While the convenience of online shopping tempts most shoppers this holiday season, the benefits of shopping small can be much greater for both the consumer and the business.

Johnson City offers many small businesses where shoppers can find handmade items, fresh foods and experiences to create gifts for others.

If you are looking to create a gift for someone this season, Into the Fire is a great option. Located in Downtown Johnson City, this paint-your-own-pottery studio offers many holiday ceramic pieces and ornaments that customers can turn into masterpieces to gift to friends, family or for themselves. Prices include a studio fee and the price of the pottery.

BoomTown & Co. is another small business located in Downtown Johnson City. This shop offers local themed merchandise, Dolly Parton tees, ETSU apparel and even houses other small business items in their inventory. If you are looking for a gift for someone who loves a niche graphic tee, this is the shop for you.

If your gift recipient has a sweet tooth, CakeBuds Bakery in Downtown Johnson City is the place for you. They offer cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and more. This holiday season, they are also selling hot cocoa bombs, hot cocoa gift sets, spiked holiday cookies and sweet charcuterie cups. They have been featured on the Food Network, and their sweet talents would make for the perfect desert at a holiday dinner. 

The Terrarium Plant Store in Downtown is a plant store that specializes in succulent and interior plants. They offer life planting classes, terrarium building, seasonal activities, and more. This holiday season, they are offering a Christmas wreath making class and a basic wreath starts at $25! Attending a class at this shop would be a perfect experience and gift wrapped up into one. Or, if your recipient has a green thumb of their own, purchasing a live plant and gifting it would be a perfect option as well.

Downtown Johnson City has many options to help people shop small this holiday season. Shopping small benefits the business owners, as well as the customers as well. For more information on shopping local, visit https://www.downtownjc.com/.