Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition - include these ideas in your plans

[Mira]

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the 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. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

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 plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- 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? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy 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 your 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, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging 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 couldn't imagine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Those are GREAT ideas, my dear Mira!

I hope people will implement them...

:hi:

[Arkansas Granny]

2. Those are great ideas. I've been able to find a lot of Christmas gifts this year

at local arts & craft shows. It's pretty much the same idea.

[Tansy_Gold]

18. As an artisan, I heartily thank you! n/t

[OffWithTheirHeads]

3. Excellent Mira! Copying and forwarding to my entire e-mail list

Well, except for you of course.

[sarcasmo]

4. Festivus for the rest of us.

[FSogol]

5. Don't like chinese wrapping paper? Here's some alternate gift wrap ideas:

1. Use old maps.
2. Use those travel brochures they have at tourist traps, rest stations, cheap restaurants.
3. Use carryout menus.
4. Know anyone from an architectural, engineering, or design firm? Everyday they throw away 36x24 or 30x42 sheets of digital prints. Those make cool wrapping paper. (I also use that when moving to wrap up glassware, plates, etc.)
5. Use the comic section from the paper.
6. Check the hardware store. The often have wall paper scraps that cost little.

[cyberswede]

6. A couple more...

I've used old sheet music or old calendar pictures to wrap small gifts. You can also find pretty print hankies at antique stores for about $1 - they make a nice wrapping for some items.

[Tanuki]

109. Pages or covers from wildlife magazines with beautiful pics

can also be used to wrap small gifts. I sometimes fold them and make functional envelopes, sealing with a glue stick.

[dddem]

30. I stole this idea from a friend

Whenever i go to a baby shower, I use recieving blankets as gift wrap. It's a hit every time!

[sarge43]

51. Thrift shop cheap bridesmaid gown from hell.

Has to be an eyeball melting red or green on the rack

Cut to size and wrap gifts

Given the size of some of those Omar the Tentmaker's gowns, you'll have wrappings thru the next decade.

Humanitarian plus: No other woman will be forced to wear the horror.

[wizstars]

55. Or National Review--nobody looks at it anyway.....

or Weekly Standard or American Conservative.

They're good for lining your birdcage or cat litterbox too!

[femrap]

74. One can still find USA-made

wrapping paper...but it does seem to get harder and harder each year.

Xmas cards have become more difficult to find...over the past 2 years, many US and Canadian manufacturers have moved to China. I find US-made cards at Tuesday Morning.

Or get a stencil and make your own. I only buy recycled cards and I'm sending a lot of them this year....I want the Postal Workers to have jobs.

[msanthrope]

117. I don't wrap--I use reuseable grocery bags.

It isn't tough to find good looking ones, and I use fabric scrap instead of tissue paper.

[Old Codger]

7. Stole it :)

Just posted it on facebook, thanks

[kag]

73. I'm about to do the same, Old Codger.

From one old Codger to another, I'm also going to send this to my extended family and insist that if they haven't already purchased something, that nothing they get me or my immediate family come from a Chinese sweat shop.

Another idea:

www. MadeInUSAForever.com

And I know there are some other sites that sell only American-made goods. I mention this one, because they happen to sell my book, "U.S. State Names" (which, by the way, makes a great gift).

;-)

Also, ordering stuff mail-order helps out the post office which, I know, doesn't suffer during the holidays, but still...

And if you use FedEx or UPS or your favorite delivery service, you can have a tip or gift ready for delivery man. I love our FedEx guy.

Just a few thoughts.

[silverweb]

8. Rev. Billy approves.

As do I. :)

Just stop shopping!

[dotymed]

38. I saw Reverend Billy get arrested at an OWS protest yesterday.

Thank you Reverend Billy.

[silverweb]

96. That's WONDERFUL!

I'm sure they'll have it up on his website soon. Thanks for letting us know!

[dixiegrrrrl]

9. Good timing on your post. stores are turning into X-mas places right now.

btw...I donate to KIVA usually as a "gift" to folks, but this year, we are donating to OWS!!!!!!!

[femrap]

79. I pack up various candies

using net fabric and tie it up w/ curly ribbon and give hundreds to the various Domestic Violence/Transitional Housing in my area. I also add hair clips, kleenex packages, and tea bags and hot cocoa packages.

I got lots of candy on sale after Halloween. The presents aren't going to be as good as past years...no job, no unemployment check, but I just have to do something for these women.

