The countdown to Christmas is on, with only 100 days to go from Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Large Businesses will be looking at key dates in the online shopping calendar, but after the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, December this year begins with the perfect chance to look beyond the shopping lists and put giving back at the heart of the Christmas countdown: Giving Tuesday.
Falling on Tuesday, December 1, Giving Tuesday is a global movement celebrating generosity in all its forms. Originating in 2012, it was created as an opportunity to refocus on giving after the intense, shopping-focused Black Friday weekend.
It offers small businesses a particularly timely opportunity to support their communities, share some Christmas cheer and start the festive season with purpose – enhancing engagement, re-directing focusses back to local initiatives and ideas and increasing joy at what can be a stressful time of year.
Hannah Bartlett from The Christmas Insider says the date is especially significant this year, creating a natural moment for businesses to celebrate the good they already do and find creative ways to give back.
She said: “There’s something rather special about Giving Tuesday falling on December 1 this year. After a weekend dominated by buying, we get to start the Christmas month thinking about giving. It feels perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the season and a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas countdown.
“And the brilliant thing is that giving doesn’t have to mean making a big financial donation. There are so many creative ways to give back, whether that’s with your time, your skills, your platform or just some well-deserved recognition.
“For businesses already doing brilliant things with charities and community organisations, Giving Tuesday offers a natural opportunity to talk about that work, celebrate the people involved and bring customers along on the journey. And for others, it could be the start of a new relationship with a local cause.
“Everyone benefits. Charities and communities receive valuable support, businesses strengthen local relationships and customers get to see a little more of the people and values behind the businesses they choose to support.”
So, as a small business, what could you give…?
⭐ Give the first one away
Since Giving Tuesday falls on the 1st this year, why not give away your first coffee, bouquet, order, workshop place or product of the day?! Surprise your first customer or invite your community to nominate someone who deserves a treat.
⭐ Give a product
Donate something you make or sell to a local charity, refuge, food bank, community organisation or Christmas appeal. Or make it part of your Giving Tuesday sales: for every set number sold, donate one too.
⭐ Give an Advent calendar
Donate advent calendars or December treats to a local women’s refuge, family support service or other organisation, checking with them first of course to make sure they’re wanted and appropriate. Or, if you’ve been filling an early Reverse Advent Calendar during November, Giving Tuesday could be the perfect day to deliver it.
⭐ Give a kindness challenge
Create a Christmas Kindness Bingo card for customers to pick up or download, filled with easy acts of kindness for families to complete during December. You could even offer a little treat or prize-draw entry for anyone who returns or shares their completed card.
⭐ Give your platform
Dedicate your social post, Stories, newsletter or even shop window to a charity or community group for the day. Introduce them to your customers, share what they do and tell people how they can support them.
⭐ Give an update.
Already support a charity or community project? Use Giving Tuesday to tell your audience what’s been happening, what their support has helped make possible and what’s coming next. It’s a great opportunity to bring them along on the journey and show how your business puts its values into practice.
⭐ Give your skills
Offer something your business does brilliantly. A photographer could take pictures for a charity, a florist decorate an event, a designer create a poster or a retailer help with a Christmas display. Your expertise can be just as valuable as a financial donation.
⭐ Give your time
Volunteer an hour, lend a hand to a Christmas appeal or give your team time to support a cause they care about. If 1 December is busy, make the pledge on Giving Tuesday and fulfil it another day.
⭐ Give thanks
Can’t give money, products or time? Use Giving Tuesday to celebrate someone who gives to your community. Thank a volunteer, organisation, customer, supplier or unsung hero publicly, or ask your followers to nominate someone who deserves a little recognition this Christmas.
Hannah adds: “Small businesses already give so much to the communities around them, so Giving Tuesday doesn’t need to become another big thing on the Christmas to-do list.
“Keep it simple and think about what you can give. That might be a product or a little money, but it could just as easily be your skills, your time, your audience or even a well-deserved thank you. There really is something every business can do.
“And with Giving Tuesday falling on 1 December this year, what better way to open Door No. 1 and start the Christmas countdown in the true spirit of the season?”
Hannah Bartlett is The Christmas Insider, thechristmasinsider.com, a Christmas researcher helping small businesses boost festive visibility and sales, supporting media with expert insight and inspiring Christmas lovers with joyful ideas.
