Dec 17, 2019

While we all do not celebrate the Holiday Season in the same way – gift giving is still a tradition of many celebrations.   So, I challenge you this Season to bring joy and happiness to your friends and family and at the same time prosperity and economic stability to our local business community!  Here are some ideas that may pay it forward locally:

  1. Gift the “Truffle Hunter Cookbook”.  This great local restaurant was forced to close its doors as a result of cost increases beyond their control (wages, etc.)  So, when you get lemons make lemonade and Amanda has done a beautiful job of putting together a cookbook of their best recipes.  Call her at 503-481-8475
  2. Give the gift that keeps on giving all year, a subscription to the Gresham Outlook. If you use the coupons, it doubles the pleasure!
  3. Open a bank account for the young entrepreneur in your family at a local Community Bank. Challenge them to save up to $XXX in the next 12 months and you will match it next Christmas.
  4. Buy something from a local Nursery – the best part is all it needs is a bow! This year’s Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center was a small gift to a woman in Montana – she then planted it in her yard and then it grew and became a grand gift to “The Big Apple” for all to enjoy!
  5. Giving to a local Charity in honor of someone special to you is always a win-win! You can even get a brick at the local park engraved for generations to view!  A donation to the Gresham Barlow Education Foundation is better than another mug for your child’s teacher!  Contribute to the Community with Gresham Ford.
  6. If your list is filled with “Foodies” then pick a local restaurant they may not have visited or their favorite – either will say you cared!
  7. Speaking of gifting food, I just must say White’s Meats is the best for the grillers on your list.
  8. And after all that great cuisine -how about a membership to a local Health Club to those that want to make that commitment for the New Year!
  9. And then there is always the gift certificate to the people on you list’s favorite nail shop or salon.
  10. And then more gifts from local businesses – whether it be gift certificates or actual presents – it does make a difference!! Local Dollars spent stay local. Only pocket change stays when you order online!

Happy Holidays and please “Try Local First”!