This holiday season consider high-quality gifts that strengthen local businesses and the communities they serve. Each of these enterprises is part of the LEAF portfolio, and their businesses create jobs, build ownership, and uplift the community. A purchase from any of them will delight your recipient, support the workers, and build community.
Bay State Banner (Boston & online)
A local news organization covering Boston’s urban communities with depth and integrity since 1965. A subscription sustains independent journalism that uplifts local stories and voices.
Boston Flower Co. (Boston, MA)
A floral design studio specializing in event arrangements and hands-on workshops. Their work brings seasonal beauty to celebrations while supporting a growing, entrepreneur-led business.
Chatham Harvesters Fisherman’s Cooperative (Cape Cod, MA)
A cooperative of local fishermen bringing responsibly harvested seafood directly to consumers. Purchasing from them supports coastal livelihoods and preserves Cape Cod’s fishing heritage.
Chocolate Therapy (online store)
Handcrafted artisan chocolates produced in small batches by a husband-and-wife team. Their truffles combine distinctive flavors with memorable presentation, creating gifts that leave a lasting impression.
Comfort Kitchen (Dorchester, MA)
A globally inspired restaurant rooted in community storytelling and culinary tradition. Gift cards or meals help strengthen a neighborhood gathering space powered by immigrant and BIPOC leadership.
Dean’s Beans coffee (online store)
Organic, fair-trade coffee roasted by a company committed to ethical sourcing and farmer-driven development. Buying their beans supports long-term partnerships that strengthen coffee-growing communities worldwide.
Democracy Brewing (Downtown Boston, MA)
A worker-owned brewery and restaurant in downtown Boston. Gift cards and beer purchases reinforce workplace ownership and invite others to enjoy their craft offerings.
Fresh Food Generation (Dorchester, MA)
A farm-to-plate restaurant and catering business offering fresh, delicious meals sourced from local producers. Each purchase advances their mission to expand healthy food access in Boston.
Friends of Gardens Landscaping (Greater Boston, MA)
A local landscaping business known for reliable maintenance, thoughtful design, and environmentally mindful practices and provides stable jobs.
Holmestead Harvest (Whitman, MA)
A local grocer and caterer offering farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, and pantry essentials. Every order fuels their commitment to connecting families with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Incredible Cleaning (Greater Boston, MA)
A Venezuelan-owned commercial cleaning company serving offices across Greater Boston. Their reliable team supports workplaces of all sizes while creating steady employment for local workers.
A welcoming ceramics studio where makers of all levels can learn the wheel and craft their own pieces. Class purchases sustain a cooperative workspace centered on shared creativity and access.
Just Book-ish (Dorchester, MA)
An independent bookstore and cafe. A literary gathering space for creative communities in Fields Corner, Boston.
Midnight Morning Cafe & Restaurant (Roslindale, MA)
A neighborhood café offering warm hospitality, baked goods, and comforting meals from early morning through late-day service. Dining there supports a growing local business and an anchor to its community.
A spa in East Boston providing massage, skincare, and restorative wellness treatments. Gift cards offer your recipient relaxation while supporting stable jobs.
The Pearl Restaurant (SouthBay & Brighton, MA)
A vibrant, Black-owned restaurant celebrating coastal cuisine with contemporary flair. Reservations or gift cards help strengthen a culinary destination built on culture, quality, and local pride.
Prebiotic, ready-to-drink teas crafted by Ecuadorian founders dedicated to health and sustainability. Each bottle supports digestive wellness and helps bring fair-trade Andean ingredients to U.S. consumers.