Over this year, I have purchased about 50 pairs of socks for the women...I roll them up and tied curly ribbon around them. I also found some Learning Books for the children and I wrapped those up as well. Last year I knitted scarves and ended up with 'knitter's wrist' (who knew of such a thing?) and it took months to stop the pain. So that's why I bought socks this year. At Michael's Craft stores, I can usually get some socks for 30 to 50 cents each.

Don't forget to give to those who don't have a permanent place to live for the Holiday. I take my gifts to them in November...an early Xmas of sorts.

OWS is a very worthy place to send donations. I've sent some $$ their way. I've waited for a movement like this my entire life.

[southernyankeebelle]

10. Great ideas. I'm making small jars of pasta sauce and buy 2 large pizza shells. When

you want to use the pizza shells pull the sauce out and use them for your guests for a party along with my choclate chip cheese cakes. I make my cakes around the second week of december and freeze them and last until christmas eve. I also make cookies.

[Dulcinea]

11. Fantastic!

I hope Santa brings me a certificate from a house cleaning service!

[Missy Vixen]

12. Do you cook and bake? Do you know those who don't?

I make cranberry sauce every year. It takes about twenty minutes and less than $5 in ingredients. We give it as a hostess gift when we attend parties at the holidays.

Julie's Famous Cranberry Sauce

1 bag fresh cranberries (12 oz or so)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange peel, diced
1/3 cup Triple Sec

Rinse cranberries, pour into saucepan with sugar and orange peel. Stir until boiling and berries are breaking. Shut off heat, stir Triple Sec into mixture, let stand. Sauce will thicken. Serve, or spoon into container to refrigerate or freeze. Needless to say, some orange juice is a great stand-in for the alcohol, if your loved one does not partake.

I also love to bake. We bring homemade goodies to holiday parties, and give fudge or other treats to those we know would like them, and don't have the time to bake.

If you know someone who lives alone, or with one other person, a good gift is a pre-made dinner entree or two they can put in the freezer for a day they'd like a break from the same-old, same old.

How about a gift certificate for a cooking class at the local kitchen shop for someone who'd like to learn a new technique, or get a chance to try a different cuisine?

A couple more suggestions for the females in your life: Does she like getting a pedicure? It's a "treat" for women who'd like a relaxing hour or so at a (locally owned) nail place. How about a massage? The voc-tech here has massage therapy students who give a great, hour-long massage for $25.

[femrap]

76. Great ideas....

I'd love to have a facial, too. And men like them as well.

Older people really need pedicures! Feet seem to become problems as we age.

[pipi_k]

13. This is exactly what I've been trying to tell

the kids for the longest time.

We're older. We don't need more knicknacks, coffee cups, or tchotchkes that take up space and need dusting.

I prefer to choose my own clothing, too. Number one, because people always either misjudge my largeness, or are too polite to get the size that really fits. And not just fits, but has a bit of extra room in it. I can't even say how much clothing I've had to give away because it didn't fit.

So when asked, I always give practical ideas. Food baskets. Fruit baskets. Gift certificate to our favorite restaurant. Etc.

So anyway, Mr Pip is really hard to buy for. His kids are always asking me for ideas. Last year for his birthday I told them he would like to take a hot air balloon ride. So they they took him. This year I suggested a day ziplining. They took him a couple of weeks ago. Not sure what's for next year. He says he doesn't want to go skydiving (knee replacement pain) so I'm thinking either hang gliding or white water rafting... :7

[xxqqqzme]

85. Yep - 3 or 4 bags of garden soil

would delight me to no end. Anything I can use in my garden is always a treat!

[Rabblevox]

14. Also, gift certs for LOCAL book and music stores, Indy movie theaters, etc. /nt

[TBF]

15. I've been annoyed with the pro-austerity posts lately,

so glad when I opened this that it was something completely different.

Especially love the idea of going to small local shops or craft festivals. We treated ourselves to a theatre series this year and enjoy it very much. Also love the idea of big tips for those who help us - I buy teachers/babysitters/hairstylist VISA gift cards so they can use them for whatever they want or need, and I give the lawn service guy twice the weekly rate in cash.

[tcaudilllg]

29. Pro-austerity people aren't welcome here.

[TBF]

34. Keep an eye on how many folks are all of a sudden

giving "tips" on how to save money and cut back. Live "simpler". I'm not against any of that, as long as we are ALL doing it. I want to see the CEO's and Banksters living "simpler" as well.

