How to buy holiday gifts from a small business
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Whether you are choosing a gift for a relative, friend or business associate or customer, one way you can support the economy in your home town is to select a gift you can purchase from a local merchant. These small businesses provide jobs and pay taxes in your community. Often, they can be the source of products that are created nearby that can symbolize your civic pride.
This how-to article is designed to provide you with the types of gifts you may consider.
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Think globally, buy locally
The reasons to purchase holiday gifts from a local provider are many. While there are wonderful sources of gifts online or from big-business vendors, a gift from a local or regional source demonstrates the personal attention you've given to thinking of a gift beyond the ordinary. At the same time, it demonstrates you commitment to supporting the small businesses who provide jobs, taxes and a wide array of community service to your area. And, by sending your locally-produced or marketed products to friends, family or clients far-away, you will be providing them a gift they are unable to purchase in their hometown.
Food
Every region is famous for some local cuisine. Does you hometown have a restaurant that bottles up its famous sauces. Have they published a cook book? Jellies, cheeses, salad dressings or locally cured hams are just some of the options. In many areas, local groups have even created baskets that combine various local food products.
Events
Write something about supporting a local institution by purchasing tickets to a local music festival, attraction or annual event.
Crafts & Art
Write about how to find local folk arts and crafts that can be used as gifts.
Regional-identity products
Is your area home of something famous? Perhaps you live near a university with a well-known sports team. Maybe a type of fashion or annual event has made your region famous. You can share a little bit of your hometown with merchandise purchased locally that celebrate or represent that event, tradition or attraction that draws people to your area.
Community support
In recent years, some companies and individuals have started making a contribution to a charity instead of sending holiday gifts. Often, however, this can seem a bit impersonal. By working with a local charity -- be it a school or community support organization -- to personalize your gift, you can underscore your support of a hometown organization. Rather than contributing to a general fund, perhaps focus you gift on a specific item -- a park bench for example. Plan ahead so that you can make a small plaque that commemorates the gift with a message of appreciation to the organization -- and to those who will receive your message.
External links
(If you are editing the article, please do not add links to specific merchants, as this is article about "local" merchants and SmallBusiness.com is read around the world.)
