Shop Small - Shop Locally

As a followup of my previous blog Doubling Your Giving, I have decided to write about shopping locally. Due to the struggling economy, small businesses have really taken a hit.  They can not afford to offer the deals that larger companies run this time of year.  However, here's somethings to consider when shopping small and locally.  1)  You are giving back to the economic health of your community.  2)  You'll find things that you won't find anywhere else.  3)  Your gifts could prove to be more thoughtful, because of the unique items you are able to snag.  4)  You could actually spend LESS because your gift is so unusual that it's thought outweighs the prices of those "must have" Christmas items.

Here are some vendors I am personally aware of:

Etc., inc.  is a new store with a "mall" of individual local vendors.  From coach purses to locally designed designer tee shirts, you're sure to find something special.

Here's a cool gadget for drilling holes into your Christmas tree.  You pop this baby on your drill and then you don't have to twist those screws into your tree forever and ever.  Maybe if you contact him on his facebook page he could ship this product to your home in time for your tree!  :)

In addition my friend Megan makes beautiful original jewelry.  You can look at her products and "like
 her facebook page  at Just 4 Me Jewelry.  You can triple your giving here.  Many times she gives a good deal of her profit to charity!  So you're buying a gift #1.  You're prospering a small business #2.  You're giving to charity #3!  What an investment!!

Lastly, I have a dear friend who is working on raising money to send her husband to Haiti on a missions trip.  She is an excellent baker and is selling baked goods and candy as a fundraiser.  Here's a link where you can find out more...My Friend.