On the hunt for the right gift? Rochester Reddit's picks for Small Business Saturday

Each year since 2020, we have asked the r/Rochester community on Reddit about their favorite places to shop for the holidays. With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are starting to think about finding the perfect gifts for their loved ones. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we turned to the r/Rochester community on Reddit to find out their top recommendations for Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a holiday shopping tradition that was started in 2010 by American Express. It takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is meant to encourage shoppers to support local businesses in their communities. Many small businesses rely on the holiday season to boost their sales, so shopping at these establishments can make a big difference in the success of their operations. When we asked the r/Rochester community about their favorite places to shop on Small Business Saturday, we received a wide range of responses. Here are some of the top recommendations: 1. Parkleigh: Located in the Park Avenue neighborhood, Parkleigh is a unique gift shop that offers a wide variety of products. From home decor to jewelry to gourmet food items, you can find something for everyone on your list at this store. 2. Hart's Local Grocers: If you're looking for food-related gifts, Hart's Local Grocers is the place to go. This grocery store offers a wide variety of locally sourced products, including fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. They also have a selection of gift baskets that make great presents for friends and family. 3. Village Gate Square: Village Gate Square is a collection of small businesses located in a converted factory building. This unique shopping destination offers a wide variety of products, including art, clothing, accessories, and more. It's a great place to discover one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else. 4. Hart's Woods: Another great option for food-related gifts is Hart's Woods. This specialty food store offers a wide selection of high-quality products, including gourmet chocolates, cheeses, and more. They also offer gift wrapping services, making it easy to find the perfect present for any food lover. 5. Thread: If you're looking for stylish clothing and accessories, Thread is the place to go. This boutique specializes in curated collections of clothing, jewelry, and accessories from independent designers. You'll be sure to find something unique and fashionable for everyone on your list. 6. Rochester Public Market: The Rochester Public Market is a great place to shop for fresh produce, meats, and other food items. They also have a variety of other vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to clothing to home goods. It's a lively and bustling marketplace that is sure to have something for everyone. 7. Little Button Craft & Press: This charming store in the South Wedge neighborhood offers a variety of handmade crafts and gifts. From greeting cards to jewelry to home decor items, you can find a unique and thoughtful present for anyone on your list. 8. Record Archive: For music lovers, Record Archive is a must-visit. This iconic independent record store offers a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, and other music-related items. It's a great place to find that special album or obscure artist that you've been searching for. 9. Shop One: Shop One is a gift shop located on the RIT campus that specializes in handmade crafts and art. They feature the work of local artists and designers, making it a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. 10. Millennium Games: If you're shopping for a board game enthusiast, look no further than Millennium Games. This store offers a wide selection of board games, card games, and other gaming accessories. They also have a knowledgeable staff that can help you find the perfect game for any age or interest. These are just a few of the many great small businesses in the Rochester area. Shopping at these establishments not only supports local entrepreneurs, but it also allows you to find unique and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. So this Small Business Saturday, consider skipping the big-box stores and shopping small. You'll be supporting your community and finding some truly special gifts in the process.