After watching Instagram stories of my friends, I noticed many of them were showing items they had recently purchased online to help lift their spirits, kill time, or take care of themselves. It made me think about my own quarantine purchases and how, although I know things don’t bring happiness, during this weird and unsettling time, getting packages was exciting and put a bright spot in my day.

Never leaving my mind, however, were people, my friends included who have been furloughed or lost their jobs entirely, so it felt like a weird thing to discuss. So I decided to test the waters of conversation in an Instagram story. If most people weren’t making purchases, they’d say so, and I’d have my answer.

Well, I received more responses to this question (in the hundreds) than any other question I’ve ever posted in an Instagram story. The consensus was clear. Quite a few of you are still shopping. Skincare, loungewear, games, plants, books, kitchen appliances, bikes, rollerblades, the list went on. We are not alone in our spending habits. Those analyzing the data call it “beyond basics”; a shift from necessities to entertainment.

E-commerce spending in the U.S. is up more than 30% from the beginning of March through mid-April compared with the same period last year as we try to adjust to our time in quarantine.

Based on the feedback I got from you lovely people of what you were buying (with a few of my personal favorites), I compiled a list of some good retail therapy ideas that keep it local.

If you have been able to keep your job and have the ability to maintain a somewhat "normal" financial lifestyle, don’t forget about those who have not. You can choose to give your money to charitable organizations at this time and donate to local organizations like:

Second Harvest

United Against Poverty

Coalition for the Homeless

Foundation for Orange County Public Schools

Writers Block Bookstore

This local bookstore in Winter Park is shipping books! They have an online search capability so you can find the book you are looking for and get it shipped directly to you. They also offer a concierge book box program where you choose a genre and receive a box of books selected by their staff. Outside of books, they also have puzzles and activity books. This is a great way to continue supporting indie book stores!

Everoak Farm

Does anyone else feel like they are not getting enough vegetables right now? I find myself craving huge, colorful salads, but I’m going to the grocery store so infrequently nothing feels fresh to me. If you want more greens in your diet, you can utilize the local farms we have around Orlando, one of them being Everoak Farm. They offer a farm share box for $25 that is full of seven items that are the farmer’s choice. If you live in their delivery neighborhoods, you can get this box delivered to your house on Sunday or Monday, or you can pick it up!

Kyle’s Bike Shop

Definitely wishing I had a bike right about now, and if you feel the same, you may want to research where your local bike shop is. Kyle’s Bike Shop in the Milk District is still open for repairs and purchases. However, they are taking precautions. They are limiting customers in the shop, and all bikes are being well-cleaned whether they are getting repaired or tested out for purchase. You can shop by appointment, and if you order online, they offer curbside pickup.

Naked Bar Soap Co.

Skincare items were one of the most purchased items from the feedback I received, so if you are looking for a local business to support Naked Bar Soap Co. is a great option. You can order from their website for delivery or curbside contactless pick up on Saturdays at the shop from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. If you live in the 32804 zip code, they offer free delivery.

Nail Alchemy

You won’t see any cute pictures of my nails for a while until I can see the talented Ashley of Nail Alchemy again. However, for those who want a fully designed set to wear Ashley is creating some really beautiful hand-painted options that she ships out. Check her IG account @nail_alchemy.

Gifts from the Good Crowd

This local gift shop in College Park now has an online store! You are sure to find something to brighten your day from candles, stationery, jewelry, and books. You can also shop select local makers. The online store is a great way to purchase and send celebratory gifts to loved ones who have to celebrate big moments solo right now or even gifts to your friends that are front line workers to say thank you.

Alchemy Salon Hair Tools

More than likely, the salon you go to is offering something to get your roots through this time. If they aren’t, Alchemy is offering curbside pickup and delivery of single color process kits and hair products. They are even offering face time consultations if you aren’t sure what to do with your hair, or if you need expert help getting off the cutting your bangs cliff.

Running Gear from Orlando Track Shack

Has anyone taken up running (or power-walking) just to get out of the house? I certainly have, and I’ve realized my shoes may not be ideal for pounding the pavement every day. Track Shack is making deliveries of the shoes you need to stay active, as well as socks or other tech. Email them your request to storeinfo@trackshack.com, and they will help you get what you need.

Plants from Piante Design

Plants were another highly purchased item from my feedback, and for a good reason. The love of houseplants is already at an all-time high, and as we spend more time at home, big leafy greens make a soothing decor choice. Piante is working on its retail website, but for now, they have been posting inventory in their Instagram stories and offering curbside pick-up for home deliveries. Their side door (where the parking is) will be where you pick up your contactless orders, and outside in that same area, you can check out more plants you can pick up. In addition to plants, they have pots and other home goods items. Check their IG account @piante_design.

Bouquets from Dahlia’s Flower Truck

Dahlia’s is making flower deliveries to brighten up your day! They take orders through Instagram via their DM and have been making deliveries all over Orlando. On most Sunday’s you can find them parked outside Infusion Tea for pickups. Check their Instagram @dahliasflowertruck.

