shop local

Best Holiday Gift Picks (Buying Local)

by Betty on December 21, 2012

[This is a holiday series of eco-friendly gift-giving ideas!  Enjoy]

 

Do you want to give a gift that you can wrap and put under the tree? You can still give green gifts! Try to shop for sustainably-produced or local items, or make your own gifts! Buying products made sustainably or with responsibly-sourced components is a great way of telling business that you support sustainability (and so you promote increased adoption of sustainable practices). Buying local products allows you to reduce the carbon footprint of your purchases because items don’t have to travel very far to reach a store’s shelves.

 

1. For local products, check out:

 

  • The Virginia Shop – Located in Barracks Road shopping center, the Virginia Shop is home to a wide variety of gift items (food, wine, crafts, art) all made in Virginia. (434) 977-0080. 1047 Emmet Street North, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
  • The Made In Virginia Store (online) – Don’t want to leave the comfort of your home to face the bustling holiday shopping crowds? Check out the Made In Virginia Store website for foods, books, clothing, souvenirs, and other gifts, all made in Virginia!
  • For more ideas, browse Charlottesville’s Shop Local. Shop Charlottesville! resource online.

 

2. For sustainable clothing or eco-friendly household items, head to:

 

  • Sustain Inc – An “environmentally keen” apparel, accessories, and furnishings store located in the Main Street Market in Downtown Charlottesville. (434) 244-0028. 406 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
  • Blue Ridge Eco Shop – This shop tries to make being green accessible and affordable to the everyday consumer. (434) 296-0042 313 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

 

3. To buy local arts and crafts, visit:

 

  • C’ville Arts – A cooperative gallery featuring the work of Virginia artists and artisans located on the Downtown Mall. (434) 972-9500. 118 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
  • Warm Springs Gallery – This gallery aims to deliver fine art at any budget level and exhibits painters specializing in Virginia landscapes, as well as craft artisans. (434) 245-0800. 103 3rd Street Northeast, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
  • LawnLife – Shop LawnLife’s Etsy shop for photo gifts celebrating the beauty of the University of Virginia’s iconic Lawn.
  • Etsy – Etsy sells crafts created by artisans all around the world. Search for products made in Virginia, or even products made here in Charlottesville. You’re bound to find something wonderful that you weren’t expecting.

 

If you want to make your own gifts, get ideas from Pinterest! Our favorites include wine cork coasters, DIY hair accessories, and homemade blankets. Just have fun with it, and you’re sure to come up with something amazing. Plus, your family and friends will be touched by your thoughtfulness and effort.

 

Got more ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments!

 

From everyone at Better World Betty, here’s wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season!

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