I’m pretty interested in this #Occupy movement. I don’t agree with everything everyone’s doing because I think some people have their own agenda. I also think as a movement, we need to be careful about demanding exactly what the 1% wants – golbalization of banks, currency, and even more control. I’m a strong believer in the idea that the way to take back our economy is to buy local.
So you’re not into protesting, or you’re a teen and your parents don’t want you on the streets, or you have to work and keep your family life together, but you want to participate somehow? Well, I’m here to give you some ideas on how to make your voice heard with your pocketbook. It’s timely too because a lot of us are starting to think about holiday gift buying. How do you get everyone something they want/need/love without giving in to corporate buying? Shop locally!
1. Handmade art and jewelry is available in every price range. Hit your local gallery if you want to splurge, and the holiday craft fairs if you’re on a budget.
2. Gift cards to a locally owned restaurant are always yummy ideas.
3. Tickets to hear local musicians and/or independent label CDs are great.
4. Who doesn’t want a massage? Or a facial. Or a haircut at a fancy, locally owned salon.
5. Memberships to museums, the planetarium, and the zoo are awesome for everyone.
6. A night away at a B&B is a swell gift for two. And if it’s for someone who doesn’t have time or money to travel, then find one across town in a neighbourhood they’re not used to frequenting.
7. If you cook, why not make up gift baskets using things you’ve made in your kitchen? Get a few of your cooking friends in on this, and each of you make different things to swap, so your baskets have variety and you don’t have to make everything yourself.
8. How about something used. Sounds a bit unorthodox, but just because your kid wants a bike doesn’t mean it has to still have the price tag on it. People sell like-new bikes all the time online and in the classifieds. Same for furniture, tools, and even electronics.
9. Make gift certificates for useful things like babysitting, lawn care, grocery shopping, etc. This is especially good for the people who have everything.
10. Go antiquing! There is lots of cool stuff available at flea markets and antique malls.
11. Used books that look like new are fabulous gifts. If you’re an author, or you know authors, and you’re concerned about how used books don’t benefit the author, check out this blog post I did on that very topic.
12. Make something!
If buying local sounds okay, but you’re not really sure it will make a difference, then take the time to read this article. It’s quite eye-opening!
On Friday, 28 October, I’ll be signing off the internet in support of #OccupyYourself. Hope you’ll join me!
In the meantime, do you have any more ideas for shopping locally?
Great ideas Joelle, I love my local famers market too 🙂
Great ideas, Joelle! Thanks for this list. I’m a big fan of shopping locally. I think it’s a wonderful way to fall in love with your community. You really get to know people through the work they do, and let’s face it: Most people are terrific.
One of the best gifts I have ever received (thank you, husband) was a gift card to my favorite consignment clothing store, a big packet of brochures for local thrift/antique stores, and a MAP!!! Awesome.
Some Farmers’ Market vendors who sell handcrafted items have online stores or participate on sites like Etsy, where they charge less than they charge at the local market. You can get their online store information at the market, then purchase products from them afterward, online. You can also arrange to pick up your purchases at next week’s market. That way you’re still supporting the local economy, but you’re also avoiding sometimes exorbitant Farmers’ Market prices. That said, I try to support my local Farmers’ Market vendors when their prices are somewhat reasonable, because I think my local market adds to the charm of wonderful little Moscow, Idaho.
Thanks again for this terrific post!