Impress Ink Local Tees

Local t-shirt printer Impress Ink has allowed local businesses to fundraise with their own branded t-shirts with the newly launched Orlando Merch Store. Among them are several local restaurants and shops that need our help. There are some cool great designs (personally loving the Hourglass Brewing tee), and this is a great cause that supports not only local small businesses but also the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Ice Cream Delivery from Kelly’s

While all of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream shops are open for pick-up, Kelly and her husband started delivering pints to different neighborhoods over a week ago. There is a $20 minimum order, but delivery is free. I got four pints delivered to my house, and they were all still very much frozen, packaged well, and of course, delicious. The couple has been very active and vocal on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, explaining the process and asking their fans what neighborhoods they should visit. Keep an eye on their stories because Kelly drops the order form at certain times, and a limited amount of slots fill up fast.

MargaritaGrams from Black Rooster

Black Rooster is open for curbside pick-up, but if you feel like gifting a friend a few margaritas, you can sign up for their once a week delivery of margarita-grams. For $25 you can send (or receive) a quart of Black Rooster marg that serves 4. It’s made with freshly squeezed lime juice and organic agave nectar. You’ll also get salt and limes. Get updated on their Instagram account.

Sunroom Cocktails To-Go

Bars are among the local businesses that are hurting badly as they can’t be open to the public; however, they can sell their spirits and to-go drinks. This is not an effortless pivot to make, but the Sunroom in the Mills 50 district is doing an excellent job serving the community while keeping their bartenders working. Bottled cocktails and other items are available to pick up from the bar from 2 pm - 9 pm. They do have a mocktail available as well. View the cocktails in the fridge when you walk in (don't touch) and let them know what you'd like and how many. If you plan on purchasing more than a dozen, inquire ahead of time.

Also available is merchandise, designed by local graphics wiz Secret Society Goods, and proceeds go to the bar staff. Follow their Instagram for updates. If you have a favorite bar you want to support, check their Instagram, and see what they are offering at this time.

Cards from BloomWolf

We’re missing our friends, and being kept from celebrating milestones and other events with them. While texts and Zoom hangouts are great, a lot of people are finding writing letters, and cards is a sweet way to keep in touch (while supporting the USPS). Bloomwolf has a wide variety of beautifully illustrated cards for the couple that got married with none of their friends in attendance, the friend that had a baby during this scary time, and friends with anniversaries, and other milestones, who will love getting a hand-written note from you.

Candles from Artifact Candle Foundry

Who misses smelling candles at TJ Maxx? Candles were another item frequently mentioned in the feedback I got. Lots of local makers provide amazing candles, so check out local makers under the candle section listed here. Artifact Candle Foundry’s DIY bar is currently closed, but you can purchase from their pour menu online. They have a lot of fragrances to choose from, and if you live near their shop in Thornton Park, you will most likely get delivery by bike from one of the owners.

Coffee Delivery from Eola Coffee

We have all become our own baristas at this point, and we may all be whipped coffee experts by now. We need our coffee supply to stay consistent, and what better way to do that by ordering it online for delivery. Eola Coffee is locally (and female) owned, and they deliver their small-batch coffee within 24 hours of it being roasted. Sign up on their website for updates on the next roast.

Valhalla Bakery Party Box

Valhalla’s bakery items are always a treat, but having them delivered to your doorstep is such an indulgence. Right now, they are taking orders to deliver “pandemic party boxes” to your house. You can build your own box on their website, and Celine’s husband John, who owns a Milk District barbershop that had to close during this time, is making the deliveries. It’s a great way to support this local business and entrepreneur couple who just happened to open a brand new venture smack dab in the middle of this chaos.

Smith Blends Teas

Not a coffee drinker? You can get loose leaf tea blends and natural iced teas delivered to your home from Smith Blends. This local mother and daughter offer a line of teas with no preservatives and no fillers. I can tell you personally their hibiscus tea is delicious!

Dionna’s Pies

Chef Dionna is an award-winning baker right here in Central Florida, and her motto is any time is pie time. That means, right now, you can order a pie (among a few other types of desserts to be delivered right to your doorstep. I have it on good authority her pies are amazing (I’m making my order soon). The oreo lasagna is actually calling my name.

Nomad Bakehouse

I know a lot of you are making bread right now, and I salute your efforts. I have no desire to make it, but of course, I want to eat it all day. Baker Grace Garay (who I interviewed here) is launching her monthly bread subscription this week. Her bread is the real deal guys, and as a furloughed Disney worker, she needs your support! The subscription launches Thursday and will offer pick-up and delivery based on where you live. Follow her Instagram for details when the site goes live.

Fabric at the Sewing Studio

The Sewing Studio is a family-owned business here in Winter Park. If you find yourself wanting to create something or even make masks, you can still shop their wide variety of fabrics on their website. They now offer curbside pickup Monday - Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM.

Minik Collection

Loungewear may be the top item we’ve been adding to our online carts, but did you know you can buy comfy pants that are both ethically made and sold locally? Minik Collection offers lots of beautiful clothing on their site, but their harem pants definitely up your loungewear game and is an excellent non-fast fashion option.

These options barely scratch the surface of local businesses to support. For more options and ideas make sure to check out my virtual mall with a list of local businesses you can check out and support if you are looking to make local purchases.

All photos are mine unless otherwise credited. Please do not steal my blog content for your own sites.

Local Retail Therapy