As gift-shopping season ramps up, consider the implications of keeping your purchases close to home.
As gift-shopping season ramps up, consider the implications of keeping your purchases close to home.
Did you know that you can find Delicious Living at natural retail stores in all 50 U.S. states? I love that as a community of health-minded people, we have access to a whole nation of natural products, many of which draw inspiration and ingredients from their own backyards. And as the gift-giving season heats up, I'm thinking about why it's worth the extra money and time to seek out close-to-home gifts.
Yes, you can find just about everything on Amazon. Yes, you might save a few bucks on a cheaper version of a cool product at Walmart. But small, in this day and age, really is beautiful. In my opinion, “Buy Local” is more than a trend; it’s a necessity to support the many natural entrepreneurs who have a great product but limited distribution. It also makes a huge impact on local economies and the environment. (Check out this cool infographic on 19 reasons why shoppers should buy local.) And really, isn't it just more fun to give something unique and homey rather than something mass-produced and essentially anonymous?
In this year’s Delicious Living holiday gift guide, we focus on items that are proudly rooted in their local community. From hundreds of options, we narrowed it down to a few great picks that, to us, particularly celebrate regional flair. We were delighted by finds from coast to coast—from a luxe oil pressed from California Mission olives to doggie bags made with upcycled Maine sails and organic socks that are resurrecting a languished Southern industry.
I realize you may not be able to find all of our gift-guide picks in your local shop, but I’m pretty confident that most independent natural products stores—who’ve always been champions of local economies—stock their own choice of terrific “buy local” items. In fact, many retailers put together locally themed gift baskets at this time of year, making it easy to support hometown small-scale producers and solve your “what do I get my brother this year” conundrum.
As you peruse the store aisles this year, post a photo on our Facebook page of local goods that you plan to give (or request!) as gifts. We’d love to see and hear about the best natural and organic foods, beauty products, pet items, and more created in your neck of the woods.
December Product Pick: Nature's Path Love Crunch Gingerbread Granola
Nature’s Path Love Crunch Gingerbread Granola
This seasonal, Fair Trade Certified granola bursts with flavor, including just the right hint of aromatic ginger and rich molasses. It’s also certified organic. Yum.