[tcaudilllg]

43. Yeah big critic of them.

It's not like resources are genuinely scarce in our time.

[WinkyDink]

31. My haircutter (his term) is far richer than I! Right now he's re-modeling a huge kitchen.

And my former teaching colleagues are making up to $90K, so yeah, no VISA cards for them from me, who never got above $65K (Master's +, 1971-2002).

[TBF]

35. My guess is that hairstylists must vary greatly -

and I'm not talking about giving small gifts to university professors who have tenure, I'm talking about preschool and elementary teachers. They are not making 90K anywhere.

[Odin2005]

97. oppoasing the evil of consumerism is "pro-austerity"?

:eyes:

[TBF]

100. Of course not - if you are opposing ANYONE over-consuming.

The problem is when the 99% are all supposed to cut back, but the corporations and 1% keep using whatever resources they want with impunity.

Personally I believe we all have a lot to do to save this planet, but all of the recycling by the 99% isn't going to change much if corporations are polluting like mad, for example, and paying the fines because it's cheaper than actually changing how they do business.

[thealater]

16. buy local this Holiday

There is a FB group, "Make it Local this Holiday Season" that has a bunch of local (well, local to someone in the US and Canada. :D) artisans showing of their wares. Some might fine stuff.

[LongTomH]

17. great ideas in this thread!

You might also see if your area has local microbreweries and/or wineries. We've got both in the Kansas City area. Our wineries offer some specialty items like meads and fruit wines (cherry, strawberry, blackberry).

See if your area has some local farm stores that offer jellies, jams and fruit butter from local farms.

[jdadd]

19. Wow.....

I just received this post as a e-mail from a Friend in Las Vegas.....Great Ideas travel fast....

[Control-Z]

20. Fantastic post, Mira!

I would love to see this thread grow with ideas and remain active through Christmas.

K&R. And thank you!

[RainDog]

21. k&r n/t

[sandyj999]

22. Wonderful idea!

[Enthusiast]

23. "It's time to think outside the box, people." K&R!

Way to go, Mira!

[Scuba]

24. Plowing my drive for the winter would be a wonderful gift, just in case anyone reading this...

... lives next door (hint).

Great list, thanks for sharing!

[Pacifist Patriot]

25. Ask local babysitters if they will make homemade gift certificates.

Get passes to local zoos and museums.

Music lessons

Dance lessons

Martial arts lessons

Tickets to community theater, local symphony and ballet

...........................................

[GigiMommy]

39. Love that idea!!! What a great way to help the Arts!

Thanks...plus it gets people out of the house (like me).:loveya:

[Pacifist Patriot]

110. For Christmas a couple of years ago, the big present for two of my sons....

was tickets to the traveling production of "Spamalot" with Richard Chamberlain. They still talk about the experience and couldn't possibly tell you what "stuff" they got that year.

Edited to add: and birthday presents were guitar and violin lessons.

[mysticalchick]

26. Groupon and Living Social ...

... have lots of neat "experience" gifts like flying lessons, massages, stuff to do with kids .... I gave my husband two things like that and he loved the idea. Money stayed local, it was something to DO rather than another thing to dust in the house and it was fun.

I love receiving gifts like this. Nice idea for a tradition!

[sarge43]

27. Subscription to a favorite magazine, renewed each year.

Buy dry and canned goods from local store and drop off at local food bank.

[malaise]

28. What a fabulous post

rec

[sarge43]

32. A couple of Made in USA products that make great stocking fillers

Vermont Soap: www.vermontsoap.com

Beauchamp's Hand Lotion: www.beauchampshandlotion.com

I've used both for years and they are terrific. Plus, post Irene, you'll help out the good people of the Green Mountain state.

And one from New Hampshire. Black Bear Coffee: www.blackbearcoffee.com Now that's a cup of coffee.

If you know and recommend local products from your area, post them.

[GigiMommy]

40. Great idea!!

Here's one from the Mitten: http://michigan-made.com/shop/

[sarge43]

42. One from Wisconsin

http://mamabearssoaps.com

Lovely products, check them out

[midnight]

33. K&R

[OneGrassRoot]

36. Ideas for children? Please share. :)

It's the kids that I find most difficult to buy for; I really don't "do" Christmas except for children. Most eco-friendly and socially responsible toys and gifts for kids are ungodly expensive and out of my price range.

