Think Local for Unique, Clutter-Free Gifts

Are you ready to tackle your holiday shopping? It’s time! In my family, we traditionally start shopping way early. In fact, according to family lore, my grandmother always had all her gifts bought, wrapped, and stowed in her closet by the end of August.

By contrast, when I owned a store (Who knew that little fact about me?), lots of last-minute shoppers would show up on Christmas Eve with a look of panic in their eyes, frantically trying to find a gift. They were so relieved when I offered them free gift wrapping!

This year, with the supply-chain problems causing shortages and delays, you definitely want to get a head start so you don’t end up grabbing whatever you see on the shelves.

My biggest tip for this season is to keep it local. As much as possible, I love to support my local businesses, both because I used to own a main street shop so I know how tough it can be and also because these businesses create the flavor that makes your neighborhood fun.

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In addition, if you’re actually going into a local establishment and buying what’s there or picking up a gift certificate, you avoid any worry about out of stock items and delivery problems, not to mention porch pirates.

• Local shops help you avoid supply-chain shortages and find unique gifts that the big box stores don’t have. To find clutter-free gifts, go for things that are useful and/or are an upgrade to replace or enhance something the recipient already has. (Check out this past blog for upgrade ideas.) If you’re in the Rhode Island area, check out some of my favorites: Kreatelier, Stock Culinary Goods, and Studio Hop.

• Local food makes a fabulous clutter-free gift. Give a gift card to a local restaurant or cafe (My favorites are Chez Pascal and Seven Stars Bakery.) or see if your favorites have items that can be shipped, such as coffee or pantry items. For gift baskets, try a locally-owned market such as Rhode Island’s Dave’s Marketplace. For an unexpected gift, ship a case of a local product you love but that might be hard to find where your loved ones live, such as astonishingly delicious Granny Squibb’s Organic Iced Tea.
• Local experiences help the recipient be a “hometown tourist.” There are all kinds of things you do when visiting as a tourist that you never take advantage of when you live in a place. Give a pack of tickets so the recipient can see their hometown with new eyes. For my husband's birthday, we spent a great afternoon at the Audrain Auto Museum. For kids, tickets to zoos, trampoline parks, rock climbing, or escape rooms are popular.
• Local lifestyle gifts are things you know the recipient already loves. Do they go to a certain gym? Give them an upgraded membership or private training sessions. (I stay strong with Studio47 Pilates.) Do they need some pampering? Get a gift certificate to their favorite salon or massage therapist. Do they support a local organization (like my fave Aquidneck Island Robotics)? Donate in their name. Do they shop at a local market? Buy them a delivery subscription.

I hope my list will be a springboard for your own creative ideas. What are your favorite locals? I’d love to hear about what’s great in your hometown!