This year, I set a goal to buy most of my Christmas presents locally and as many as possible made in Vermont. I also tried to buy consumable products that would not be more “crap” people had to incorporate into their homes.
I bought all the adults on my list (mostly couples) local food products. A lot of this was dried beans from Yoder Farm in Danby, Vermont and popcorn made in Westminster, Vermont. I put these items in previously used (but very clean) Mason jars with new rings and lids. That way the packaging is reusable. I put these two items in a gift bag (reusable) and augmented with either locally made candy (there is a woman in Middletown Springs who makes THE BEST English toffee) or beer jelly from the farmers’ market.
I also gave some Vermont-made salted caramel candies, some Florida-made pasta (bought locally while there), and Vermont maple butter. I bought two calendars from Book King and candy from Something Sweet, both in Rutland.
Almost every item was purchased either from the source or from an independent retailer. One exception was the four Cuppow BNTO’s I bought at what appeared to be a chain craft store in Burlington. (I could be wrong about that, though.)
We also bought a few gifts from the gift shops of the Dali Museum and Museum of Fine Art gift shops in St. Petersburg, Florida. Their stuff is unique and great for kids, and I do like supporting the arts.
My favorite gift of all (and one that supports my favorite retail establishment in Rutland, Vermont) was a very hefty gift certificate to the coffee shop that I adore, the Coffee Exchange.
I think I did a pretty good job of sticking to a local Christmas. This is how we keep our unique local economies alive and thriving.
