*DisclosureThis post is sponsored by Fidelity and MEFA but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. I’m proud to be partnering with them to tell you all of the reasons Why You Should Shop Local for the Holidays and about the #UFundDreams Tour.*

These days the internet makes shopping in general so easy and convenient. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely do some of my holiday shopping online. But I also love to stroll down main street and pop into the local stores for some holiday finds. As a small business myself, I know first-hand the importance of supporting local business owners. It’s a win-win situation in my opinion. So get your winter coat and boots on and head out for a walk down main street.

Why You Should Shop Local for the Holidays

1. It is a great way to support your local economy

For a small business owner, every dollar counts. I truly feel like every community is strengthened by each and every one of its residents. By shopping at local stores you are supporting the future and economic growth of your community.

2. Store owners know their stuff

Local shop owners specialize in their products. They know their stuff! It’s a great way to get honest expert advice. Most times local shop owners choose the products they sell because they enjoy and believe in these products themselves.

3. You can find original and unique gifts

The biggest advantage of shopping local during the holidays is being able to find unique gifts that you might not be able to find anywhere else. I love giving handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts during the holiday season. It shows that you put some thought into your selection.

This holiday season forget about internet shopping. Close your computer and put away your phone. Head into town and stroll through the decorated stores that are lit up with holiday cheer. Grab a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop and chat with the shop owners. I promise you that this will not only help you get your holiday shopping done, but it will put you right into the holiday spirit.

Pop-Up Holiday Markets

Another great way to shop local is pop-up holiday markets like the SoWa Winter Festival. Pop-ups like these have hundreds of local businesses and specialty food vendors all in one place. You get to shop local and cross a bunch of people off your holiday gift list at once.

The SoWa Winter Festival will be held in Boston on December 6th-8th this year. We are definitely heading there to get some of our holiday shopping done.

The U.Fund Dreams Tour tent will also be there sharing how to give the gift of a college education.

The U.Fund Dreams Tour tent is fun for the kids with a photo booth complete with props and a launch game for the kids to play while the parents learn more about MEFA’s U.Fund College Investing Plan. So come join us for some holiday shopping and to get some great info on MEFA’s U.Fund!

The Gift of Education

Our children are almost teenagers. I literally cannot believe how the time flies! They are at the age where they really don’t play with toys anymore so holiday gift buying is a challenge.

When our family asks what to buy them for the holidays, I have started to suggest that they buy them one or two gifts like a video game or crafting kit and contribute the rest of the money they would normally gift to them to their MEFA’s U.Fund College Investing Plan.

A relative of ours opened the accounts for our children when they were born. We have contributed to them ever since because it is a flexible and affordable way to save for college. The added gifting gives their account even more of a savings boost. It is a great way for friends and relatives to contribute to their future.

MEFA makes things super easy for family and friends to give your kids the gift of education. You can set up a gifting page that they can visit and gift to the 529 accounts. They can contribute using an electronic check with no fees attached.

The more money that is invested into the 529 accounts, the faster the accounts will grow and the closer you will get to your college savings goal. And no gift amount is too small, every little bit adds up. MEFA is a local organization that helps Massachusetts families save for college. It’s just another great way to “shop” local for the holidays.

Here are some other posts you might like.

  1. How to Choose the Perfect Menu for Christmas Dinner
  2. A Guide to Holiday Baking
  3. 5 Dazzling Cocktails for Your Next Holiday Celebration

Happy Shopping!!