Monday 3 December 2012

Thinking Outside the Box for the Holidays…

Supporting local businesses not only helps keep money circulating in your community, but keeps people like your neighbors, friends or family employed throughout the year. This isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your hometown businesses with their financial lives on the line trying to keep their doors open. Here are some suggestions that will help you think outside the box:  

·         Everyone gets their haircut. How about gift certificates from your local salon or barber?

·         Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Especially when January 1st rolls around and your resolutions kick-in!

·         Who wouldn’t appreciate their car detailed? Small, locally owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate.

·         Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like their driveway sealed, or lawn moved for the summer, or driveway cleared all winter, or a few rounds at the local golf course.

·         There are a ton of owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy-smancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint?

·         How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a local mechanic shop?

·         Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Betcha she’d LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. Or, how about a paid manicure or pedicure?

·         What about a book by a local author, fiction or non-fiction. There’s a gift for everyone on your list.

·         Need a computer tune-up? I know I can find some local computer repair business.

·         Looking for something more personal? Local crafts people make jewelry, candles, pottery, paintings, jams, jellies, relishes, and more.

·         Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. How about going to see a play or ballet at the local theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

This holiday season the dollars you spend could save someone’s job, or stop a business from closing its doors. And when we care about our community, the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

SHAMELESS PLUG — if you’re thinking about supporting THIS author over the holiday season, please click HERE to purchase an ecopy of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis to download to your ereader. Cheers and wishing you and your family safe and happy holidays!

Gift Image: 123rf2376639 Stock Photo

19 comments:

  1. Such great ideas, Sharon, and so important in this ever-changing economy. Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping!

    P.S. I recommend The Last Timekeepers to everyone!

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    1. Right back atcha, Cathy! Thank you for recommending my book to the community! You're awesome!

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  2. Thanks for the shout out to local authors! I actually have a Secret Santa at work who included reading on her list of hobbies. She's in her early 20s, so I'm including a print copy of my YA novel Shadow Eyes with her gifts. Lol! Hey, she's the one who listed reading. :)

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    1. Anytime, Dusty! We authors need all the shout-outs we can get! Cheers and happy holidays!

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  3. Good post, Sharon. I want #6 while I enjoy #7.:)

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    1. An oil change, Sloane? Hey, that works! I'm more for the house cleaning and spa day! Cheers for surfing by!

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  4. I love this post Sharon! What great ideas for the holidays!

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  5. Thanks Lizann and Lisa. Just being Santa's little helper! Wink.

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  6. These are great ideas, Sharon. I'm now feeling rather guilty for buying most of my presents from Amazon.

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    1. Haha, that's okay, Amaleen, I'm sure you're not the only one! Thanks for surfing by!

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  7. Local businesses! Yes, yes, and yes! Plus, they're more fun. These are all wonderful ideas, Sharon! I will share and tweet them!

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    1. Cheers, Clarissa! Shall we meet for a spa day?

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  8. Always great to think outside the box. Great post, Sharon.

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    1. High fives, Eleni (Techical Wiz of Oz)! I betcha you always think outside the box! Cheers and Happy Holidays!

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    2. LOL - I do try, Sharon. My godson loves the birthday posters I usually do for him and last year I did a bigger one. Not sure how I'm going to top that one next year.

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  9. I absolutely lobe your name of your blog!

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    1. Thank you, April! It was awesome for you to surf by! Cheers!

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