How To Shop & Change The World

As we all start the process of gift buying for the holiday season this year, I wanted to share a few really great ways that you can help make a positive impact on the world while checking off each person on your list this season!

Buy Local
Supporting local businesses in your community is an excellent way to put funds and energy directly into the hands of the people who make your area what it is. Local businesses are often part of a chain of small business supports, so when you shop local, you are taking great care of small businesses and are adding money and attention to your local economy.

Support Small Business
Whenever possible, it's always a great idea to support small businesses. The people and ideas that make a small business happen are what makes this country great - and you'll often find that service, product quality, and longevity at a small business can't be beat!

Buy Handmade
Buying handmade items is a great way to show your love for those on your gift list this year while supporting artisans at the same time. Artisans who create by hand often support other small businesses and independent trades making the economy more robust and stable while honoring their personal gifts and talents at the same time. A win-win situation!

Go DIY!
If you have an artist within, this is a great year to try your hand at making some of your holiday gifts. Support local craft shops to get your supplies, and rely on books and community classes to learn how to get the job done. Nothing celebrates the holiday season better than a one-of-a-kind handmade gift from the heart!

Go With Meaning
Instead of buying random gifts this year, take time to choose items that will make a positive impact on the people you gift to. Jewelry, clothing, books, and gadgets that have a deeper positive purpose are all great ways to give a gift that keeps on giving!

Happy Holidays!

5 Reasons To Start Holiday Shopping Right Now

Many of us wait until the last minute to get our holiday gifts, but did you know that you can save a lot of time, money, and stress by starting your shopping right now? Getting your gifts taken care of early allows you to take advantage of pre-holiday clearance sales, better shipping rates in many cases, and more inventory as stores and online shops haven't yet sold out of their goods.

Each year I try to start my shopping as early as I can - and I find that I save money, stay calm, and am able to take the time to find truly meaningful gifts for the people on my list.

Here are the top 5 reasons to get your holiday shopping underway right now!

1) You may find that many stores begin selling out of items or raising prices as demand becomes higher. Since most people wait until the last minute to get their holiday shopping done, you can avoid the high costs and sold out inventories by starting yours now.

2) Many stores offer pre-season clearance sales to help make new for fresh inventory shipments. This is a great time to take advantage of some of the year's best sales!

3) The more stress free you stay when shopping the better! Giving yourself plenty of time to handle all of your shopping means that you'll make better choices and have a clear enough mind to pick truly spectacular gifts!

4) If you shop online, buying early gives you plenty of time to get your purchases in the mail, inspect them, and make any needed exchanges. Last minute online shopping often doesn't allow enough time to get things to you without paying for expensive fast shipping rates.

5) If you get your shopping done now, you can spend the holiday season enjoying instead of running around!

Here's to a wonderful holiday season ahead!