I'd love to create something as an alternative. I have an idea but need to pick some parents' brains first. :)

What are the best presents for kids -- toddlers and young children -- in your opinion?

:hi:

[AllyCat]

47. I bought locally made skin drums for my kids at an early age. Not too loud and durable

Bought them at a craft/artisan fair. No movable/chokable parts on the ones I bought, but you'll have to examine your purchase carefully.

[OneGrassRoot]

52. Local craft/artisan fairs rock. Thank you! n/t

[sarge43]

48. One I'd do for my goddaughter, once she started school

A handmade card: IOU a day at ... state park, museum, nature reserve, etc. She and I (no mom or dad) would spend the day exploring, taking pictures, drawing, picnic lunch and so forth. We'd have fun, learn stuff and parents/g-daughter got a break from one another.

[OneGrassRoot]

53. I love the "coupon/IOU" idea! I never thought about it for kids...

since they're so accustomed to something tangible, with immediate gratification. I'm probably selling them short. I really love this idea.

Thanks!

:hi:

[sarge43]

68. Well, at the time g-daughter lived in FL

They would summer vacation here in NH. So, as soon as she piled out of the car, she'd wave the IOU in my face.
I think kids would enjoy something to look forward to.

[OneGrassRoot]

71. Something to look forward to....you're right.

I'm forever late with everything: holidays, birthdays. I say it gives them something to look forward to after the fact.

Same idea here. Love it. Thanks again!

:hi:

[femrap]

80. Spending time with them is

a great gift....babysit, take them to a movie, rent a video and watch it with them, take them sledding (if you have snow), go to the zoo. That's all I ever wanted when I was a kid....an adult to spend time with me. Have a reading day with a bunch of kids. Play Chutes and Ladders with them....bought from a Goodwill store or garage sale. (I think all the games today are made in China).

Play any kind of game with them...something active like Hide and Seek...or Duck Duck Goose.

You could wrap up an very pretty piece of paper with the gift written on it....use stickers, ribbons, stencils, whatever....something they could hang on their wall.

Good luck....sounds like you're going to have fun creating some great gifts.

[OneGrassRoot]

94. "spending time with them is a great gift"...

Indeed.

Thanks for these suggestions, femrap.

:hi:

[jwirr]

82. Art supplies. My family loves to have tablets to draw on. Simple

things. You can also make your own play-doe but I don't have the recipe. The pre-school teachers in our community ask parents to make it for the schools. I have also bought premie clothes at rummage sales as doll clothes for their baby dolls. Rummage sales also have used household items that work very good in a sandbox - measuring cups, old silverware, etc.

[OneGrassRoot]

93. Thanks, jwirr...

Great suggestions.

:thumbsup:

:hi:

[handmade34]

84. books (published in U.S. of course) and

http://www.toysmadeinamerica.com/

[OneGrassRoot]

92. Thanks for the link!

Much appreciated.

:hi:

[juajen]

87. Do a treasure book for him or her. Fill it with special things,

like acorns and leaves he/she collects from walks with you or from the yard, pressed butterflies you tried to save, a rock found, a pet loved, a grandmother adored, now gone. I know many other memories as individual as families exist for your own special family. We should all try to make this holiday season one to cherish as we all try to bring back loving days of old when we were happy and well fed and proud of our country. It is up to us to try to recreate memories and country. Your child will love this forever. BTW, I still have a letter from an old love that has a crumb from brownies he was eating. The crumb is intact, honest.

Edited for following: I don't mean a pressed pet, but a photo of one would be great in that little person's treasure book.

[OneGrassRoot]

91. LOL! You made me chuckle...

clarifying that you didn't mean a "pressed pet."

;)

Great idea. Thanks.

:hi:

[Pacifist Patriot]

111. As a mother of three children....

I whole-heartedly recommend things like passes to zoos and museums, tickets to children's shows at local theaters, camp registrations, and "sponsorships" of sports activities and lessons in the arts.

One year my parents gave our sons the uniforms they needed for their taekwondo lessons since they'd outgrown their starter uniforms.

My in-laws gave my youngest his first violin when we gave him a year's violin lessons.

My sister paid the registration fee for my middle child to play a season of soccer in the local club league.

I've gotten my children tickets to child-friendly shows at the local center for the performing arts.

Both sets of grandparents have paid for things like zoo camp, Young Chef's Academy, soccer camp, etc.

