Holiday shopping is nearly impossible to avoid. Unless you’re extremely frugal, reusing & re-purposing things in your own home, or re-gifting every gift you received last year – it’s inevitable that you’ll be doling out some cash. “Cyber Monday” may have been your first and last day of shopping this season – but for most of you – the fun has only just begun!
Do you fall into one of these categories? (And more curiously- are you willing to admit it?)
The Planner. You need a list to keep track of all your lists. Every detail is written down and reviewed. You know when the holiday movies are showing and plan to wrap presents while Ralphie finally asks Santa for a Red Ryder BB Gun. Whether you start in July or in December, your organization carries you through. You even save your lists for next year to avoid duplications and embarrassments. Not only do you shop for people you know, you pick up a few extra gifts for those unexpected guests. Nice planning!
The Enthusiast. You anticipate the season with all the cheer and wonder of Buddy the Elf. Decorations are up as soon as the Macy’s Day Parade is finished. You started listening to A Charlie Brown Christmas when Daylight Savings ended. While you’re not much of an organizer, you do have a piece of junk mail laying around somewhere with a scribbled list of friends to buy presents for. You might not have all your shopping done yet, but peppermint mochas and pine tree scented candles have taken over your home. Enjoy decorating your gingerbread house!
The Closer. You approach the holiday season with Grinch-like enthusiasm. Your head was in the game during football season and missed the gift ideas blatantly tossed your way. Understanding the magnitude of disapproval you’d receive come Christmas morning, you stiff-arm strangers as you make your way to the check-out counter on Christmas eve. Eyes focused, package in hand, you get in and get out. It’s not that you hate the holidays. You just hate the holidays. Merry freakin’ Christmas!
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Whether you realize it or not, we all have our own personal traditions. Spending money is unavoidable. My challenge to you - add a new tradition this year and shop local. Support your neighbors. Swap talents & gifts with friends. Buy at least one gift from Cleveland County.
Here are a few ways to find great local gifts:
1. Local events: Keep updated with events in and around town this holiday season. Import our gmail calendar into your own or get daily updates via Facebook, twitter, or the events page. Associated with artists, shops, churches, and restaurants, these events can be a spring board for ideas, connections, and finalizing your shopping list this year!
For example: “Holiday Happy Hour” begins at the Arts Council on Thursday, December 1, 2011.
2. Facebook: I’ve created a list of local businesses on Facebook. Check out their pages, “like” them, and interact! This is an excellent way to see what local businesses are offering!
Go to Shelby Known’s Facebook page. Look on the left hand side, you may have to scroll down to find it. Click on the words “See all”.
This is what you’re looking for:
3. Etsy: Thanks to online sites like etsy.com, local artists can share their talents and you can locate them by region. I’ve compiled a list of local crafters & creators near the bottom of this community page: http://shelbyknown.com/community-links You’re sure to find a unique, local gift for everyone on your list this year!
These 3 places are just ideas to get you started. Cleveland County has a lot to offer! No matter what type of Holiday Shopper you are – be a Local Holiday Shopper this year!
