There's only a few days left until Hanukkah and Christmas but you can still help the economy with your holiday present shopping.

The first thing to do: buy locally from small businesses, not chains. It's eco-friendly and well as economy-friendly.

"If you can buy locally, you are using fewer resources to obtain the item. Less transportation, you know the item is what you want – rather than looking at a picture, website. I have used small businesses when I am looking for specific items. Also on an economic point of view, if you don’t support the local businesses, they will no longer be open to have you shop," says Susan E. Taylor, Extension Educator of Consumer and Family Economics at the University of Illinois Matteson Extension Center.

Jill Elizabeth Westfall, author of the upcoming book Green Matters, agrees. "Buying locally is extremely important. Not only do you support your local economy by supporting local businesses - you are also minimizing fossil fuels burned in the shipping process. If you do want to prioritize buying gifts locally this year, consider purchasing unique gifts from local artists," Westfall says.

It's not that stores like Wal-mart and Target should be avoided altogether. Taylor says they serve a purpose too.

"The mega stores like Wal-Mart and Target have their role in the marketplace. Wal-Mart buys in huge quantity and the price may be less – but as a consumer make sure you watch your receipt. Target also allows you to use the one-stop shopping approach especially if it’s a Super Target where you can do food shopping too. For some people, they don’t like the crowds and feel more at home with the smaller local businesses. Both had their role in the consumer’s shopping, Taylor says. 

Local businesses are also great for finding unique last minute gifts because you go home with your gift rather than having to wait for it to be shipped.