Giving Gift Certificates. As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are in high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods; produced at the expense of American labor.
This year be different. This year give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no excuse that nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Oh…. Yes there is! It is time to think outside the box.
Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from a local American hair salon or barber? A gym membership. It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed, or driveway plowed, or games at the local golf course.
There are many owner-run restaurants, all offering gift certificates. And, if they aren’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen
breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. This is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? She would love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tuneup, and I know I can find a young person who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, do you really need to buy more Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents
stays in the community. Instead, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
Christmas is now about caring about US – We the People – encourage American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.