In a desperate bid to fan the flames of consumerism, a number of retailers have announced that their Black Friday sales will begin on Thursday, also known as Thanksgiving. While half the population is elated by this opportunity to get in line a day earlier than usual, the other half is enraged by the intrusion on the holiday.
If you read this blog regularly, you are probably among the few sensible people who 1) didn’t plan to go shopping on Black Friday in the first place and 2) won’t go shopping on Thursday just because the sales are on.
In fact, if you read this blog regularly, your holiday shopping is minimal and already completed. You’ve pared your gift-giving list to immediate family and you recognize that gifts should be about the honest intent– not about the dollars spent.
But if the universe has conspired to interfere with your financially sound and efficient gift shopping this year, please keep this in mind:
SHOP LOCAL
In one of the most ironic twists outside of political campaigning, American Express is backing Small Business Saturday. They encourage us to shop at small, independently-owned shops on Saturday, November 26, 2011 — the day after most of the herd will have exhausted themselves in the malls.
Sure, it’s good for the small business owner to get an extra burst of sales. It’s good for the shopper, too! Build a relationship with your local shops and you’ll probably get some discounts you haven’t thought of. You’ll certainly get a stronger community, and you’ll contribute to the health of your local economy.
The bonus is that, when you’re shopping for gifts, the small local establishments are going to offer unique items, high-quality items, handcrafted items. This is where you’ll find gifts that will stand out and leave the recipients wide-eyed and appreciative.
Skip the mall madness and shop small and find gifts that embody the spirit of the artisan. And then, if you don’t mind, leave a comment here and tell me about the coolest item you found. (For me, it’s the new Scent Sticks from Totty’s Bend Farm)
If you’re a small business owner, be sure to include your town and state, so that visitors to this blog can find you.
