Here are some ideas for finding great gifts locally many are in the ten to twenty dollar range and most are available year-round, not just only during the Christmas shopping season.
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Things you create yourself
Nothing says you care like something you took the time to create yourself. Crafts, baked items, a delicious lunch or dinner, all will likely be better than anything you can buy and will cost you about one-fifth of the retail price. Being on a budget isn’t the main reason for selecting this option, caring is. If you can’t create or have the time to learn, consider tip number two.
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Things you find at local craft markets
Every community has local artisans, painters, and those who bake and make preserves or make clothing by hand. Much of it is unique, of heirloom quality, and will be treasured for years, especially handcrafted toys. The money stays local, which is fantastic and the gifts will be much more appreciated than some trinket made in a “work prison” in China for some faceless mega-corporation.
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Local Services
Many local services offer gift certificates. Sometimes you can negotiate a little discount too. Services like Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Spas, Pet Services, Gardener Services, a plot rental in a Community Garden for an apartment dweller, a course at your local Community Center, High School or College, or even a round of golf. You will be amazed at what you find when you take the time to look around. Experiences make great gifts.
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Local Restaurants
Locally owned restaurants usually offer gift certificates and spending money with them keeps the money local. This is especially true for restaurants that source their food from local farmers and/or make their food from scratch. Once again, experiences make great gifts.
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Local Concerts. Musicians and Authors
It is always nice to give or receive gifts of entertainment. Tickets to local concerts or plays, a CD from a local musician, or a book, either in print or an e-book will be memorable, entertaining,g and in some cases, life-changing.
These gift choices are, by no means exhaustive. If you haven’t found everything you need for your gift-giving here on the list, think outside the corporate box and come up with something else equally local. There is no longer a need to struggle with the opening two questions. The ball is in your court now. Buy gifts locally. Help your friends and neighbors and keep the money in your community. I know that my last comment will cost me a few book sales but the results will be worth it.
