Editor’s note: This article is usually not attempted for fear of not getting everybody in home-based businesses based in Big Sandy listed; however, it is too important not to proceed. If I did not get your business listed, please let me know, and I will run a correction listing your business in the next Big Sandy Mountaineer.

This year with the struggles that COVID-19 has affected our economy, it is important that we support our local businesses during our Christmas shopping. It is true we don’t have shopping available like Great Falls, or Havre has, but we can still shop and fill many of our Christmas lists locally. Gift certificates to local businesses are always a good present to give. Everyone could use a certificate for food. The Grocery store, 378-2305, also has some small toys and items for children, along with Big Sandy Sweatshirts. It also has a wide variety of gift certificates for other businesses.

The Big Sandy Pharmacy, 378-5588, has an assortment of gifts available, and before shopping online, it would be a great idea to see if at least they didn’t have something you could give.

Hair I Am as body lotions, Big Sandy Pioneer apparel, and certificates to get haircuts during the year. Going to the beauty shop always makes a woman feel special. Call 378-3169.

Both Pep’s, 378-2293, and the Mint, 378-2679, will give you certificates for an evening out. Getting a certificate for several nights of dates or family fun is a great way to tell your family how special they are.

Big Sandy Organics also has Christmas packages for a variety of healthy snacks. Call them at 406-378-2266.

Craig Edwards Gallery is open by appointment. His incredible photographic art comes in all sizes, and he has stationary available also. Call him at 390-7156.

Honestly, everybody needs gas, so even a certificate for a tank of gas from Ezzie’s would be appreciated. Call 378-2101.

Jessica Ophus/Purely you Healing is a holistic, intuitive healing practice using a multitude of modalities to help you rediscover your purest self. This is your opportunity to relieve your stress, lift your spirits and rediscover the woman you were born to be Gift certificates are available by calling 307-299-2629

Rita Berlinger works at Ezzie’s, and you can pick up her Avon catalog there or at the Grocery store. Her phone number is 406-390-2560. Avon has spread its wings besides toiletries; it has clothes, jewelry, and toys.

Laci LaBuda is selling Scentsy, a product line that creates different scents for the home. Contact her at 390-3837

Women and girls love getting clothes. Karli Phillips sells Zylia at her Karli’s Active and Leisure Wear web site. They are comfortable to exercise in and for casual wear as well. You can also contact her at 378-2619. Elisabeth Broekhuysen also sells clothes. She has a number of them for you to try on at her apartment. The clothes are casual and dressier. Her cell phone number is 405-315-1675. Both of these would make excellent gifts for the women in your home. Gift cards allow them to pick what they like the best!

Mikki Pansch sells Modere, which “sells health and wellness products. The line includes weight-loss products and supplements like Modere M3, Modere Trim, and Modere Sustain. Modere products commonly include green tea, pea protein, caffeine, and green coffee bean extract. Contact Mikki at 406-399-1544.

The Virgelle Mercantile, 378-3110, and Gena Montgomery at Seekers of Old both sell antiques that they have refurbished. Call Gena at 701-609-7711

Monika Otto Winderl sells Pampered Chef “which offers a line of kitchen tools, food products, and cookbooks for preparing food in the home. They also offer some products to help transport some of their products and gardening tools.” Call her at 378-2468

Cassie Bahnmiller sells Gourmet Rice Crispies. She makes six different varieties which can be frozen for special occasions. Her phone number is 399-1844. They make great stocking stuffers.

Keely Bahmiller sells Norwex, which is a company that cleans the home without the use of chemicals. It has numerous household tools for sale as well. She can be called 551-0107.

Sheri Moore sells java Mooma/Coffee and Tea, one of the newer home-based businesses in Big Sandy. She sells a variety of fun coffees and teas. Contact her at 1-406-930-1301.

Ann Bitz at 386-2426 and Stefany Erie at 406-945-2093 both sell Epicure. “Epicure is a seasoning blends, meal solutions, and cookware company that helps busy people make healthy, delicious, and affordable meals in 20 minutes or less.”

Ann Bitz and Eryn Nissen both make cakes, so if you’d like to order a Jesus Birthday cake, give them a call. Get a hold of Eryn at 378-2525.

Marlene Terry sells doTERRA, essential oils, and other related products company. She also has masks left, having made over 450. Marlene also has several sewed gifts, like t-clothes, pot holders, and quilted items. Call her at 378-2386.

Call Tina Rodewald for real Christmas flower bouquets at 378-2565.

Diane Scalese makes hand fabricated and hand-engraved sterling silver bracelets and rings. Some with semi-precious cabochons. All made in Big Sandy. They make exceptional Christmas presents. Call 378-2414

Paula Amsbaugh makes her own Mimi’s Mustard and Dip. She jars these after tweaking a family recipe. Come in “not so hot” and “hot” flavors. For sale from Paula herself, at 390-1489 or it’s found at the Grocery Store.

Karma Hale makes 15 different kinds of chocolate candies. Karma’s Kandies need to be preorder at 406-621-2242.

After reading all the home-based businesses you can easily see your Christmas present list can easily be filled here. Let Santa know, maybe he could pick up a few gifts here as well!