This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Simplified: Supporting local businesses during the holidays (and year-round) keeps more dollars in the community. Here's a guide to completing your holiday shopping in the Sioux Metro.

Why it matters

  • Local businesses rely on local support. It's how they keep the lights on and the doors open to provide the products and services that make the Sioux Metro unique.
  • When you spend money at a local business, it's more likely to stay in the community. The U.S. Chamber estimates that for every dollar spent at a local business, about $0.67 cents stays in the community.
  • Shopping local also ensures you're giving gifts that truly couldn't be found anywhere else. And with so many shops in the region, it's easy to find something for everyone on your list.
"There's no better way to support economic growth in the metro than by supporting the businesses that are already here," Sioux Metro Growth Alliance President and CEO Jesse Fonkert said.

Here's a guide to finding the right gift for everyone on your list

But first, a note. This is only a small fraction of all of the businesses in the metro. If you stop by a neighboring town, be sure to drive around a bit and see what else strikes your fancy while you're there.

For the coffee lover:

  • Get a gift card to Zooks Coffee Bar in Tea, and let your friends and family choose a "customer favorite" drink they'll only find there.
  • You can also head north to Stomping Grounds, Inc. in Hartford and get a gift card to cover both a yummy coffee drink and a scoop of SDSU ice cream.

For the kids:

  • Gift an experience they'll love at The Sandlot in Harrisburg, where kids can experience all kinds of sensory play.
  • Another experience-focused option for kids is a punch card to visit the Tea Play Place, where kids can play and climb, and parents can sit and enjoy a coffee from Central Dakota Perk.

For the collector:

  • The metro has several antique shops where you can find something special for the collectors and vintage-item-appreciators in your life. Check out Rare Necessities Antiques in Canton – and while you're there, pop over to the quilting and sewing shop on the same block to find gifts for the crafters in your life.

For the beer lover:

For the wine lover:

For your fashion-forward friend:

  • Head up to Dell Rapids and check out Corduroy & Pixie Dust, which has clothes for women and children, as well as toys, balloons, candy, bath bombs and some special holiday items.
  • Dell Rapids also has several other boutiques, including Untamed Collective, a home goods store, and Thistle & Thornes gift shop.

For the pets:

  • Gift them a trip to the Splash Bark in Harrisburg, where they'll be able to channel some summer vibes even in the middle of winter at the indoor splash park. (Oh, and there's also a tiki bar for the humans in the room).

What else should I know about shopping local?

Sometimes the best finds come from just driving or walking around a town you haven't visited in awhile.

You can also make a day or night of it by trying a local restaurant, bar, coffee shop or other spot you haven't been to before. Then, after a nice treat, stroll around the area and stop in to the shops to take a look around.