Creative, out-of-the box ideas for gift giving!

The holiday season is now in full swing and everyone is trying to make every dollar count. One way to provide Tips to chapter members and boost your local economy is to buy gifts that are locally made, locally serviced, and locally grown.

Here are some really fun ideas for family members, friends, suppliers and clients. There are also great ideas for hostess gifts and pets!

For the women in your life:

Every woman loves gift certificates services such as a hair salon, yoga or pilates instruction, meditation classes, medi-spa visits, tanning, or tooth whitening. How about giving that busy mom a certificate for house cleaning, closet reorganizing, or upholstery cleaning? Have your local printer run off some personal note paper with matching envelopes.

For the guys:

What about golf or bowling lessons, an auto detailing or tune-up, deep massage therapy, or a haircut from the local barber? Consider membership in the gym, a custom shirt from the tailor, or a case of beer from the local micro brewery.

For homeowners:

A garden makeover, a tank full of heating oil, spring weeding, summer lawn care, autumn clean-up or winter snow removal. How about covering the cost for a month or two worth of homeowners insurance, or have a room wallpapered, windows cleaned, buy a painting from local artist, have the deck power washed, gutters cleaned, handyman services for 1/2 day, or your favorite photo framed.

For the small business owner:

Who wouldn't appreciate some social media assistance, a marketing consultation, business coaching, computer training or a website consultation? Buy a gift certificate for dry cleaning, document shredding, customized advertising specialties, or hire a photographer for an executive portrait.

For the foodies:

How about a picnic for two, packed by the caterer, or a night out at a local restaurant, a gift certificate to the gourmet deli, or a box of candy from the local confectioner? Check out the offerings at local farm stands, orchards, wineries, butchers, bakers, and coffee roaster.

For the kids:

Kids love horseback riding or skating lessons, and art or craft classes. Purchase locally made toys, tickets to local theater productions, movies with popcorn money, batting practice or miniature golf.

For pet owners:

Give fido and kitty something special this holiday with gift certificates for pet food delivery, grooming, dog walking, pet boarding, doggie day care, and pet training.

The holidays give us a unique opportunity to buy from local small business owners. When we support them, the benefits come back to us, and our communities, many times over.

Think out of the box this year. To make it even easier, I have copied the link to our Find A Member page where you can scroll down the categories, insert your zip code and look for a LeTip Member who provides that product or service.
http://www.letip.com/find-a-member.html