Let's buy our Christmas presents from little retailers, fair trade shops, local crafts shops, second-hand shops, our neighbors, our friend who makes unique little things, from whoever resists to the economic globalization of our homes...Let's try to make sure that our money goes to the people who need it, not to multinationals and big enterprises that exploit labor ...in this way more people will have a better Christmas.
I don't share posts like very often, but this one had real resonance for me. I think so many of us are feeling quite battered by the current economic crisis and it makes me as a consumer feel like not spending my hard earned pennies with any of those massive conglomorates. I'm not sure which corporation owns which company these days and I'm really reluctant to spend any money on something that will end up forgotten and unused within a few weeks. I'm doing much of my shopping at Rag Tag this year. I'm not doing that because I feel obligated to, there are some gorgeous - and totally affordable things to buy, like Shirley's Yuletide Gnomes for example (shown below)
The Gnomes are handmade in the Scottish Highlands using scraps of wool, I've ordered mine already. There are other goodies coming soon too, Advent Calendars, sewing kits for keen sewers, and gorgeous glittery fairies and angels to hang in your tree. Watch out for pictures soon or pop in and see the shop for yourself.
But you don't have to buy from Rag Tag, really, you don't. What about using some of your Christmas money where you live? Obviously, being who we are, we'd suggest that your nearest social enterprise might be your first port of call. How about Ness Soap in Inverness for example? Whilst there, you could pop into Artisans for a delicious cup of coffee and a browse of their gift selection. Or, as you'd be in Strother's Lane anyway, why not pop into Maya's new shop? Not a social enterprise, they are however a local business who make the most delicious chocolate.
There are chain stores who sell similar things, but they are chains, they are corporate not local and most of the money you spend there does not stay in the Highlands. Every area has its own lovely wee shops, cafes and businesses with their own identity and a high percentage of local goods. There are craft fairs and markets and all kinds of events running in your area, why not try them out and buy something just that little bit more special with what money you have to spare?
I can't possibly list every destination, the ones that I've listed here are amongst my favourites, I could mention many more. Why not find something rare and unusual at The Greenhouse in Dingwall, or something funky at Babalu in Forres, something delicious at the Skye Bakery, try investing in some art at the Inchmore Gallery or why not brighten the winter months with some candles from Ullapool?
All excellent local businesses and enterprises. If you are a maker or producer, tell us about yourself, post a link to your shop, website or event on our blog or Facebook page and we'll share it and tell people about it. Share your recommendations with us and we'll share them with others. Maybe we can't change the world, but we can make a difference. If we're all spending less this Christmas, let's make it count for more.
