Non-Corporate Christmas
Posted on December 01, 2006 by Him and tagged gifts, spending, values
Last year I set out do do what I thought was impossible: buy all of my Christmas presents at locally owned businesses in Chicago.
Fortunately, local culture blog Gaper's Block showed me the way: they published a 2005 holiday shopping guide. It featured 12 different independently owned stores in Chicago. While I didn't totally succeed in my holiday mission, I did by a good portion of gifts from thse vendors.
Fortunately, this year will also be a great year for buying locally-made goods. Gaper's Block and Time Out Chicago have tons of listings of stuff that's going on.There are a plethora of crafty type shows, happenings, and bazaars going on this weekend in Chicago.
Why local businesses? I like putting money into the hands of people in our neighborhood. I appreciate the personal "thank you" I get from owners and craft-makers. I like getting unique gifts for people that aren't from nationwide department stores. I like that I'm even helping the environment a little by buying locally so that goods don't have to be transported over long distances.
To me, putting smiles on peoples' faces and helping out is what the holidays are about.
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beeble | Dec 2, 2006
That's a great idea. I know of a craft fair at Glessner House next weekend, one of my coworkers sells her knitted goods there and also the West Side Christmas event on the same weekend.
One other idea is to make gifts like knitting them. I'm knitting about 5 scarves for friends and family out of Chunky Alapaca yarn. So cute.
I have always loved the idea of shopping local. Another thing I like to do is shop the internet for indie designers (easy to find great things that are one of a kind). And, of course, making homemade gifts like baked goods, or other things.
QueenJane | Dec 3, 2006
I make it a point to shop locally as often as possible, and will even go out of my way at times. For instance, I pay more for shoes because I love the service I receive at a certain store, and I actually drive 4 hours to shop there. When you live in a small rural community with limited shopping, sometimes it's difficult to always shop locally. I do make it a point to NEVER shop at Walmart, which I think is a horrible company.
Wealthy Geek | Dec 1, 2006
Very noble effort, Him. It’s stories like this that help remind me that American consumerism isn’t always on autopilot. Another advantage to add to your list is that when you buy locally, you very often avoid the frenzied crowds at malls etc, since the masses typically don’t shop at mom & pop operations.
But question: how did you find shopping locally affects your personal finances? I wrestle with this whenever I buy gifts. I love to, for example, wander down and buy a book from the lovely eclectic bookshop near my place, but I know that one of the big chains or Amazon would mostly like sell me the same book for cheaper. Not an issue if I’m feeling rich, but during a lean month – which for me, December usually is – I do feel guilty for not being frugal, even if I’m helping the local economy.
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