Buy American Made Products and Services for Christmas

I have seen several versions of the following "Buy American" products and services for Christmas in 2011 campaign flying around the internet. Great idea to keep more of our Christmas gift expenditures here at home.

The article made me think about Bed and Breakfasts and our reservation service. A gift certificate purchased from our reservation service will accomplish three things:

1. It will be a unique and thoughtful gift that the recipient will remember and cherish.
2. All of the money spent will stay here in the US. Some to our reservation service and most to the innkeeper.
3. Additional money will be spent locally. Innkeepers buy food and other supplies from local businesses. The recipient of the gift certificate will also spend more money locally - going out to dinner, perhaps shopping at a local antiques or crafts store, etc.

Christmas 2011 -- A New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of goods. This year will be different. 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.

Yes there is! 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?

• Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
• Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
• Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
• Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamines on a foreign made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or rounds of golf at the local golf course.
• There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
• How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
• Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
• My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
• OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

God Bless the U.S.A.

For more information about our gift certificates, click here.