Its no secret that we love our small town of Batavia and supporting all of the amazing businesses that are a part of it. The 2025 Shop Small Impact Study done by American Express stated that 95% of small business owners agree that community support is what keeps them thriving, up from 86% in 2024. The brick and mortar businesses in our small town are what brings our town to life, which is why when it comes to the holiday season we make sure to shop local first for all of our holiday gifts.
According to the American Express 2022 Small Business Economic Impact Study, with every dollar spent at a small business in the US, 68 cents stays in the local community. When shopping with small businesses instead of large corporations you are supporting your neighbors and boosting the local economy. You're also increasing the amount our community is able to invest in infrastructure, education, and so much more. So not only are your purchases from small businesses supporting the business owners, but they're also supporting you!
When it comes to gifts for your classroom heroes, it’s always a safe bet that they’ll enjoy pampering themselves over break! Picking up some soaps or lotions from 63rd Street Apothecary, or a candle and some tea from The Tea Tree is one of the best ways to show some love! If you would prefer to gift something they can snack on or enjoy with friends and family over the holidays a Popcorn Tin from the Batavia Popcorn Depot, coffee from Giron Guatemalan Apparel and Home, or something sweet from Jodi Mac Sweets and Treats or AHA Kapeh Traditional Bakery are all great spots to pick something up for them!
If you want to play it safe, picking up a cute little ornament from Limestone, a puzzle from Farmdog Flowers, or a Santa Mug from Warehouse 55 are also great options, Plus you can add in a gift card for The Goat, New Moon Vegan, or one of the many other businesses and restaurants here in Batavia to give a little more!
Downtown Batavia is filled with so many shops to get the perfect gifts for your little ones! Just by walking the strip you can pick up everything you might need. Whether it's a figurine of their favorite character from Tabletop Game Shop, a plushie from Gifts and Amor, or a handmade plushie by Stitched by Stephanie, there are so many options in Downtown Batavia. If you’re looking sweet treats for stocking stuffers or some fun stickers for your kids stockings, Jodi Mac Treats and Sweets and Redhive Market are the places to go! Pop the sweets and stickers into a cute pouch from Mojo Handbags Et-Cetera and your kids stockings will be stuffed with so many local goodies! Then when it comes to Christmas PJ's and T's Arlo.Hendrix in the Wilson Street Mercantile is the way to go!
When it comes to tricky teens and young adults there are SO many great gifts throughout town. Stuff their stockings with bath bombs from 63rd Street Apothecary, some beautiful boots from Gifts and Amor, a fun graphic tea from Seapeak Style or introduce them to Dungeons and Dragons with a starter set from Tabletop Game Shop. Surprise them earlier in season with a new holiday outfit from Paula’s Couture Consignment and some pampering products from Urban Style Salon and Spa.
Seapeak Style is always a great spot to start for your teens with all of their fun seasonal tees and slippers. For the music lovers, band tees from the Instrument Exchange. Or, find the latest vinyl album from Kiss the Sky, both are stellar options. For the teens that love to pamper themselves, some hair accessories from Jaclyn Sue Boutique. Some new bath supplies from 63rd Street Apothecary are also the perfect gift.
One of our personal favorite gifts to give here at Batavia Mainstreet are experience gifts! If you're looking for something creative to gift your partner opt for one of these amazing experiences our downtown shops have to offer.
Pottery or Macrame Workshop - Thrown Threads
Enroll in a Dance Class - Batavia Academy of Dance
See a Show - The Comedy Vault Batavia
Candy Cane Treat - Pet Wants
Pet Clothes - Pet Wants
CBD Oil - Fat Sam's for Pets
Pet Toys - Fat Sam's for Pets
One of the best parts of shopping small is browsing for stocking stuffers! Stockings are the best way to try new products, and spread some holiday cheer! Some of our favorite stocking stuffers throughout downtown include:
If you're looking for last minute holiday decor for your home this holiday season, be sure to check out the seasonal options at these shops in downtown Batavia!
Check out our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for more gift ideas and a further look at what our favorite shops have in stock this holiday season.
