Small Business Saturday is observed each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving as a way to encourage everyone to support small businesses that are so vitally important to our communities. The Explore York team wanted to share some of our favorite places to shop small in York County.

Have a book lover on your list?

Head to downtown York City for The York Emporium Used Book Store. You’ll find more than 500,000 titles in dozens of genres! Bonus: The store is having a big sale November 27 through December 8 in an effort to reduce inventory before moving to a new location in the Royal Square District in late 2024.

Crafty artisans more your gift-giving style?

NewYork Wire Works is a unique stop with many different vendors to visit. You never know what you will find there: art, jewelry, clothing, home goods, stationery, and the list goes on. Vendors frequently add items, so there is always something new to find. It’s a great place to look for a gift or even grab a bite at the café inside.

The Watchmaker’s Daughter has an awesome collection of locally made, handmade, and vintage jewelry pieces, as well as permanent jewelry. This third-generation jeweler is affordable and located in downtown York City across from Central Market.

You’ll find beautiful stained glass creations in all shapes, sizes, themes, and colors at Candi J. Duda Stained Glass & Garden Art. You can tell that so much care and hard work go into each piece. Or, gift someone a class to create their own unique glass masterpiece.

Candi Duda stained glass display

Gifts galore

Collage Shop has a nice collection of items you can't find many other places, and it’s all of good quality. Collage recently celebrated 40 years in business, so they know what they’re doing.

Oxford Hall Celtic Shop & Tea Cafe in New Cumberland has an extensive variety of imported Irish and Celtic goods and is the perfect place to pick up gifts and clothing. Treat yourself after shopping to a pot of hot tea and lunch in their cozy café and be sure to check the refrigerated case for treats to take home. When you can’t get to Ireland or Scotland for your favorite items, Oxford Hall Celtic Shop is the answer.

Oxford Hall sweaters

Looking for York County souvenirs or clothing for stocking stuffers? Check out Inspired Imagez located inside Central Market House for colorful keepsakes of many York County landmarks and attractions.

Inspired Imagez souvenirs

Foodie finds

At Locals’ Market in Dillsburg, you’ll find super friendly staff, excellent customer service, tasty treats made by other local small businesses, huge breakfast sandwiches, plus fresh subs, salads and sides. It’s a convenient stop for those other necessary items that we run out of just as we’re making dinner! Pair with a visit to Dills Tavern and the Eichelberger Distillery right next door. On Saturday mornings, May through November, Dills Tavern hosts a farmers market selling fresh, local, homemade foods and goods.

Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market is popular for their baked goods (whoopie pies, sugar cookies, fruit pies, apple fritters, and more) and they have great fresh produce. There always seems to be a festival or event going on at the farm which makes it feel very welcoming.

Several of our staff are big fans of White Clover Family Farm. They offer fresh, homemade products that you can feel good about consuming. There is always a friendly face to help you when visiting, whether it’s for the wine & wicks classes or buying things from their farm stand. They also provide a great sense of community and support other local businesses and organizations in times of need. Follow Farmer Nate on Facebook for entertaining posts all year long.  

Experience it

Our team recently enjoyed two new walking tours available in downtown York City and agreed that gift certificates for these tours would make interesting gifts for friends and family who “really don’t need any more stuff.”

Taste2Tour is York City's first premier walking food tour company, dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage and diverse culinary scene of our beloved city. Founded by a passionate food enthusiast and local expert, this tour offers a curated selection of the finest restaurants, eateries, and food artisans that York City has to offer.

York Architecture Illustrated -- Walking Tours highlight the historic architectural sites along York's West Market Street corridor, between Pershing Avenue and Continental Square. Step into the rich tapestry of our past, where every building has a tale to tell as you learn interesting facts and figures. The timeline of the tour material jumps between multiple different historical eras in discussing these beautiful remnants of York's past.

For the outdoor enthusiasts

Head to Uller’s Outdoor and let their experienced staff help you select the right items for skiing, pickleball, disc golf, water sports, and more. They encourage active living among people of all ages in a variety of seasonal and year-round outdoor activities.

Tag us @ExploreYorkPA on social media if you shop at any of these locations on Small Business Saturday and you could win an Explore York canvas tote bag for your future shopping trips.