A shopping spree sounds nice and all, but the post made me think of this circulating email -- applies to other gift-giving holidays too! 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. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber? Gym memberships are appropriate for all ages thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, locally owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Extravagant Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps instead 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. 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, done at a locally run shop? 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. Local crafts people make jewelry, scarves, pottery, and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave a nice tip. 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.

Amen Christal!!!!

Those are great ideas, Christal!  I recently moved away from my family, and I've been trying to think of really useful/functional gifts for them back home.  Your ideas are wonderful, and I know they would be appreciated.  Thanks for sharing!

I have to say, my mind went directly to the same place. For some reason Target and Kind don't live in the same world to me.

Great ideas Christal! Thank you!

thank you!

@Christa: LOVE the gift ideas!

@Jennifer June Chapman, I totally agree! There are so many icky issues with big box business, but to me, the worst of it is promoting this culture of buying stuff just b/c it's cheap.

-Mary

http://www.marystestkitchen.com

Just wanted to add that it's not only about supporting your community or your country but also keeping in mind how many people are exploited to make those imported gifts.

People working in dangerous conditions for pennies a day so we can have all these toys, nick nacks and gadgets. We polute the environment to ship it all over. And most of it ends up in landfills. It just isn't worth it.

Excellent point Jennifer! 

BTW, those are bits and pieces of an email going around that I think originated from an essay by Deborah Waite entitled 'New American Christmas'. 

So true Jennifer! This makes me think of The Story of Stuff: http://www.storyofstuff.com/

I think Alicia mentions it in her book. It's a simple and clear explanation of how our current consumerist culture is unsustainable. I try to share it whenever I can.

-Mary

http://www.marystestkitchen.com

Very good. Christal!

A one-day Winter holiday festival comprised of various green-minded gift vendors, non-profit information tables, live entertainment, and activities all in celebration of green/vegan living!!

December 11th, 2011 at The Altman Building located at 135 West 18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in New York City.

http://usvegcorp.com/green-holiday-festival-121111/

Imagine all the ecotools I could buy with $1000! WEEEE

:) lol I will second that!!!

oh my gosh, that's so funny!!!

I just got many of those things to give as a bridal shower gift to a friend who told me about this site!!!

and some for myself,

so wonderful!!!