The holiday season will be here before you know it, so it’s almost time to start thinking about gift-giving. While buying gifts can become expensive very quickly, there are some ways to find the perfect, meaningful gifts for your loved ones, while still staying under budget. A favorite for many during the holiday season is to give gifts from local businesses or DIY (do-it-yourself) gifts. These gifting methods support your local community while also saving you money along the way.
Not only does it feel good to support local businesses, but it also enhances the local economy. When you purchase an item from a local business, your dollars are going to stay local. Local businesses are more likely to support other local businesses and local causes such as youth sports or schools. Local businesses also support the local economy by creating more local jobs and hiring those within their community.
Local businesses also increase the “feel good” experience of holiday gifting by providing unique, personal touches that national chains may not provide. For example, if you order something from an online, local store they often provide a “thank you” and maybe even a few freebies like stickers or a coupon code. If you shop at that store in person, you might receive an improved shopping experience and well-wrapped products. Local businesses often provide unique, handmade products that might be challenging to find elsewhere.
If you’re wondering, “How do I find these local businesses?” here are some tips:
- Take a drive or a walk through downtown or other commercial areas in your town and look for new and unique storefronts.
- Social media is a great resource to find local businesses. By simply searching the name of the product you’re looking for in your favorite social media app, you can easily find shops in your area to purchase it from.
- Try searching e-commerce sites by entering your city or state to find small businesses in your area. Even if you can’t make it in-store, you will still be able to support a local business through their online shop!
Do-it-yourself, or DIY, gifts are another great option for holiday gifts. They can be an easy low-cost option that adds that special personal touch. Baked goods, hot chocolate mixes or layered cookie mixes are just a few ideas to consider. If you’re extra crafty, you can use cuttings from your fresh Christmas tree to make centerpieces, wreaths, or garlands to give as festive gifts. Not to mention, a homemade gift often holds extra meaning to the person receiving it.
When gathering materials for homemade gifts, you can often purchase your supplies in bulk to save money. For example, if you’re making a layered cookie mix, you can get containers as well as the ingredients in large quantities just by visiting the grocery store. This way, when you make your DIY gifts, you can make several of the same gifts to not only save money but also save time during the busy holiday season.
Whether you decide to shop local or create your own gifts this holiday season, you can feel good about supporting others and providing heartfelt gifts to your loved ones. By shopping locally, you can support local businesses and save on fuel by staying in your area. If you choose to make your own gifts, you can save by gathering supplies in bulk.
Jennifer Friend, WVU Extension Agent, Harrison County
Financial Literacy Education Team