Support local businesses this Christmas!

**Daisygirl** · 11-17-2009, 08:38 PM

This partly comes from the fact that I have a new business I am trying to get going. But it has made me do a lot of thinking about the economy.

If everyone bought most of their gifts from people they knew that were in business of some description, think of the boost it would give to your local economy.

As an example, here are some of the gifts and what type of business I have purchased them from:

Ceramic shoe cell phone holder (DD14) ceramic purse piggie bank (DD 9) from a friend that makes ceramics

GIft set with wine stopper and cheese tray and slicer (one for XH and his GF from the girls, one for XMIL)

Make-up, eyemakeup remover, bubble bath (DD14), lip gloss, Jonas Brothers mug, lotion (DD9) from friend that sells Avon

Giftcards for both daughters from friend with a bookstore

Candles and candle holder (DD14) from friend that sells Regal

Homemade potpourri and candles (2 best friends, DD14) from friend that makes and sells them

All of these gifts are very reasonably priced, unique and support a good friend in their endeavours.

Just an idea - thought some of the rest of you might like to get on my bandwagon!

**sommersa** · 11-17-2009, 09:09 PM

I am trying to do the same, just from our local stores. And spending less all together for christmass, making gifts mean more. What kind of business are you starting

**Kim_Mango** · 11-17-2009, 10:11 PM

Thank you for such a good reminder! I will definitely go to the local shops in the next few weeks and do some shopping.

Often the items at these local shops are very unique and make great presents since the receiver wouldn't be able to find the item in a national chain store.

**Imarachne** · 11-17-2009, 10:11 PM

Yeah--I like the idea ! We can do alot on a local level to help fix struggling businesses and those are our neighbors !

**mauimagic** · 11-18-2009, 01:10 AM

This is a great idea!! I prefer to stay local anyway - mahalo for thinking of this!!

**Russ** · 11-18-2009, 06:47 AM

And TRY to buy American made products! I know it is very difficult.

**frugalwarrior2** · 11-18-2009, 06:54 AM

We will try but won't be buying much anyway. Teens want cash and Grandparents want nothing. This may still result in parents eating out locally and teens shopping locally at the mall and guitar store though. Still don't know as I haven't shopped for one gift.(very unlike me.)

**Daisygirl** · 11-18-2009, 08:04 AM

@ sommersa - I have just opened a bead shop and I also sell handmade jewelry.

I'm glad you all like the idea. I think it is sort of like any grass roots movement, it all starts small and locally. I know there is a place for big companies like Wal-mart and the grocery chains, but they have put the average people out of business. Both of our countries were founded on the opportunity to make your own way, and we've lost that with huge conglomerates.

I got a couple of other gifts through the barter system. I have a friend who is an aesthetician, so I traded some jewelry items for some gift certificates for services for my daughters and a couple of close friends.

The barter system also has a lot to be said for it. It allows me to have some luxuries I would never spend money for - like facials, pedicures and the like. Just another option for some of us.

**sabrelvssammy** · 11-18-2009, 08:42 AM

great thread and hopefully will remind others to help our own neighbors instead of the pockets of 'wally-world'....

i too have jewelry for sale in one of our local boutiques as do quite a few others in my town...we have consignment shops and antique stores here locally...so when you are buying 'local' you are not only helping the 'shop-owner' but there is a good chance that you could be buying a 'consigned' piece so you may be helping others at the same time....