What is the best gift you’ve ever been given? I’ll bet it has a fun backstory! Sitting here, I’ve caught a glimpse of my favorite art print out of the corner of my eye and can’t help but smile. A close friend gifted me this piece during the holidays last year, with the sentiment that it embodies my values of kindness, love, and localism, as it was purchased at a nearby artisan market. The piece itself is beautiful, but knowing the intentional sourcing and backstory of it made all the difference. Whether you gift fresh jam from a local maker, merchandise that benefits a local charity, or a carefully thrifted home decor item–great gifts tell a story and make an impact!
We know you’re busy and holiday planning and shopping can leave you in a holi-daze! Between year-end bookkeeping, social engagements, busy storefront hours, and personal holiday shopping, it’s no wonder these months fly by. Make your holiday shopping impactful and a part of the season’s joy with People First Economy. This year, our Gift Local, Gift Good campaign is here to help you find small businesses, keep your dollars close to home, and shop your favorite neighborhood shop hops and gift guides with ease.
Put your money where your mitten is and let us streamline your holiday cheer!
Think Local First
You make an impact when you gift local! Did you know that 68% of every dollar you spend at a local business stays in the community? Keeping your money close to home helps create jobs, strengthen the economy, and build strong a sense of place (Think Local First).Additionally, when you support local, you invest in creative, unique gifts that your friends and family will love. So seek out those unique treats from the bakery around the corner, pick up that stocking stuffer from the makers market, and impress your loved ones with your good eye and thoughtfulness!
People First Economy’s Local First program elevates West Michigan’s local business community, making it easy for you to find local businesses to support across a number of industries. Search local businesses.
Business as a Force for Good
Have you considered the social and environmental impact of the gifts you purchase? Gift good with businesses that are measuring their impacts! Sustainable businesses work toward more than financial sustainability – they consider social and environmental equity in their business practices. This means you can feel confident that your dollars spent and gifts purchased are supporting companies that make a difference, through practices such as providing a living wage and diverting waste from our communities. Tune into the business’s mission statement, learn how the products are made and be part of the change.
More than 150 businesses are measuring their impacts through People First Economy’s Good For Michigan program and using their businesses as a force for good! Search sustainable businesses.
What stories do your gifts tell? When you support local, sustainable businesses, your holiday gifting can make a difference in our communities. Vote with your dollars this holiday season!
Gift Local, Gift Good is powered by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
