Give the Gift of Local Love!

As Valentine's Day approaches along with birthdays, anniversaries, mother's day and so forth; 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. Merchandise that has put our neighbors out of jobs and put our nation into a recession.
But this year will be different. We are going to rise out of this economic slump starting in our own backyard. This year Americans will give gifts that are made in their own neighborhoods.

When you buy from a local shop you are not helping a CEO buy another vacation home, you are helping your neighbor to pay their mortgage, put food on their table, pay their utilities, or a student pay for college.

Starting with Valentine's Day, how about giving your man with a gift certificate to get his car detailed. Tickets to a local sports game, a jug of beer from a local brewery, or a sports massage from a local spa is a sure way to score points with your man.

When planning for a romantic date night; remember that musicians need your love too and support venues that showcase local bands. Men, please remember to buy roses from a local florist, chocolates from a local candy shop, and jewelry made by a local artist.

Need a gift idea for a girlfriend with a birthday? Birthday cupcakes from a local bakery store, a gift card from a neighborhood coffeeshop, homemade candles & soaps purchased at the farmer's market will bring cheers on her special day.

If you want to give an extravagant gift; a case of wine from a local winemaker, or an overnight getaway at a Bed & Breakfast paired with tickets to the symphony or a play at the local theatre will surely be a gift to remember.

On Mother's Day, spoil your mom with a day of pampering at a nearby spa. Adding the services of a cleaning lady while she relaxes and comes home to clean house will be a gift she will rave about for years to come.

What about Father's Day? Surprise dad with a lawn service for the summer season and a certificate at the local golf course. Most local meat and seafood shop carry locally made barbeque sauces, rubs and spices that will turn him into the ultimate king of the grill.

Teens and Tweens would love you forever with gift certificates from a local owner-run restaurant. Passes to a nearby waterpark, bowling alley, ski slopes, or an owner-run movie theatre.

Kids will jump for joy for certificates to a local craft store, passes to a children's museum,or mini-golf. Children's birthday parties can be extra magical by hiring the services of a local magician, a puppeteer,or renting inflatables and bounce castles from a small business.

Stumped for a gift idea for your grandparents 50th wedding anniversary? Booking a generational photo session with a local photographer or having old family photographs digitally restored by a small business will be a cherished keepsake for generations to come.

Commision a local artist to paint a mural in your home. Local artists can also provide sculptures, pottery, and other beautiful works of art to fit any budget and decorate every room in your house with that one-of-a-kind decor`.

For the die-hard fashionista! Local crafters knit scarves, sweaters and hats. They also make jewelry, purses and boots! Local boutiques will keep you in the fashion forefront winter, spring, summer and fall.

It’s great to find the perfect gift from a small business. Often, when you carry it to the counter, you can see the business owner’s eyes light up. They tell a story about how that gift was made, who made it, the amount of love and hours they poured to make it and the gift immediately becomes even more meaningful and special.

Let’s all do our part to support small businesses by buying local whatever the occasion may be starting Valentine's Day!

NOTE: This article was inspired out of the need of a local business aNeMoNe who became the brave voice for many small businesses struggling to keep their doors open during this challenging economic times. Please vist aNeMoNe's website: www.handmadepaperflowers.com

Gentlemen, are you struggling to find a Valentine's Day gift for the special someone in your life? Do yourself a favor and check out this local business who makes amazing paper flower arrangements. Yes, I know that sounds strange but the ladies LOVE them, they last forever, and they're very affordable. aNeMonE is a fantastic local business so help yourself out while you also help out local commerce!