As the holidays approach and multi-national companies have kicked into high gear to provide Americans with piles of cheaply produced goods, we’d like to suggest an alternative: giving a 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. It is time now to think outside the pretty wrapped box.
Everyone gets a haircut, so how about giving a gift certificate from your local hair salon or barber? How about a gift certificate for a massage from a local service provider, a local gym membership or a gift of time with a personal trainer? A dance school certificate is one that’s appropriate for all ages, and let’s faces it: dancing is fun!
Who couldn’t appreciate having a car detailed? Locally-owned detail shops and car washes have gift certificates that could be used throughout the coming year.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a foreign-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps your grateful gift receiver would really appreciate having her driveway plowed this winter or his lawn mowed for the summer. Or how about giving a few rounds at the local golf course?
Perhaps your family or friends could use interior design services. Is there a room that needs painting, wallpaper or a new carpet? Even “do-it-yourself” types could benefit from a professional consultation on their renovations, so we provide gift certificates in any denomination, starting as low as $250, that can be used for consultations or merchandise, as the recipient chooses.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip too. There are many restaurants in our area, all offering gift certificates that can be used for anything from breakfasts at your local diner to a special dinner at a fine restaurant. Remember, this isn’t about big National chains – it’s about supporting our home town shops and businesses… the people who are our neighbors and friends and who help make our communities worth living in.
Who couldn’t use an oil change for a 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… or a year.
Could your friend’s computer use a tune-up? How about some instruction on how to use it? You can find an eager computer consultant who is struggling to get his business up and running. OK, are you looking for something more personal? Consider local crafts people… people who spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They craft jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes too.
Why not support artists, musicians, dancers and actors right there in your own community? In Philadelphia, we have one of the greatest orchestras in the world. And our theatre companies, dance troops and opera company all offer programs that are salubrious to the soul. A gift to attend one (or more) of these venues would surely be a welcome and delightful surprise! How about giving a painting, or a drawing or a beautiful piece of art glass? Not sure what they’d like? Let the receiver select a particular work and apply your certificate to its purchase.
Honestly, do you really need to buy the latest “improved” foreign-made gadget for that special someone on your list? How “special” is he or she when your gift is just like every other gift out there? Or returned because it’s not quite what the person likes?
If you have the money, leave the mailman, the trash guy, or your babysitter a nice generous tip. How about donating food to a family in need or to your local food bank? Taking a gift basket of fresh baked goodies to a new family in the neighborhood or to a needy family is something that will be remembered and may be paid forward someday.
The holidays shouldn’t be about draining American pockets to buy stuff that most people don’t really want or need. The holidays should be about caring and sharing right in our own neighborhoods and encouraging our local American businesses to keep plugging away through difficult times. When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we cannot imagine.
So let’s call this holiday season the New American Holiday Tradition. Make your gift giving truly special and unique. In doing so, everyone benefits. Family and friends get something personal and thoughtful; local businesses get the support and encouragement they need to continue being valued parts of our communities, and you get the happiness that only comes from doing good… twice over!
Please pass this idea on because we each can make a positive contribution to the people who matter most in our lives – family, friends, neighbors and local merchants – helping to strengthen relationships and keeping our communities vibrant, friendly and wonderful during the holidays and in the coming year ahead.