it as a chore to be done, treat it as an outing. Get together with family or friends, hit up a local coffee shop to charge your shopping batteries, and then go out and hit some Main Streets and village downtowns. Grab some lunch at a local restaurant and head back out.

You never know what you’ll find, but you know for certain you’ll be helping your fellow Rhode Islanders.