Over the weekend, I popped into a bunch of stores to run errands, and every single one was set up for holiday with trees, wreaths, and over the top sparkle. I kind of loved it. When I got home, I started strategizing my holiday gift shopping strategy, which I plan to do a little differently this year by shopping small.

Supporting small, local businesses not only makes you feel great, but it also gives back to the community where you live. Now that I’ve been in Connecticut for a while now, I’ve discovered some great shops, but my favorite for gift-buying is Kirby and Company in Darien. They have an incredible selection of home decor and gifts, that every time I go in, I can’t help but pick up at least one (or two) things! I could live in the wall of ginger jars…

I’ve become friends with the owner, Elaine, and she is such an inspiration to me. As a kid, I always dreamed of opening my own store, similar to this one, but when I see the amount of work and dedication it takes, I know I could never pull it off the way she does. In addition to the store, she has an adorable coffee shop in the back where Caitlin, the barista, makes amazing tea lattés or whatever you want. If you live in the area, I definitely suggest stopping by!

Not only is shopping small great for the community, it can also be pretty rewarding for you. If you enroll an eligible American Express Card here, you could earn 2X Rewards on purchases at qualifying small merchants now through October 15th and December 31st. Find one near you using this map. It includes restaurants, gyms, stores, and more! Amex launched this Card Member offer (their biggest ever!) to keep the shop small movement alive and to reward cardholders and small businesses.

Thank you to American Express for sponsoring this post.

Fleece Jacket c/o  / Tee / Jeans (similar) / Shoes / Wallet c/o / Gold Letters