Every year, many people opt to shop at large retail stores to find the perfect holiday gifts for their loved ones. However, the best finds are often discovered inside the small businesses right in their own backyard.

Today is Small Business Saturday, which was started by American Express in 2010 as a day intended to support local businesses, “with a spending estimate of $15 billion,” according to Forbes magazine.

Many stores in historic downtown Picayune are participating in Small Business Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bob Gibson, co-owner of Gibson House Antiques, said his store has plenty of unique items only found in Picayune.

“This is our first year doing this and we hope to have a lot of people come and support us,” Gibson said. “We have unique items from local vendors and at great prices.”

By shopping local, we not only avoid the hassle of traveling the crowded roadways and escaping the Black Friday mayhem, we also give back to our community and help the community grow economically. With the majority of money and taxes staying local, it in turn helps schools and municipalities thrive.

If, however, you’re still recuperating from Thanksgiving dinner and Black Friday shopping, there will be another chance to shop local a couple of weeks before Christmas arrives.

On Dec. 4, Picayune Main Street is hosting their annual Shop by Candlelight and Christmas on the Rails event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in historic downtown Picayune. Dozens of downtown merchants will open their doors to allow Christmas shoppers the chance to shop close to home and discover unique finds not found anywhere else. Besides shopping, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including hay and train rides, Christmas carolers and an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

It’s important to shop small this Christmas to help our local businesses and community thrive for many Christmases to come.