Are you looking for the perfect gift for your loved one? Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, good luck or congratulations, continually trying to come up with great gift ideas can be tiresome and stressful.
But if their favourite chocolates or a bottle of wine isn’t going to cut it this time, this guide is for you.
We understand that you want to buy a gift that is special and shows them just how much they mean to you - and we have a solution for you.
Buying locally made and sourced gifts is the best way to show your love and appreciation.
Here’s why.
To gift something unique
Of course, you can always pop into town and shop around the local high street retailers, or you can jump online and grab something from Amazon, but here’s betting that a thousand other people already have the same thing.
If you want to get them something special, you can’t get them something that’s been mass-produced and sold in the thousands. Locally made gifts combat this issue.
Very rarely are they mass produced as this is a) very hard to do and b) something that most local sellers wouldn’t want to do anyway.
It also shows more originality and that you put thought into their gift. So get them something original from a wonderful local artist, baker, jewellery maker, etc.
You’ll be supporting your local community
In a time when prices are rising rapidly, people have to do more to keep their businesses afloat, particularly smaller businesses. They are up against huge competition from big-name retailers who can make and sell products in bulk and get goods out to their customers as quickly as a day later.
Lots of exciting new local businesses have opened recently, especially during the pandemic, but they have to work extra hard to survive. By buying a gift from a local supplier, you are putting money directly into their pockets rather than giving more to huge corporations that already make millions each year.
This has a direct and positive impact on the local economy as a whole. So why not make a local business owner happy and get your loved ones something truly special - it’s a win-win.
It’s better for the planet
We’ve already discussed the huge corporations that mass produce goods and big brands that make millions, but often they do this at the expense of the planet.
From excessive waste and single-use plastic packaging to unfair wages and eye-watering carbon footprints, these brands often go about their business with little to no regard for the earth and the impact they are having on it.
You don’t get this with local businesses and supplies. Often they do their best to be greener and keep the environment in mind at all stages of the process.
This includes smaller operations, lower carbon footprints, recyclable and reusable packaging and safer materials or ingredients. Many local creators pride themselves on making less waste and offering more sustainable goods that are better for our planet.
Ideas for local gifts
As you can see, there are so many wonderful reasons to buy local gifts, but in case you’re still feeling stuck on what to get, let us help.
We are here to inspire you with a few ideas for local gifts that you can give your loved ones, including:
- Baked goods - Support a local baker by sending fresh brownies or have the local bakery drop around some cupcakes for your special someone. Because what occasion isn’t made better with cake?
- Natural cosmetics - Handmade cosmetics have many wonderful benefits, including their natural fragrances and ingredients. These could be hand creams, soaps, makeup and more
- Handmade candles - Who doesn’t love burning a few candles in the evening to relax, especially if they are handmade using natural fragrances
- Artwork and prints - Give them a gift they can look at every day with a unique piece of art or print work
- Handcrafted jewellery - From earrings and bracelets to necklaces and rings, local handmade jewellery is one of a kind and ideal for showing someone you care
Of course, these are just a few ideas; there are lots of other creative and exciting local businesses out there offering food, drink, gift boxes, subscriptions, cosmetics and more!
So next time you’re looking for a great gift, explore some local businesses both in person and online until you find the perfect present.