I recently received an email which posed the idea that we use keep our Christmas and holiday spending in our communities by buying gift certificates for local services instead of patronizing giant chain stores and buying Chinese-made goods. I'd like to expand further on this idea and get suggestions from our Kos community. Let's challenge ourselves in this new environment of making the 1% hear us and keep as much money as possible in our communities.
This is another facet of Move Your Money, only we are now moving our shopping away from Walmart, Target, Amazon, Macy's and the gift card kiosks. Of course, making your own gifts, jam, scarves, baked goods and such is a way to spend less and not get sucked into the Shopping Mall Vortex but that is not realistic for many people. Here are some ideas for people to consider for family members and friends. Please add your own ideas in the comments. Even a ten dollar gift certificate can be a nice gift and help a local business.
Gift Certificates to Local Businesses like:
Oil changes from a local mechanic or locally owned gas station
Manicures, pedicures, massages and facials
Evening out at a restaurant or lunch at a coffee shop
Punch cards for multiple yoga classes or exercise classes
Punch cards at a local coffee bar or bakery
House-cleaning or lawn-mowing for a senior is especially welcome
Independent bookstores really need our business and are a great gift certificate
Locally owned Bike Shops, florists, yarn stores
Taxi service for someone who cannot drive
Tickets to a local theater, concert or cultural event
Pet-sitting or dog walking
Music lessons, ski lessons, golf lessons
Second-hand used sports equipment store that has kayaks, snow boards and skis and such
Trade-in used video and computer game stores
Other Services:
Check out Holiday Craft Fairs. Buying a scarf or earrings from a craftperson helps an artist and keeps money in your community. Sometimes there are handmade wooden toys, costumes and baby clothes too to keep you away from ToysRUs.
I still need ideas for teenagers and young people. I'll add the best ideas in an update.
Okay Kossacks, let's kick Corporate Santa's ass!
3:40 PM PT: Shopping on Craig's List is a good idea and also shopping on the website madeinUSAforever.com which only sells products made in America. They have clothing, tools, food items, pet products, over 2800 items.