For several months now, the devastating effects of the drought have continued to dominate newspaper headlines.

It’s a crisis that’s currently affecting 97 per cent of NSW as well as large pockets of Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

Not only does drought ravage the land, but it also impacts rural communities and businesses, who are left to bear the financial burden that comes with a lack of tourists and a strain on resources.

But thanks to social media, we have the opportunity to directly support rural businesses who are doing it tough.

In October, an Instagram movement was started by @buyfromthebush encouraging all Australians to buy products in-store or online to help struggling rural businesses make a living.

For these rural businesses, a single dollar really does go a long way, especially during this long, devastating drought.

If you’ve still got some Christmas shopping to get done, there’s no better time tobuy from the bush.

Sydneysiders can also take advantage of the #buyfromthebush pop-up Christmas market on Thursday, December 12. Twenty rural businesses will be setting up shop in Martin Place from 8am to 8pm, giving customers the chance to peruse a range of goods from fashion and accessories, art, children’s clothing, and artisanal goods.

For everyone else, we’ve got an online gift guide with a bunch of easy (but unique) gift ideas you can buy to help local businesses battling the drought.

Fashion

Pink Velvet Boutique (@pinkvelvet.boutique)

Location: West Wyalong, NSW

Pink Velvet is run by friends Kate and Tiarna and offers a range of summer fashion staples, from playsuits and dresses to stylish sandals.

Lou Webb Collections (@louwebbcollections)

Location: Warren, NSW

Sarah Jessica Parker showed her support for this rural business when she wore one of their handcrafted headpieces during her recent Australian visit.

Ollie & I (@ollieandiboutique)

Location: Narromine, NSW

Mashup Designs (@mashupdesigns)

Location: Cobar, NSW

Friends Molly and Ash handmake scrunchies, hair clips and headbands in a bunch of different designs, including floral and leopard print. You can visit their online store, here.