Shop small, give big: Holiday gifts from Valley businesses

Consider supporting a local entrepreneur or company when searching for the perfect gift this holiday.

Struggling to find the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season? We're highlighting locally owned businesses that have participated in W. P. Carey's Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMB) Lab, which connects ASU faculty, business leaders, economic development professionals, and Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce members to address the challenges of local companies.

1. Treat the caffeine lover in your life to a cup of joe from Modern Grind, a coffee, tea, and health food drive-thru based in Avondale, Arizona. The mission-driven organization supports local businesses, youth, educators, and veterans through philanthropy, so Modern Grind customers give back to the broader Valley community with every purchase.
2. Begin a new tradition at your next family get-together with a Score NN' tournament. A combination of skipping stones and cornhole that can be played on land or in the pool, Score NN' is a portable game created by W. P. Carey alum Jaron Lodge (BS Business Entrepreneurship '21) that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
3. Consider a gift card to The Paleta Bar, a customizable Spanish ice pops restaurant based in Glendale, Arizona. The shop's extensive menu has something for everyone, including traditional and diary-free paletas and a range of fruit drinks.
4. Looking to gift your loved ones with an experience this holiday season? Phoenix Rising, the highest-level professional soccer franchise in the state, is located in the heart of the Valley and offers tickets starting at just $15 per seat.
5. Give the health nut in your life the gift of Agoge, a sustainable, allergen-free, hemp-based protein powder. As a veteran-owned, USDA-powered organization, Agoge offers a plant-based nutrition option to keep your athletic friends and family members fueled throughout their workouts.
6. From sports-themed parties to camps to classes, B.E.S.T. Sports has opportunities for pint-sized athletes to explore their soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, football, tennis, and volleyball skills while learning about the value of teamwork through sports.

We hope this list of locally owned businesses provides some unique gift ideas for your holiday shopping.

Learn more about the SMB Lab and how it's addressing challenges faced by small businesses.