Why Should You Shop Small?

Every holiday season, we’re reminded how much our shopping choices matter — not just to our gift recipients, but to the people and businesses behind every product. At Bonsaify, we feel this deeply. Shopping small isn’t a trend; it’s a meaningful way to support art, craft, community, and the people who pour their hearts into what they do.

What Is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a marketing effort by American Express, but over time it’s become something much bigger. Today, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is an officially recognized holiday dedicated to supporting small, local, and independent businesses.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses are defined by industry type, average annual revenue, and number of employees. Using all three criteria, Bonsaify fits squarely — proudly — into the very small business category.

Why Shopping Small Matters

For business owners like Eric and me, Bonsaify isn’t “just” a business. It’s an extension of who we are — Eric as an artist and grower, and both of us as dreamers, builders, and  family-first entrepreneurs raising two kids who now understand what it means to run a real business.

When you shop small, you’re supporting:

• Local economies. For every dollar spent at a small business, 67¢ stays local.

• Families, not corporations. You’re supporting real people with real dreams.

• Connection. We’ve built friendships with our USPS carrier who stops by daily, our workshop students, and the Bay Area community.

• Sustainability. At Bonsaify, we donate 1% of all revenue to One Tree Planted to support reforestation.

Your support allows us to keep creating, keep teaching, and keep offering bonsai that bring joy, calm, and presence into people’s lives.

How Small Business Benefits Communities

Every small business has a ripple effect. For Bonsaify, your purchases help us:

• Hire locally

• Host workshops and classes, and meet new neighbors each month

• Contribute to local and ecological sustainability

• Keep the art and tradition of bonsai accessible and joyful

It's never “just a purchase.” It’s fuel for everything we do.

Four Simple Ways to Support Small Businesses

Supporting a small business doesn’t require grand gestures. Here are four easy ways to make a big difference:

1. Look Around When You’re Out and About

Next time you’re picking up your morning coffee, take a second to notice what’s around you. There may be a local bookstore, boutique, or specialty shop you’ve never stepped into — now’s the time.

2. Ask for Recommendations

Your friends, neighbors, and online communities are full of great suggestions. And when you do find a small business you love, sharing it is one of the most powerful ways to support them. Post it on Nextdoor or to a local Facebook group.

3. Gift Cards Are Small-Business Superpowers

They introduce someone new to the business, provide immediate support to the owner, and make wonderful gifts. (And yes — we offer Bonsaify gift cards!)

4. Make Every Day Small Business Day

Small Business Saturday is one day out of the year, but small businesses depend on everyday support. Whenever you can, choose a small business first — whether online or in your own neighborhood.

From Our Family to Yours

Thank you for supporting Bonsaify — whether you’ve bought a tree, attended a class, subscribed on YouTube, or simply sent us a photo of your bonsai thriving in your garden. Your support helps keep a very meaningful dream alive for our family and brings more beauty into the world through the patient and joyful art of bonsai.