Dec. 10, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Prairie Family Business Association.

South Dakota has more family businesses per capita than almost any state in the nation — meaning there are plenty of ways to keep them in mind as you complete your holiday shopping.

“Many of our family businesses depend on this time of year to help them meet their annual goals,” said Mason Van Essen, assistant director of Prairie Family Business Association.

“As you complete your holiday giving or make year-end spending decisions, it’s so valuable to keep our family businesses in mind.”

Here are four options guaranteed to be a fit for someone on your gift list:

Help around the house

Who couldn’t use an extra hand with home improvement projects?

Local family business Nyberg’s ACE Handyman Services provides skilled, reliable home and business repairs and improvement solutions for projects big or small.

“From maintenance and repairs to upgrades, our experienced craftsmen deliver quality workmanship year-round, so you can stress less and spend more time enjoying the things that really matter,” said Kelly Nyberg, marketing director and a third-generation member of the family business. “Our team is reliable, skilled and helpful.”

You can gift a Nyberg’s ACE Handyman Services package that is flexible, customizable and can be used for everything from small repairs to seasonal projects or bigger upgrades.

“This gift is useful for anyone,” Nyberg said.

“Homeowners, busy professionals or seniors can all benefit from help with repairs, maintenance or upgrades. It’s a gift that actually gets used. Saves time and stress! Many people struggle to find time, tools or have the know-how for home projects. A handyman service takes that burden off their shoulders. It’s unique and thoughtful.”

To learn more about how to purchase a package, visit here.

Create a unique experience

Reptile Gardens is turning a challenging end to 2025 into plans for a happier season next year.

In November, a fire damaged an off-exhibit animal-holding building at the Rapid City attraction, tragically killing several alligators and tortoises.

“We are doing as well as can be expected considering all the animals we lost,” said Johnny Brockelsby, public relations director and son of the late founder Earl Brockelsby.

“We will be getting animals all winter and spring.”

The business will start rebuilding this winter — plus Orville the giant tortoise will turn 121 in June.

Gift cards can be used for admission during the 2026 season — which starts Feb. 28 — as well as in the gift shop. To purchase a gift card, call 605-342-5873.

Get ready for golf season

Indulge the golfer in your life with a trip to Austad’s Golf. The family business has 10 locations in five states, making it a convenient gifting option throughout the region.

“A gift card with a booked fitting invitation is a great gift,” said Ryan Austad, third-generation president and chief operating officer.

“Personalized golf balls or a fun head cover also make great gifts.”

Bonus: Purchase a gift card during the holidays and you’ll get a 15 percent bonus. So, for example, your $100 gift becomes $115.

Plus, keep an eye on the Austad’s website for special offers through its 12 Days of Christmas promotion.

Gift a memorable meal from multiple families

No matter what your taste, you’ll find meals you’ll love at a Sioux Falls family-owned restaurant group that regularly partners with other area family businesses.

Vanguard Hospitality, owners of Grille 26, Minervas in downtown Sioux Falls and Morrie’s Steakhouse, is offering a $10 gift card when you purchase a $100 gift card at Grille 26 or Minervas.

“And when you visit, you’ll find we’re continually updating our menus,” chief operating officer Tim Meagher said.

“We’re very proud of our commitment to sourcing as many of our ingredients as possible locally, including from multiple family farms and ranches, so when you give someone the gift of a dining experience with us, you’re supporting multiple family businesses.”

Planning a business or social event? All Vanguard restaurants are available for special events. Contact the individual restaurant for availability.

To purchase a gift card, stop into any of the restaurants or visit their websites.

Businesses: Vanguard Hospitality is offering a card for qualifying corporate orders that can be used at all three properties. Contact Megan Meagher at mmeagher@vanguardhospitality.com.

Dine, sip, save and be entertained

Get into the holiday spirit or give a gift that will be appreciated all year by stopping by one of the family-owned Vinyahd Restaurant Group establishments: R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Maribella Ristorante, Brix Wine Bar and Trio Jazz Club.

Earn a 20 percent bonus on gift card purchases of $100 or more through the end of the year, available in-store only.

Or give the gift that keeps on giving: Riccardo’s Wine Club subscriptions can be purchased as a gift.

Owner Riccardo Tarabelsi and his team curate wine for club members monthly, “and your gift can include two bottles every month for three, six or 12 months,” he said. “We also are offering holiday wine boxes, featuring a curated case of wine for gift-giving.”

Call 605-271-0814 or email riccardo@rwinebar.com.

Looking for outstanding entertainment? Vinyahd Restaurant Group has several upcoming events:

• Charlie Brown Christmas at R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Dec. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. Reservations available by calling 605-271-0814.
• Charlie Brown Christmas at Trio Jazz Club. Tickets remain for one of four shows: 9 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Get them here: triojazzclub.com.
• New Year’s Eve celebration at Trio Jazz Club with the Fellowship Jazz Collective, prosecco and cannoli, Dec. 31 at 6:30 or 8:15 p.m. Learn more at triojazzclub.com.