After the madness of Black Friday, the somewhat more subdued Small Business Saturday eases us into the gift-giving season. Introduced by American Express in 2010 as a way to promote small businesses in the wake of the Great Recession, this unofficial holiday encourages consumers to support local businesses when contemplating their holiday shopping lists. It helps, too, that our state allows New Mexico-based small businesses to deduct gross receipts tax on all qualifying sales. Here are a few of the places you’ll want to hit for unique gift ideas from your local artisans, tax-free.
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
This award-winning market is a favorite of Saturday morning shoppers, but never more so than during the holidays. Considering you can purchase everything from fresh locally grown produce and fresh-baked bread to handmade soaps, jewelry, clothing, artwork, and more, it’s no real surprise.
COAS Bookstore
While you’re downtown, don’t forget to stop by the largest bookstore in town, COAS Books. With a huge selection of new and used books, CDs, DVDs, and gifts, it’s a great place to kick off your Small Business Saturday shopping!
Locally Crafted Spirits
For friends and family who relish a special bottle of locally crafted spirits, be sure to visit Dry Point Distillers. For more information, visit the website.
Austin’s Fine Jewelry
Locally owned and in business for 33 years, Austin’s has your bling needs covered. Their Christmas sale goes through the end of December, with up to 70% off everything in the store, but adding that additional tax-free deal for Small Business Saturday makes the savings even better. Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wild Birds Unlimited
Can’t get enough of the birds in your yard? Know a bird watcher? Winters coming and our little feathered friends need all the love they can get. The Fill-A-Bag special, wherein you can save 25% on everything you can fit in the provided bag, starts on November 18 and runs through the 25th, but makes a wonderful Small Business Saturday stop. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Support Your Local Artist
Find the work of local artists at Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery, an artist cooperative in old Mesilla. There are many artists represented in the gallery working in many mediums, including jewelry, gourd art, photography, sculpture, paintings, and more. Shop local from a local artist!
Restaurant Gift Cards
Support a locally owned restaurant by buying a gift card for someone special. Some restaurants, like La Posta de Mesilla and Café de Mesilla, have gift shops, too!
Gift of Golf
If you have a golfer on your shopping list, consider a gift certificate for a round of golf or something special from the pro shop. Check out the NMSU Golf Course or the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course for just the right thing for the duffer on your list.
There are so many more small businesses located in Las Cruces and Mesilla. Take the time to pay them a visit for Small Business Saturday and let them know how much you appreciate them.
Posted by LasCruces.com