Think activity. It doesn't matter if the child becomes a virtuoso in anything, it's the exposure to things they like or show interest in. You never know what they'll get hooked on. And if they don't, at least they have the foundations for being "Renaissance People."

My middle child forever associates cooking lessons with his grandma now. He thinks of her every time he makes a recipe he learned at a Young Chef's Academy cooking camp.

Edited to add: The plus side to activity-giving is you can always choose something you can do WITH the child. Passing on a cherished activity and giving the gift of time and your attention is precious. Not always possible when you live far away from the recipient, but when it can happen it's absolutely priceless.

[OneGrassRoot]

113. Wonderful!

I am indeed far away, but there are so many inspiring ideas here that it warms my heart and gives me fabulous ideas to get creative with.

Many thanks, Pacifist Patriot!

:hi:

[dotymed]

37. I am sold!

That is a great concept. You just changed my shopping list, thank you.

My only problem is new technology for college students on my list. If you have any suggestions?

If not, I may put those purchases off for a birthday. I think this is a Christmas present we can give America.

[sarge43]

112. How about the support stuff for that tech?

Pens, pencils, paper, ink, batteries and so forth. Of course, checking the Made in label.

[madamesilverspurs]

41. Excellent!

Adding to the list -- Support local thrift shops. For many years, now, our family has put a price ceiling on gifts and our primary goal is laughter. It's understood that the item might be 're-gifted' or donated to another thrift. In Mom's town the thrift shop supports the childrens hospital. In my town, my favorite thrift shop provides support for single mothers and their kids. As for wrapping, I think it was only a couple of years ago that we finally used for the last time a shred of paper that had first been used when you had to lick a sticker because cellophane tape had not yet been invented; we've always re-used wrapping paper, sometimes remembering Dad by securing it with duct tape.

Great list, Mira! I'm sharing it around...

K and R, of course

[AllyCat]

44. Soapy Sisters, made in Wisconsin glycerin soap

Cool patterns, essential oils for fragrance, easy on the skin. The tea tree oil soap (Germ Away) has kept my family from many annoying viruses over the winter months!

I think they do mail order, but I know they are on Facebook!

[KansDem]

45. I like the car wash/car detailing suggestion...

How many of us are thinking about cleaning our cars when there's ice and snow on the ground? A gift certificate will "remind" us when Spring comes around!

[Hotler]

46. k&r n/t

[demokatgurrl]

49. LOVE THIS!

I don't spend much myself but for those who do spend these are great. And if you really want to give a present in a box there are US made items available. An internet search such as "still made in America" will bring some ideas.

[tpsbmam]

50. I have trouble getting out....I've discovered Etsy's....I found TONS of local artists there

Here's the link. http://www.etsy.com/?ref=so_home Just type in the name of your hometown, home state, etc. I did that for Asheville and found 24 pages of items made by local artists!!! I've bought most of my gifts from there since discovering it.

Fabulous thread -- thanks!! (Obvious K&R)

:applause:

[TBF]

60. One of my friends started selling the cutest homemade dolls on there - but once

she let us know via facebook so many friends wanted them that she has a waitlist from folks she knows. :)

[Le Taz Hot]

54. I find cheap baskets at thrift stores

and fill them with my own jams, jellies, preserves, pickles and candles and I use holiday fabric bought on sale to add accents. I've done this for years and people seem to appreciate the homemade aspect. And all made in the U.S.A. ;-)

[TBF]

61. One of my friends gave me coffee and homemade jam last year -

one of my favorite gifts :)

[tpsbmam]

56. Another Vermont soap/scent/etc etc shop I've been buying from for years

Jean Elizabeth. I'm not much of a perfume wearer -- I'm one of those people who gags & feels nauseous around people who wear heavy perfume. Magazine HAVE to be scent-free or I won't subscribe (most now have that option). But I love a couple of the Jean Elizabeth solid perfumes -- much more natural and subtle than most scents I come across.

[tpsbmam]

57. Another idea I haven't seen yet -- gift certificates for dog grooming, vet care....

Anything like that for people who have pets! I have two dogs, both of whom get groomed and their vet bills.....yikes! A grooming gift certificate or one for the vet would be awesome!! (My groomer is local....no Pet Smart crap for my little ones!) Even $10, $20, $25 off of my sometimes horrendous vet bills would make a much appreciated difference!

