Swap the freezing 4 AM Friday lines and Cyber Monday crashes for some local, West Virginia shops during Small Business Saturday. The weekend after Thanksgiving this year, stop by some of West Virginia’s 113,184 small businesses for some wild and wonderful gift ideas. 

When you shop local, you can find the perfect gift, without leaving your ZIP Code. With options ranging from hand-made Appalachian artistry to locally roasted coffee or a regionally-specific t-shirt, shopping small is the way to go. 

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up nearly 99% of all West Virginia businesses. Additionally, small businesses employ nearly half of all West Virginia employees.

This holiday season, think outside the box (store) and support your local florist, favorite microbrewery, and cool art gallery. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of local businesses — wherever “local” is for you. Whether you’re in Clarksburg or Charleston, Hinton or Harpers Ferry, check out our list of can’t-miss small businesses that will help make your holiday a little more jolly. 

Why shop small? 

On average, approximately 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community. So, your purchase does more than bring a smile to one face. Keeping your money in your community helps support entrepreneurship, innovation, and infrastructure. Local businesses are also more likely to donate to nonprofits and organizations within their communities than national chains. 

Come In, We’re Open… In Your Community 

From Bluefield to the tips of the panhandles — and everywhere in between — West Virginia boasts thousands of chances to shop small. 

The Eastern Panhandle

Charles Town is home to Art Deco Dekor, and Bars and Booths for some off-the-beaten-path décor. In downtown Martinsburg, treat yourself to Defluri’s Fine Chocolates and grab a new outfit at Westwood Charm. While in Ranson, find your next pair of shoes at Two Rivers Treads. In Shepherdstown, drop by the Tonic and Herb Shop, get a snack at the Mountaineer Popcorn Company and pick up a unique gift at Creative Procrastinations and Whimsical Necessities. Check out the studio and gallery at Magpie Pottery and go back in time — with your candy, that is — at True Treats Historic Candy in Harpers Ferry. Treat yourself or a loved one to a spa day in Berkeley Springs at Atasia Spa or the Renaissance Spa at The Country Inn.

Learn more at the Martinsburg Berkeley County, WV Visitors Bureau, the Ranson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Travel Berkeley Springs, and the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Hatfield and McCoy Mountains

If someone on your list loves an adventure, surprise them with a Hatfield & McCoy Airboat Tour.  Treat yourself after a day of shopping — or out on the Hatfield and McCoy Trails — to 34:Ate, a charming restaurant with fresh, creative food and pick up a personalized gift at Melisa’s Baskets Galore in WIlliamson. While in Logan, check out the selection at Don Browning’s Jewelers.

Learn more from WV Tourism and the Hatfield & McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

The Metro Valley

Wander down Charleston’s Capitol Street for unique finds at Taylor Books, delicious treats at Ellen’s Ice Cream and fresh produce and WV-products at Capitol Market. In Elk City, pick up a new shirt at Kin Ship Goods and get one of Base Camp Printing Company’s original pieces. 

For a wide selection of West Virginia-made products, don’t miss Full Circle Gifts & Goods in Huntington and pick up a book for the reader in your life from Cicada Books & Coffee. Explore the Wild Ramp, a community-supported market showcasing fresh food, antisinal and specialty products. 

In Milton, pick up some gorgeous West Virginia-made blown glass at Blenko Glass Co. While in Hurricane, stop by the Bear Wood Company for handmade furniture or small gifts and ornaments. Then, swing by the  Peyton and Peppy Boutique for a personalized shopping experience. When you’re in downtown Point Pleasant, don’t miss Counter Point Cooperative, this store offers an eclectic variety of locally-made gifts. 

Learn more from the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Huntington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

The Mid-Ohio Valley

In Parkersburg, indulge with Holl’s Swiss Chocolatier and find the perfect gift at Mulberry Lane. For a relaxed way to wind down the day, check out Parkersburg Brewing Company. While in Ripley, check out the Appalachian Distillery. If you have someone on your list who is impossible to buy for, consider gifting them a weekend at the charming Ravenswood Inn Bed and Breakfast. In Ravenswood, don’t miss MandyKate at Tetricks for a wide variety of gifts sure to impress. 

Learn more at the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Ripley Convention & Visitors Bureau.

See also: Swiftees: Come In. We’re Open!

Mountain Lakes

In the scenic mountain lakes region of the state, you can find unique options for arts, crafts, and boutiques. In Sutton, gift tickets to the historic Elk Theatre. Don’t miss Everything Fiesta, where you can buy the famous West-Virginia made dishware. 

In Buckhannon, explore Caroline & Co. Boutique and Tateep Unique Boutique for the latest fashions. Unearth a treasure at the Buckhannon Antique Mall. Mountain Mama Market & Artistry is just the place to find a special gift. 

Learn more at the Summersville Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Mountaineer Country

In Mountaineer Country, pick up original arts and prints at Appalachian Gallery, find the perfect leather bag at Tanner’s Alley Leather Design Studio, or grab a warm cup of tea at The Tea Shoppe in Morgantown. 

In Fairmont, pick up handmade items and vintage decor at The Tattered Daisy. For the gamer in your life, check out Gaming Till Dawn. If you’re looking to impress this year, stop by White’s Fine Jewelry. If you’re in Bridgeport, check out Babe & Honey Artisan Market for vintage finds and giftable treats.

Learn more at the Mountaineer Country Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau.

See also: Hoot and Howl: Come in. We’re open!

The New River-Greenbrier Valley

Although known for its breathtaking views and adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting adventures, the New River-Greenbrier Valley region has excellent shops, restaurants, and West Virginia-made items. While traveling the Turnpike, Tamarack is a must for high-end furniture and Appalachian books, pottery and art. At Harmony Ridge Pottery in Lewisburg, pick up jewelry, handbags, and art and don’t miss Yarid’s amazing shoe selection.  While in Ansted, check out the rustic charm of Chimney Corner USA Country Store. In Hinton, Otter & Oak is a specialty store carrying artisan made goods, apparel and footwear. If you’re in the market for antiques and primitives, don’t miss Grandma’s House. 

Learn more at Visit Southern WV Convention and Visitors Bureau.

See also: Hammer and Stain: Come in. We’re Open! and The RailYard: Come in. We’re open!

The Northern Panhandle

The Northern Panhandle is home to many “can’t miss” shops and experiences. Treat the theatre lover in your life to tickets to the historic Towngate Theatre and swing by Wheeling Brewing Company and the Centre Market for shopping, dinner, and a show. Pick up clothes and unique gift ideas for the fashion forward on your list from Serendipity Boutique in Weirton. In Moundsville, be sure to check out the Bonar Boutique, Home Town Floral & Gift Shop, and Boss Babe Boutique.

See also: Dynamic Dyslexia & Speech: Come in. We’re open!

Learn more at Top Of WV Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Moundsville Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

The Potomac Highlands

While in Canaan Valley, help your favorite skiers hit the slopes in style from the Ski Barn. For the less adventurous, pick up a hand-crafted item from Ben’s Old Loom Barn. The Davis Depot offers both new and consignment options for clothing and gear, while the Wandering Caravan offers a quirky blend of apparel and home decor. Find one-of-a-kind treasures at the Emerald Tree Boutique. Delight your favorite readers with finds from Blackwater Press and Ghost Palace Books. Also in Thomas, be sure to check out Tiny Llama, Scarlet Gray, and Ranger Jane’s. 

Learn more at Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

For more ways to explore the Mountain State, check out West Virginia Tourism.