Thanksgiving week kicks off one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. Our inboxes fill with discount codes, our phones buzz with push notifications, and every website seems to have a countdown clock daring us to buy something right now.

But in the middle of all that noise, it’s easy to forget something important:

Some of the best shopping you can do doesn’t require an online spree, but rather just a short drive down the street.

1. Your community has more to offer than you think.

It’s easy to default to national chains or giant online retailers, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But whether you live in Kingfisher, Crescent, Blanchard, Newcastle, or anywhere in between, our communities are full of small businesses that carry unique, high-quality items you won’t find anywhere else.

Think:

• Boutiques with curated winter outfits
• Local gyms offering holiday membership deals
• Home décor shops ready for Christmas
• Bakeries with special Thanksgiving orders
• Craft vendors, makers, and artists
• Gift cards for salons, coffee shops, or restaurants

These aren’t just purchases — they’re investments in the places and people around you.

2. Online shopping is easy… but so is stopping by a local store.

Thanks to tech, it’s never been easier to discover what nearby businesses offer.

Scrolling Facebook groups, local Instagram pages, Google Maps, or community marketplaces can show you:

• Holiday pop-up events
• Small Business Saturday deals
• Flash sales at boutiques
• Local gym promos (a great gift for someone starting fresh in January!)
• Art markets, craft fairs, and maker shows

The more we use online tools to explore our local options, the more we can support our neighbors while still getting great deals

3. Shopping small keeps communities strong.

When you spend money locally:

• A family business grows
• A new employee gets hired
• A sports team gets sponsored
• A nonprofit receives support
• A downtown storefront stays filled
• A local gym stays open and thriving

Every purchase, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community.

4. Gifts hit different when they come from home.

A handmade candle from the local craft shop. A sweater from your favorite boutique. A membership to the local gym that everyone loves. A gift card to the corner coffee shop.

These aren’t just gifts — they’re stories. They’re memories rooted in your hometown. They feel more personal, more thoughtful, and more meaningful.

5. You can still love tech — just do it locally, too.

Even your tech-friendly gifts can be kept local:

• Photography sessions
• Smart home installations
• Local repair shops
• Small retailers (or even your Internet Cooperative ;) ) selling streaming devices, accessories, or home cameras
• Locally made phone cases, stickers, tumblers, or holiday-themed merch

Technology and local shopping aren’t opposites — they can work together beautifully.

As you browse deals this week, remember that some of the most meaningful purchases are the ones that stay close to home. Whether you’re buying a gift, signing up for a class, or treating yourself to something nice, consider choosing a local business first.

This season, let’s use our tech to stay connected — and keep our shopping rooted right here in our own communities.