It's the time of year when people give gifts. I have noticed a lot of people just go and pick something off a shelf without much thought to what they really are getting for someone and then there are those who put a lot of effort and forethought into their gift giving. If you are one of those people who put effort into your choices, this is for you.
There is a lot of emphases on keeping it local this year, and it should actually be all year. But here are some ideas that will help you keep it local. We know about going to local stores run by local people rather than hitting the big-box department store franchises with all their made-somewhere-other-than-here merchandise, but have you thought about the actually made 'here' as in in your neighborhood? Believe it or not, there are still farmer's markets running in some areas. They may not be held out of doors since it is wintertime, but there are those who move to an indoors location, at least through the holiday season. They are not selling fresh produce, but rather jams and jellies, pickles, relishes, home-canned vegetables, things made with the produce that didn't sell, homemade soaps, lotions, cosmetics, greeting cards that are beautifully done either by hand or on their computers, embroidery work or other needle work, quilts. These people spend their 'down time' in the winter months making what is now considered cottage industry products. They are beautiful and very thoughtful as gifts.
I have gone to church bizarres and craft shows held at malls or in the park (in warmer months) and school gymnasiums. They too have home crafted items such as knitted blankets, needle point and woven rugs, crocheted items, handcrafted baby clothes and blankets, embroidered table linens and bed linens, altered sweatshirts and tee shirts (some of them are whimsical and very cute), scarves or sweaters, mittens, and hats, handmade jewelry made from locally found materials (a rock tumbler and small drill can give material for truly beautiful and unique jewelry). They have artwork and of course the greeting cards for all occasions, dried flower arrangements, wreaths, pottery, handmade decorations, stuffed toys made at home so you won't find any two actually alike, hand carved wooden toys and sculptures. Someone might be parting with antiques handed down through the family such as vases and bowls, or jewelry boxes. There is a workshop that makes unique boxes in our area and they sell in their tiny shop at their home and other local venues. Imagine giving someone a special handmade keepsake box. How about a landscape painting or slice-of-life scene all framed and ready to go? Maybe an artist took just the perfect photograph and framed it that someone would really appreciate. I saw some photographs just the other day at a local art museum/coffee shop where all the items were for sale. Man, were those nice photographs- I wish I could find that perspective with my camera.
This isn't to say that they will be inexpensive, although they are probably are very good quality; better than that cookie-cutter made-in-China stuff you find at Wal-Mart. You will find find bargains if you look, but isn't it about the thought and not the price? If you're a crafty person, do it yourself, just remember to get your craft goods from a local store or supplier!
Happy holidays and good shopping!
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