‘Tis the Season to Shop Local
SLO Life Tip #39: Buying Local Has Benefits—for you and our community. Each holiday season, when you spend $100 or more at local shops in SLO, you can receive a $25 gift card to another small business. We call it the Buy Local Bonus.
From one-of-a-kind boutiques, jewelry stores, vintage shops and hidden gems, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list in San Luis Obispo. Get full details on how to take advantage of this promotion below.
How Does The Buy Local Bonus Work?
Shop small and get rewarded. For every $100 you spend at a local San Luis Obispo retailer, you can turn in your receipts to receive a $25 gift card to another local business. Stop by the SLO Visitor Center to turn in your receipts and get your gift card. You can earn up to three gift cards per person. That’s up to $75 just for supporting SLO businesses. Talk about a win-win.
How Long Does the Buy Local Bonus Run?
The Buy Local Bonus runs from Black Friday (November 28, 2025) through Christmas Eve (December 24, 2025), or until gift cards sell out. So don’t wait too long. The earlier you start your shopping, the better your chances of snagging a bonus gift card and soaking up that SLO holiday spirit along the way.
Which Businesses Are Participating in the Buy Local Bonus?
There isn’t a set list of businesses participating in the Buy Local Bonus. You can shop at just about any local retail shop in San Luis Obispo (just skip the big box stores, convenience stores or grocery stores). With so many places to shop in downtown SLO and beyond, it’s easy to find something for everyone on your list.
Find high-quality vintage items at Mysteri Vintage or Calico Trading Co. Need something for an outdoor adventurer? Stop in and see the team at Mountain Air or Good Clean Fun. Need a one-of-a-kind gift? Check out HumanKind Fair Trade or Junk Girls. For the plant lovers in your life, stop by the Happy Plant Company or Understory Plant Co. Looking for gifts for your furry family members? Head to Tails Pet Boutique or Maddie Mae’s Pet Pantry. And for the music lovers in your life, head to Boo Boo Records.
Want to discover something new this holiday season? Check out these new-to-SLO businesses for some fresh inspiration.
Do online purchases count for the Buy Local Bonus?
Yes, if the business has a storefront in San Luis Obispo and meets the Buy Local Bonus requirements.
Free Garage Parking
The City of San Luis Obispo is also making it easier to get your holiday shopping done by offering free garage parking in downtown SLO. Starting on Thanksgiving Day, locals and visitors can park for free in all three public garages (842 Palm Street, 919 Palm Street, 871 Marsh Street) on the following dates:
- Thanksgiving through the following Sunday (November 27–30)
- 49th Annual Holiday Parade (after 6 PM)
- Every Sunday in December (December 7, 14, 21 & 28)
- December 24–26
- New Year’s Eve (December 31)
- New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026)
For more information about downtown parking, visit slocity.org/Parking or email [email protected].
Get All Your Holiday Shopping Done in SLO
Come experience the magic of the holidays and get all your shopping done in San Luis Obispo. With the Buy Local Bonus, you can feel good about supporting our charming boutiques, local makers and family-owned shops, while getting a reward for yourself.
Have questions? Visit the City of San Luis Obispo website or email [email protected].