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Business & Tech

Small Biz Saturday: Shop Local and Support Jobs in Gilroy

Where do local business owners do their holiday shopping? Patch gives you the inside scoop.

If you worry about unemployment in the U.S., you aren’t alone. Did you know that the best way to save and create American jobs is to support small businesses? Did you know that for every $50 you spend in a small business in Gilroy, $34 of that comes back into Gilroy, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. When you spend the same $50 with a national retailer, also known as a chain store, approximately $7.50 goes back to the town.

Small Business Saturday, held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, was created to remind Americans that they can use their holiday spending dollars to support American jobs and businesses. However, supporting your neighbors and your community isn’t the only reason to shop locally. You can find thoughtful, unique gifts without having to brave mall traffic.

Ready to spend your shopping dollars locally, but not sure where to go? Patch went searching for some unique gifts nearby and asked a few Gilroy businesses which other small, local businesses they support. You can buy gift cards at every place listed below.

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And you can read about the small businesses local restaurant owners love, too. Be sure to check out our .

AMORETTO BOUTIQUE

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Located at 7516 Eigleberry (near corner of Fifth Street)

Amoretto has fashionista gifts covered, with a great selection of handbags, purses and jewelry. For the person who works at home, how about a sparkling rhinestone-covered stapler? Amoretto will have a 3-hour Black Friday sale, and everything in the store will be 25 percent off from 9 a.m. to noon.

BOOKSMART KIDS

Located at 7490 Monterey Street

How about a Puff the Magic Dragon book/CD set signed by , with a dragon from BookSmart’s irresistible dragon collection. (Good luck choosing just one.) They have a great selection of children's books and toys, and especially good craft-oriented supplies and stuffed animals.

BookSmart owner Brad Jones says he supports Garlic City Café, Lizarran, O.D.’s Kitchen, and Scotty’s, and that he likes Gilroy Medical Supply for their foot-pampering products.

“I hope folks remember that local businesses support schools, teachers, and fundraisers for many charities," Jones said. "You won’t get the same kind of community support from Walmart or Amazon.”

COLLECTIVE PAST

7495 Monterey Street

This store sells wares from a few dozen antique vendors. This time of year the vintage holiday ornaments are on display, so try filling a basket with antique ornaments for a nostalgic centerpiece or a great hostess gift.

NIMBLE THIMBLE/GARLIC CITY MERCANTILE

Located at 7550 Monterey Street

For quilters this store is heaven. If there’s a fabric lover on your list, a gift certificate will be welcome. Check out the quilt-making kits, notions and Gilroy collectibles, too. Quilt-making classes for beginners start in January, and gift certificates work for those, too.

OTHER GIFT IDEAS:

For Pet Lovers: Visit the The Pet Peddler or Sassy Pooch for pet toys or grooming gift certificates. You can also buy dog wash tokens for the .

For Wine Lovers: Check out this .

For BBQ Lovers: Just the aroma outside of BBQ 152 is a treat. Buy gift cards and let your lucky friends choose ribs, brisket or chicken.

For Pasta Lovers: or Tasso's.

We couldn’t list every small business that we love, but you can add to the list in the comment section, below. Which small business in Gilroy is your favorite?

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