How to Create the Most Value and Best Memories With Your Gift-Giving
The majority of people struggle, at least on some level, over two separate but related issues. The first concerns how much low-quality foreign “stuff” flows into the marketplace at the expense of domestic manufacturing jobs. Most of these cheap products have been produced in less-than-ideal conditions by people who are the equivalent of plantation slaves or worse. The second issue is gift giving. What do you choose for that special person on that special occasion?
Living in the global economy now means that foreign-made products are virtually impossible to escape in our daily lives. However, we do need to be conscious of the fact that when we purchase a foreign-made product from a giant multi-national retailer, most of the money, other than local wages leaves your community, as does its local economic multiplier effect. That is certainly not a good thing for your community. If you live in a smaller city or town, the effects are much more easily noticeable but the same is true for large cities.
When it comes to gift giving, most people are on a budget. This is particularly true during the Christmas buying season which seems to fuel the search for “cheap”. I’ve always felt that gifts should reflect quality and value, not just another piece of consumer-oriented junk. They should be memorable as opposed to forgettable. Quality and uniqueness should always outweigh quantity when looking for a good gift. And yes, the budget must be kept in check.
It has been a long time since my wife and I have purchased a foreign-made item as a gift. I challenge you to do the same when it comes to gift-giving. When you do, you will make a significant difference to your local economy and in the lives of your friends and neighbors, because the cash you spend stays in your immediate community in most cases. 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 n, or a book, either in print or an e-book will be memorable, entertaining, 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.
Jim Masson is an accomplished sales trainer, business consultant, and expert author. Jim has published 3 powerful Att Mastery” e-books to help you earn more, more often. “An Introduction to Selling at Mastery”, “Selling at Mastery” and for owners and sales managers, “Manage Your Sales Floor at Mastery” are all ready to turbocharge your selling or serving career.
