My Favorite Buffalo & Grand Island Small Businesses to Support This Holiday Season
Happy December! I don’t know about you, but the end of the year always sneaks up on me. Right around the time I start feeling settled into the school year routine, suddenly it’s time to deliver my last few galleries from the busy season, pull the holiday decorations out of the attic, and scramble for those pesky last-minute gifts.
I guess in some ways, the mad-dash chaos has become one of my holiday traditions… but it’s not one I’d necessarily recommend! 😅
However, there’s one tradition I DO love (and that I’m determined to get more people to participate in!): making time to write reviews for my favorite local businesses. So many people are working incredibly hard this time of year, and as a small business owner myself, I know how much it means to get a little shout-out when you’re feeling stretched thin.
So this year, in addition to writing Google reviews, I figured I’d share some recommendations here with you! Consider this my own personal “Best of Western New York” list for families who love supporting local.
My Favorite Buffalo & Grand Island Spots
Favorite Date Night Spot: Dick and Jenny’s (Grand Island)
Listen, if you haven’t been to Dick and Jenny’s yet, you’re missing out on one of Grand Island’s best-kept secrets. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, the food is consistently excellent, and it’s the perfect spot for when you finally get a babysitter and want to remember what it’s like to have an actual conversation with your partner. Their menu changes seasonally, and everything I’ve tried has been delicious. Pro tip: Make a reservation—this place fills up, especially on weekends!
Favorite Place for Gifts: Leaf, Stone & Steel (Grand Island)
This is my go-to spot when I need a unique gift that actually feels thoughtful. Whether you’re shopping for a hard-to-buy-for family member or looking for something special for your home, Leaf, Stone & Steel has that perfect mix of handcrafted items, local art, and curated goods. I’ve found beautiful jewelry here, unique home decor, and those gifts that make people say, “Where did you find this?!” Plus, supporting a Grand Island small business? That’s a win-win.
Favorite Boutique: She Gathers (City of Tonawanda)
18 women-owned businesses all under one roof. So yes, I’m using girl math to justify that I’m saving gas money by shopping here instead of driving to 18 different places. But seriously… this collective on Webster Street in North Tonawanda is such a gem. You can sip tea, browse beautiful clothing and gifts, and actually enjoy the experience of shopping instead of rushing through it. The vibe is welcoming, the selection is curated, and supporting 18 local women business owners at once? That feels really good.
Favorite Coffee Shop: Coffee & Stone (City of Tonawanda)
Right next door to She Gathers, Coffee & Stone is the perfect spot to grab a really good cup of coffee before or after shopping. The space is beautiful and calming, the coffee is excellent, and they have pastries and light bites that are perfect for a mid-morning pick-me-up. I’ve also brought my kids here—they have options for the little ones, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that I don’t feel stressed if someone gets a little wiggly.
Favorite Bookstore: Talking Leaves…Books (Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo)
Located right next to Cafe Aroma on Elmwood, Talking Leaves is the kind of independent bookstore that makes you fall in love with reading all over again. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and gives the best recommendations, they have a fantastic children’s section (which I’ve spent a lot of time in with my kids over the years), and they support local authors. This is where I go when I want to find a book that isn’t just the bestseller list pick—something special, something curated, something that feels like it was chosen just for me.
Favorite Family Activity Spot: Explore & More Children’s Museum (Canalside, Buffalo)
Okay, I’m adding one more because this place has saved me on countless rainy days and school breaks. Explore & More at Canalside is hands-down one of the best places to take kids in Buffalo. It’s educational, it’s fun, they have exhibits for all ages, and honestly? It tires the kids out, which is a win for everyone. They also do special events throughout the year, and their outdoor plaza in the summer is perfect for letting kids burn off energy with a beautiful waterfront view.
Why Supporting Local Matters (Especially This Time of Year)
As someone who runs a small business here in Western New York documenting authentic family moments in real Buffalo homes, I can tell you that every single review, every recommendation, every time someone chooses to shop local instead of clicking “add to cart” on Amazon… it matters.
It matters to the business owner who’s working late to get orders out.
It matters to the staff who are balancing their own holiday preparations while helping you find the perfect gift.
It matters to our community, because when we support local businesses, we’re investing in the place we call home.
So this holiday season, I’m encouraging you (and myself!) to:
✨ Write Google reviews for the local businesses you love
✨ Shop local when you can
✨ Recommend your favorites to friends and family
✨ Be patient and kind with small business owners and their staff during this busy season
Your Turn: What Are Your Buffalo Favorites?
I’d love to hear about your favorite Western New York spots! Where do you go for date night? Which coffee shop is your go-to? What local business do you think more people should know about?
Find me over on instagram and drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking for new places to explore, and I know other families in our community would love to hear about your favorites too.
And if you have a minute, consider writing reviews for your favorite local businesses. It’s free, it takes just a few minutes, and it can truly make someone’s day during this hectic holiday season. That’s a tradition I think we can all get behind!
P.S. If Infinite Legacy Films happens to be on your favorites list, here’s the direct link to leave a Google review. 😘 It would mean the world to me and helps other Buffalo families find me when they’re looking for someone to document their story.
Happy holidays from my family to yours!
Emily