With lengthy shipping times online and long lines to get into big-box stores, shopping during the pandemic isn't easy. These inconveniences are an excellent reminder to shop small and patronize the many local businesses struggling to stay afloat right now in NYC. We've already filled you in on our favorite toy and book stores offering local delivery and curbside pickup, and tempted you with these restaurant picks delivering Mother's Day brunch (and more!), but now we're highlighting some other local businesses that may not already be on your radar. These local spots are offering their wares, and in some cases, your purchase also helps first responders, local charities, and neighbors, too.

When you're considering how to support a local business, keep in mind that ordering delivery or curbside pickup directly from a small business allows all of the profit to stay with the local business, rather than a third-party delivery company siphoning off some of the funds. If you don't need an item or a meal right away, purchasing a gift card to spend later is another great way to show your support.

And while you're showing your support for the businesses you love, we hope you'll count Mommy Poppins and our small business partners among them. You can support Mommy Poppins by sharing articles you find useful with friends or on your social media channels, checking out our directory of virtual classes, camps, and birthday parties and telling businesses you found them through Mommy Poppins. Also, as part of our effort to keep our local parent writers and this website afloat and support some of our favorite family businesses, we've created Poppins@Home, a platform for small businesses to share free and low-cost online classes and birthday parties with kids all over the country. Please consider trying a few of these fun, affordable, and creative classes—and spreading the word among your friends—as yet another way to support, uplift, and get through these challenging times together!