Be Unique, Shop Boutique

Our Temecula Winery

I really should copyright this phrase that I coined about a year ago when doing an article on unique, local places to shop.  Being a small business owner myself, I know how critical it is to the heart of our business to have the support of our local community.

I was reminded of these series of articles that I did when a friend recently sent me a forward on purchasing USA made products this holiday season as well as buying from local artisans, supporting family-owned businesses, helping struggling musicians by booking them for your holiday parties, and dining at local restaurants.  A feel-good, boost our own hometown movement.  I like that.  Pitch in, do your part, think locally, give experiential gifts, be unique & shop boutique.   Here is the "jist" of the forward that was sent to me (and I threw in a few personal tips as well!):

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

How about gift certificates from your local hair salon (my friend, Ricardo is amazing) or barber?

Guitar lessons? Yoga classes? Car detail? Oil change? (Massages from either of my sisters, Liz has Avani in Hastings, NE and Priscilla has a place in Palos Verde!)

Perhaps you know someone who would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, (try my son's business Kinnanscaping in Omaha, Nebraska) or driveway plowed all winter (Kinnanscaping, again!), or time at the local golf course. 

GIVE TO A CHARITY that you know will do some good!

My friend's charity, Baakari!

What about a month of breakfast at the local cafe?  SUPPORT your home town... Americans with their financial lives on the line need to keep their doors open.  

Incredible Rustico's!

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? She would love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day, month, or year.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I bet I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

My friend's store in Murrieta

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 locally owned and operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.   Musicians need love, too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Christmas is and should be about caring anyway!  Let's encourage American small businesses to keep plugging away by helping them keep their doors open and dreams alive.  When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.  Let's make this the new American Christmas tradition."

Our Newport Beach Winery