With Christmas right around the corner I know many of us are beginning to think about what to buy for family and friends this holiday season. We’re making lists, looking around online or maybe window shopping for the perfect gifts to celebrate the coming season. I hope that as we start those lists we remember the importance of shopping locally and consider how much our choice to patronize local business benefits the entire community.

Local small businesses are the backbone of Bay Minette. They provide a great deal of tax revenue, directly and indirectly, that allows us to maintain and improve the quality of our lives as members of the larger community. Shopping locally stimulates the local economy by putting money directly into the city coffers and the pockets of resident merchants. It also means local employment for our friends and neighbors.

A huge plus for me in shopping locally is that there is more product diversity with small businesses because they know their base and target what the customers need and want instead of what the corporate office wants them to sell nationally. Shopping locally also grows the small business pool, encouraging more investment and creates a thriving downtown which will draw other small businesses, creating still more jobs and offering a wider variety of places to shop. And shopping locally helps you share in a sense of community and a love of that community. It starts with you. Invest in your community and you will also reap the benefits.

There are several businesses in the downtown area that have what you need for that special Christmas gift including Stacey’s Drugstore located at 109 Courthouse Square. They have a wonderful selection of items that will make the perfect Christmas present for those on your list. I was talking with a friend last week who told me that Stacey’s can also order items from their catalog if you need multiple gifts for friends or coworkers.

Another great shop downtown is Best Friends Gallery. You can find unique and one of a kind items for that hard to buy for person. Many local artisans have beautiful handmade work on display and ready to be wrapped up for a friend of family member. And contrary to popular belief, not all art will cost an arm or leg. You’ll be pleasantly surprised what a modest shopping budget can accomplish.

A new shop has opened downtown at 161A North Hoyle Avenue next door to Liberty Tax Service. It’s the Bryars Patch Boutique, where you can find super cute clothes, shoes and accessories for the ladies in your life. You may want to stop by often as there are wonderful sale items offered regularly. Don’t forget to “like” them on facebook too!

Bay Minette has a great deal to offer this holiday season. So instead of driving out of your way and battling the ever increasing traffic on the Eastern Shore, why not stay in your own backyard and take a look downtown? I guarantee that you will find something for everyone on your gift list. Begin the season of giving by giving gifts that give back to your community. You’ll be glad you did and so will your neighbors.

In other news, mark your calendars for the Fourth Annual Haunted Library! The Bay Minette Public Library will be the destination for Halloween fun with family friendly ghost stories, a spooky haunted library tour and more. After visiting the library, step across the street to the John F. Rhodes Civic Center for the Bay Minette Civic Club’s Halloween Downtown 22 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. for carnival games, cake walk and costume contest.

And on Saturday, Nov. 2nd the first Stockton Sawmill Days will be held at Bicentennial Park from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be all sorts of activities on tap including a parade, mules in costume, square dancing, folk art and antique cars along with many other family fun activities.

Joanna Bailey is the director of the Bay Minette Public Library. She can be reached at baileyvolumes@gmail.com