I wonder how many of you shop at your local small businesses? I wonder how many of you actually put any thought into gifts you give? I wonder how many of you make gifts to give?
Three questions that I can easily answer yes, yes and yes.
Shopping local means you are supporting not only your community, but a family that owns the business. Sure it’s easy to run to the big box store and load your cart with everything you think you should buy just because it’s all in on place. I’d bet dollars to doughnuts, you will also spend way more than you planned.
That takes me to putting some thought into gifts you give. Quite easy to waltz down the isles of any store and decide to proceed to the check out where they have a selection of gift cards in various denominations. The only thought you will have to put into this excursion will be who will get what card. Boring. Lazy.
Never mind the gift cards. Try giving a gift you have made. This does’t need to be some elaborate creation you have found on Pinterest. A gift made shows you took time from the so-called busy schedule to actually do it.
Three questions that I can easily answer yes, yes and yes.
Shopping local means you are supporting not only your community, but a family that owns the business. Sure it’s easy to run to the big box store and load your cart with everything you think you should buy just because it’s all in on place. I’d bet dollars to doughnuts, you will also spend way more than you planned.
That takes me to putting some thought into gifts you give. Quite easy to waltz down the isles of any store and decide to proceed to the check out where they have a selection of gift cards in various denominations. The only thought you will have to put into this excursion will be who will get what card. Boring. Lazy.
Never mind the gift cards. Try giving a gift you have made. This does’t need to be some elaborate creation you have found on Pinterest. A gift made shows you took time from the so-called busy schedule to actually do it.
Like I said, answering yes to each question was easy for me.
Shopping at local small businesses is nothing but a win, win situation. I get to visit with the shop owner. I am always welcomed. The service I receive is genuine, and I know the product I am purchasing goes a long way to please several people . . . shop owner, me, the recipient.
I am also able to contact home based businesses I have become acquainted with either in person or online. These I know are unique gifts. Often one-of-a-kind pieces, well made and well worth the asking price.
I am not afraid to ask for a gift list from those I purchase for. I also, keep a notebook with me that allows me to jot down ideas when we visit. These lists are used year round, and when it comes time to make my purchases, I have a selection of items to choose from I know the person on the receiving end will like. I like to hunt for “just the right thing” for the special people in my life. Yes, I buy gift cards (occasionally), but usually only when specific stores or style have been listed. I would prefer that my gift not have to be returned and a gift card does allows for that.
| Home made baked items with a recipe or two tucked in makes a great gift basket (or bucket or bowl). An old fashioned autograph book filled with notes of encouragement and special thoughts. A toilet paper roll wrapped in pretty paper and tied at both ends with ribbon - Inside is a personal gift certificate to babysit, house sit, do a chore, tickets to an event or that tiny personal gift you found for them. You don’t have to be crafty, a chef or artisan to make a gift that will bring a smile to a face. |  |
Gift giving for any occasion, should be from the heart. Take the time to know the likes and dislikes of the people you buy or make for. The look of surprise, the smile it brings, the twinkle of excitement in their eye and the heartfelt thank you from a look of appreciation are all gifts you get to keep and cherish in your mind for a long, long time.
I wonder how many of you shop at your local small businesses? I wonder how many of you actually put any thought into gifts you give? I wonder how many of you make gifts to give?
How would you answer these three questions?
How would you answer these three questions?
Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
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