Looking for a little inspo for the perfect gift (or maybe even your own wish list)? Small Business Saturday is officially observed on November 27 this year, but we recommend shopping small and looking local the whole holiday season (and year-round).
Check out our handy Central Coast holiday shopping guide:
Shop Local
Shopping locally puts money right back into the community. Whether you’re searching for handmade artisan soaps or AirPods, consider making your purchase on the Central Coast:
- Downtown SLO Shopping Directory*
- San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Shopping Directory*
- Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Shopping Directory
- Atascadero Chamber Shopping Directory
- Morro Bay Chamber Shopping Directory
- South County Chambers Shopping Directory
- Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce Shopping Directory
* The SLO Chamber of Commerce is rewarding local shoppers with the Buy Local Bonus program. Shoppers spending more than $100 at a qualifying store are rewarded with a $25 gift card (while supplies last). Learn more about the program here »
Try Something New
Consider the gift of a new experience — there are plenty of activities on the Central Coast for all ages:
- Go kayaking or whale watching in Morro Bay
- Go Horseback riding on the Madonna Inn trails
- Restore at Sycamore Springs
- Try ziplining in Santa Margarita
- Plan an overnight retreat at a waterfront resort in Pismo, like the Spyglass Inn
- Snag a tee time at one of our many local golf courses
- Support the Charles Paddock Zoo with a membership
- Arrange a picnic and tasting at a scenic Central Coast winery
- Get a season pass for the Great American Melodrama in Oceano
- Share your favorite local restaurant or coffee shop with a gift card
Support a Local Nonprofit
Stumped on what to gift the person that has everything or the person who loves to make a difference? Consider a donation in their name to their favorite local nonprofit. Or, plan a volunteering day with them — such as a beach clean-up or helping at a Food Bank distribution.
This season SESLOC Is Giving Joy with the Family Care Network — a local nonprofit that supports children and youth in foster care, as well as families struggling with homelessness and unhealed trauma in San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara counties. Now more than ever, donations are essential to spreading holiday magic for those in need. This fundraiser helps supply warm winter clothing, groceries, holiday meals, gifts, toys, holiday cheer, and support for unfunded and urgent basic needs. If you’re interested in supporting, you can donate online or at our branches through December 18.
And Don’t Forget the Holiday Cheer
In between shopping for gifts, putting up the tree, and your annual screening of Home Alone, don’t forget to take in a little local holiday whimsy to get in the spirit:
- Check out the Cambria Christmas Market
- Follow the Atascadero Holiday Trail of Lights
- Visit the December Mid-State Fair Market
- Shop during Christmas in the Village in Arroyo Grande
- Enjoy Paso Roble’s 60th annual Christmas Light Parade
- Drive through the Santa Maria Elk’s Christmas in the County experience
- See the Paso Robles Vine Street Victorian Showcase
- Solve the SLO Children’s Museum Holiday Scavenger Hunt
- See what’s happening at the Holiday Plaza
