Thinking Outside the Box for the Holidays…

Supporting local businesses not only helps keep money circulating in your community, but keeps people like your neighbors, friends or family employed throughout the year. This isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your hometown businesses with their financial lives on the line trying to keep their doors open. Here are some suggestions that will help you think outside the box:  

·         Everyone gets their haircut. How about gift certificates from your local salon or barber?
·         Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Especially when January 1strolls around and your resolutions kick-in!
·         Who wouldn’t appreciate their car detailed? Small, locally owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate.
·         Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like their driveway sealed, or lawn moved for the summer, or driveway cleared all winter, or a few rounds at the local golf course.
·         There are a ton of owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy-smancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint?
·         How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a local mechanic shop?
·         Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Betcha she’d LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. Or, how about a paid manicure or pedicure?
·         What about a book by a local author, fiction or non-fiction. There’s a gift for everyone on your list.
·         Need a computer tune-up? I know I can find some local computer repair business.
·         Looking for something more personal? Local crafts people make jewelry, candles, pottery, paintings, jams, jellies, relishes, and more.
·         Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. How about going to see a play or ballet at the local theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
This holiday season the dollars you spend could save someone’s job, or stop a business from closing its doors. And when we care about our community, the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.
SHAMELESS PLUG — if you’re thinking about supporting THIS author over the holiday season, please click HEREto purchase an ecopy of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis to download to your ereader. Cheers and wishing you and your family safe and happy holidays!
Gift Image: 123rf2376639 Stock Photo