Think outside the box this Holiday!

This is not original... but spoke to me. As small business owners, I know we will all areciate the sentiment!

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? (Even most Hallmark products are made in China.) Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificate from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

There are so many folks right here on Inside919 that would appreciate your and my business. So let's suport each other and change our own economy.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

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Comment by Janice, Productivity Strategist on December 5, 2011 at 10:05am: Great ideas, Carol. Around this time I also write articles about consumable gifts like you've mentioned since most people have plenty of stuff! Another idea is to give a gift to a charity in someone's name. Just yesterday in the N & O there was a list of local charities along with donations needed (some were items & others were money) including what donations are used for. I hope people will take all of these ideas to heart.

Comment by Carol Riddick, Lyoness, Raleigh on December 5, 2011 at 5:05pm: Great idea Janice! We are planning to send to the soldiers. I will definitely check out the local charities.

Comment by Carol Riddick, Lyoness, Raleigh on December 5, 2011 at 5:05pm: thanks Sherie. :)

Comment by Pat Howlett on December 5, 2011 at 5:44pm: Carol, I think Love you! Very nice and timely post - Featured!

Comment by Robin Thomas on December 5, 2011 at 5:49pm: Thanks for this post, Carol. It is a time for sharing, not a time for excess. Services and consumables are wonderful ideas, as is supporting our artists. Shopping within our local businesses helps our own community, too. Our Chapel Hill Junto is supporting Holiday Meals for IFC. http://inside919.ning.com/forum/topics/chapel-hill-junto-1-supports... and there are other great options at InSIde919's forum "good works"

Comment by Carol Riddick, Lyoness, Raleigh on December 5, 2011 at 7:10pm: Thanks Sherie

Comment by Carol Riddick, Lyoness, Raleigh on December 5, 2011 at 10:25pm: I so agree, Robin! My kids thought I went crazy when I told them all I wanted from them is a promise not to text while driving. No cost gift that gives me peace of mind.