[Arkansas Granny]

70. I once prepaid the vet so a friend could have her cat spayed. She had

fallen on hard times, it needed to be done and she just couldn't afford it at the time. The vet was very receptive to the idea and even made out a card for me to give her. She just had to call and make the appointment and she was thrilled.

[PotatoChip]

58. K&R for some great ideas!

I usually give gift certificate for local restaurants, and movie theaters, that type of thing. But I never would have thought of a car detail or gym memberships, ect. These are some great practical ideas! Thank You!

[nolabear]

59. This is really brilliant. We could start a 99% Christmas!

The other 1% can have coal. I hear they like that kind of thing.

[Donnachaidh]

63. We've been talking about this at our house.

I really think the possibility is there to give a massive flip of the finger to the 1% if we can harness the anger and get people to just say NO to big commercial Christmas.

[Donnachaidh]

62. Might I remind folks that the guy who delivers your newspaper could really use a tip at Xmas?

If every person receiving a newspaper 7 days a week, 365 days a year would give as little as a $5 tip for the newspaper guy he/she would weep with joy.

Many people don't think of these guys/gals. But they get *NO* days off, *NO* vacation days, *NO* sick days. And if they should happen to make a mistake and not place a newspaper exactly on the spot the subscriber wants it, they catch holy shit about it when numbers are tallied monthly.

PLEASE remember those silent workers.

[bertman]

64. BEAUTIFUL IDEA!!! And so easy to do. Thank you, Mira. REC. nt

[Donnachaidh]

65. How about using this as a teaching lesson for kids?

Put together a bag of groceries for each child, and then visit the local foodbank, and let them give the bags personally to the foodbank.

It's ALARMING how many people are in need - my local foodbank is running on empty most times. And I have NEVER seen that happen in the almost 2 decades I've lived in the area. And just heard that some foodbanks in areas of NYC are also running on empty.

We need to teach our kids from a young age to care for their neighbors. This would be a perfect time of year to do so.

[Missy Vixen]

67. Our local food bank even offers recurring donations on their website

In other words, you can sign up to donate from your checking account every week, every two weeks, etcetera. Our donations aren't huge, but they can make a dollar stretch further than we can. If everyone that could squeeze $10 a week from their budget did so and gave a donation, it would really help the food banks going forward.

[iris27]

101. Yes, most food banks have the ability to bulk buy in a way that individuals don't, so a monetary

donation will stretch further than spending the same amount at your grocery store and then donating the items. Though I can see the value of the more tangible exercise if you're teaching your kids about the importance of charity.

[joanbarnes]

66. I LOVE your ideas! Our best restaurants are the locally-owned ones.

[EC]

69. Local food items like

cheeses and preserves. I love many of our WI cheeses and there are many cottage industries making cheese products. Hand crocheted hats and mittens are once again all the rage.

I had already decided to take my Mom for a hair cut and perm for Christmas, I know she'll love that.

[mac56]

72. May I share this?

with attribution of course

[jwirr]

75. Wonderful list - I was given a used Christmas Tree last year but did

not have decorations for it. Went to a rummage sale held by the DAV this morning and found what I needed.

I am also making my great grandchildren quilts for Christmas. The kind they will keep because every time they look at them they can remember grandma loves them.

I am going to send this list to my family.

[WCGreen]

77. How's about a struggling tax preparer who doesn''t charge an arm and a leg...

[watercolors]

78. Its been a tradition in our family for many years! It is so much

fun. We all love the home made gifts, I marvel at how nice they are & so much thought that goes into them. That is what it should be about. Even a card with an offer to help with a project, take you to a movie & lunch, mow the yard . When the grandchildren were all little, we planned projects for them to make gifts for their parents. Grampa had the boys in his wood working shop & I found craft ideas, or sewing projects with the girls,altho some times girls wanted to do the wood crfats! It was great time with the kids and to this day they tell us how they always look forward to it.

[pansypoo53219]

81. STAMPS too.

lots of practical stuff.

