🎁✨The gift guide that gives back

🤝💜 And today, we’re talking about the most underrated gift of the season: community.

👀 What’s on tap today:

Up first…

🎄✨ The holidays may run on cookies and caffeine, but what really powers the season are the neighbors, the artists, and the small business owners who make our communities feel alive. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Rockland Trust, the undeniable MVP of cheering on local businesses all year long — especially when holiday chaos hits.

🎁 In their annual Holiday Small Business Shopping Guide, they spotlight 100+ shops, makers, and goodies that say “I care” the moment the ribbon comes off. It’s basically your shortcut to meaningful gifting with zero stress-induced scrolling.

❤️ Here are a few standout gift ideas to keep in mind as you make your list (and check it twice) this year.

🍬 Give the gift of nostalgia… but make it fancy. Dorothy Cox’s handmade buttery buttercrunch and old-school treats hit that sweet spot between childhood memories and grown-up indulgence. Sneak a piece for yourself while wrapping, or gift the full box and watch someone’s eyes light up.

💚 Give the gift of charm and creativity with Emerson by Avery’s colorful note cards and original art. Each piece is playful, thoughtful, and hand-designed by 7-year-old artist, Avery. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to add a little more whimsy and childlike wonder to their everyday life. 

🎁 Candles aren’t exactly the most revolutionary holiday gift, but these small-batch, hand-poured wonders simply never disappoint. Each scent — from vanilla chai to apple cider donut — instantly turns any room into a soft-lit sanctuary. Even better, they’re locally made, so gifting them is a little nod to the community while upgrading someone’s living room vibe.

🧖 Sometimes the best gift is literally “you deserve a nap.” Oasis Massage offers gift certificates for relaxing massages and wellness treatments, from full-body work to targeted therapy. This is the gift that helps someone hit pause, recharge, and feel cared for — all while supporting a local small business that keeps the community feeling grounded year-round.

🌟 Hungry for more gift ideas? The Rockland Trust Small Business Shopping Guide is stacked with other local goodies and experiences that will make you look thoughtful without breaking a sweat. Scroll, bookmark, and let your holiday shopping do some extra good for the community.

Did you know Boston is home to 18,000+ small business establishments, generating over $28 billion in revenue and employing 127,000+ people? By shopping small from the Rockland Trust guide, you’re not just giving a thoughtful gift — you’re helping power your hometown’s economy, block by block

-- Written by Tori Waltz, Studio/B, Boston Globe Media’s branded content studio (The editorial team was not involved in the creation of this B-Side Extra Edition)

🍂 Thanks for reading! May your gifts be thoughtful, your heart be full, and your bank account not be too depleted.

💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, Rockland Trust, for sponsoring this extra B-Side send and giving small businesses the spotlight they deserve this holiday season.