If you’re still looking around for Christmas gifts for loved ones, you’d be well-advised to look closer to home rather than at mass-produced retail goods.
After so much economic turmoil, there are so many small businesses looking for support, and you could be the one to do just that!
Whether you’re visiting a local market or just doing a bit of word-of-mouth research, there are many ways to source some unique and interesting locally-made gifts. Here are a few reasons local Christmas gifts should be your first choice.
1. Reduce your carbon footprint
When buying local products, you cut out a lot of transport, which means drastically reducing your carbon footprint. Just think of all those trucks we constantly complain about on the highways – by supporting local suppliers you’re not contributing towards this traffic congestion. With sustainability the way to go, you’re on the right side by supporting local.
2. Fresher ingredients
If you’re buying locally-made produce, you can be assured you’re getting fresher, more nutrient-enriched ingredients. By shopping locally, you’re supporting seasonality which is better for both you and the environment. There are lots of local markets selling homemade preserves and other delicious products that can be gifted this Christmas.
3. Supports local farmers
There is a massive move towards sustainable and subsistence farming, and by purchasing locally-grown produce, you’re supporting local farmers. This doesn’t need to be for a gift; you could consider buying local produce for your Christmas lunch, and more!
4. More community connection
Another wonderful benefit of buying locally-made gifts this Christmas is that you’re strengthening that community connection and planting stronger roots. When you support one business and share this news with others, you encourage further support and growing that business.
5. Less packaging
Keeping in line with the drive towards sustainability, buying local gifts means less packaging. Considering the amount of plastic ending up in the ocean, we all need to play our part in reducing packaging. You can even bring your own reusable bag when shopping locally.
6. Support the local economy
The devastation of the pandemic on global economies has shown the fragility of disparate economies. By supporting local businesses, you create a much more resilient economy that is able to withstand potential disruptions in the future. By keeping the wealth local, you help boost the economy and create a healthier society.
7. Direct customer experience
When you buy from a big retailer and have any queries or concerns, you have to go through a customer service department and wait in a queue for any type of assistance.
When you support local, you’re most likely dealing with the business owner in person, which means a much more personal experience and better service. You can also look at having goods tailored to your preference, making for really unique gifts.
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