[juajen]

83. The most wonderful gift you can give is time.

As an older citizen, mother of children, grandmother and widow, I find myself wishing for the following: A card game for two, or trivia pursuit for four or five, or more. I don't get to play games any more. No one has time. They play games with themselves on their phones, for the most part, or go out to trendy bars and cafes where older people are slightly out of place. Take me out to dinner, if you can afford it. If not, bring your homemade mac and cheese to me and eat in my house again, but you do the cooking and cleaning. Set the table with my china, my tablecloths, and flowers or greenery from my garden. Make me a sugar free margarita. Come make Christmas goodies with me so that my house smells of Thanksgiving and Christmas again. Help me decorate as of old when your father was alive. Help me do the things that are too difficult for me to do by myself, like digging the compost for my garden and helping me clean out the attic that is full of memories, treasures and junk. Help me clean under the beds, and turn the mattresses. Please be good to each other. That homeless and lonely sibling needs some tender loving care. Provide it please, for your own soul's sake. Don't demand things of others that you cannot or will not do yourself. Know that I love you all dearly, and wish I could redo some things, but never loving the five of you and your wonderful children, born or unborn. Forever Mom

[defendandprotect]

86. True -- stores are already pushing the Xmas junk -- pre-Halloween--!!

Great ideas -- !!

[handmade34]

88. I bow to you Mira!

a 99% Christmas... make sure all gifts support the local economy...

"Christmas is now about caring about US"

must make this stick...

[RB TexLa]

89. Or spend nothing. Skip it. In 2007, I canceled all Christmas plans and purchasing so as not to

help the Bush economy. I have not done any of it since, it's not my responsibility to assist the North American economy in any fashion.

[JI7]

99. it's not just about helping the economy but personal enjoyment

you don't enjoy christmas or other holidays ? it's one thing if you don't have interest in it yourself.

but to boycott it is kind of stupid. especially since it wasn't the Bush economy . the reason i put off buying much at that time was because i didn't trust him and felt i needed to watch my finances. but i still bought things but was more careful .

many people enjoy celebrating, and what's wrong with tips on ways to do it which will help and even make people happier. i would be a lot more happy to recieve the things mentioned in this thread than some randon thing that will just sit in some drawer or somewhere else taking up space .

i would rather get something useful like socks and toothpaste than something that will just take up space and i don't really want.

[RB TexLa]

102. There is no personal enjoyment in spending money.

[SoapBox]

90. ...great ideas...thank you.

[fortyfeetunder]

95. I am hitting up the local arts and crafts fair in a few minutes

I think buying experiences and locally made items make a difference and keep the locals employed. Plus USPS gets my mailed packages!

[dixiegrrrrl]

98. kicking...this is a great thread!

[Bennyboy]

103. Excellent stuff. thanks for posting... (NT)

[varelse]

104. kick

Can't recommend... too late :'(

[Liberty Belle]

105. I need to know the source on this.

I wanted to post it on my news site.

Googling, I found it on a Tea Party site, not sure if it originated there or they stole it from somewhere else. I've received 3 copies via email today from people on both sides of the aisle. It's a worthy idea, whoever came up with it, but I want to attribute the source and be sure I'm not violating copyright.

[BrendaBrick]

106. Something that money can't buy

and that is to really get in touch with folks in our lives that maybe one year from now just might not be around...and that could really be anyone that you love...and what would you regret not saying to them today?

Nitty-gritty time. The best gift, to me, is to tell the people in our lives just how much they mean to us right now. Right here. Today. With complete and utter sincerity. To let them know how important they are and how much they mean to us just as they are.

I can't really fathom any better gift, to be honest with you...

[Manifestor_of_Light]

107. Some years I make fudge and mail it to people.

And some years I get pre-fab watercolor paper cards at the art supply store, and paint my own xmas cards.

People are shocked. :D But I'm an artist, dammit!!! :toast:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

108. Our local bakery. Has a Texas historical marker in front.

www.eilenbergerbakery.com


Good fruitcakes. Also, for those who like nuts better than fruit, they have pecan cake and fudge pecan cake, with more nuts than candied fruit.

Apricot cakes, etc.

In beautiful downtown Palestine.

[onecent]

114. Here's what I am going to do with this wonderful idea!

I am a senior citizen with 6 children (between 2nd husband and I) 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. They all ask what I want.

I always say NO dust Collectors...and I always get dust collectors.

So I am going to draft a really nice email to all involved and others who may be interested in buying American and send
it to my families and/or post on facebook to let people know we have OTHER OPTIONS.

I would MUCH prefer one hour with a computer expert for all the "little questions" I have...
or a trip for a pedicure/manicure.. and plan to let it be known.

WOW

What a delightful idea.....Thanks for posting Mira.

[Topazmoon11]

115. A New Tradition 2011

Like another one here I'm looking for the original source of this. Mira, is that you? It's really striking a chord out there
from tea party to Occupiers!

[Obamanaut]

116. . nt