Gifts of Giving

Gifts of Giving

When making your holiday shopping gift list this year, why not make this years gift giving special. I want each of you to think of ideas to shop small businesses and locally made items. Even though places like Target are tempting with their “deals” the real deal is that most to their products just got shipped in from overseas. It’s important that we remember and support entrepreneurs, crafters, artists and businesses that have items made in our country!

IDEA! There are lots of charities out there that are running online auctions right now, that you can pick up wonderful gifts and help support great causes. A great place to start that hosts online charity auctions around the country is “Bidding for Good”: http://www.cmarket.com/auction/BiddingForGood. A lot of these charities have events going on right now, just in time for the holidays! One that I support is thru the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association (CVNPA). They have an auction going on right now until 12/7/08 raising money for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center (CVEEC). I am sponsoring this charity with a photography package that I put together to help raise money. In addition, I have bid on all kinds of great items like gift baskets of facial products, children’s books, an overnight stay at a local B&B and more! Check it out for yourself too, directly: http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=73430134

The bottom line: With all the challenges we are facing in this economy, we should all be grateful for what we have and always find a way to give back. Now is the perfect time to give in your own lives.

For more ideas and places on the web that you can support local, small businesses and charity efforts thru the holidays and all year round, please visit the sites below, thank you & happy holidays!!

Bidding for Good (Charity)
http://www.cmarket.com/auction/BiddingForGood

Etsy (small and home based businesses)
www.etsy.com

Craigslist (small businesses & great finds)
www.craigslist.com

Mimi Vanderhaven (Cleveland/Akron OH local newspaper supporting local business)
www.mimivanderhaven.com

Girl Shop Spot (online local shopping resource)
http://www.girlshopspot.com/

Indie Bound (supporting unique local businesses)
http://www.indiebound.org/

Ideal Bite (holiday “green” shopping ideas)
http://www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/categories/category/Holidays%20&%20Gifts

Happy Thanksgiving....What am I a thankful for this year?... the talent I have that allows me to capture the joys of families in photographs.