Christmas Shopping Goal

[Blue Gardener]

Due to the number of manufacturing jobs being shipped overseas, particularly China, I have a personal goal to not by any Christmas gifts that say "Made in China". I don't have small children to buy for, I know it would be difficult to buy toys made anywhere else. However, I should be able to accomplish my goal for adults on my list. I know my own purchases won't make a difference, but if there were a lot of people willing to do the same, it would maybe make a statement. Thoughts anyone?

[proud patriot]

1. Might I suggest that we make our own gifts

I always Bake Up a storm and give away the goodies .

[Blue Gardener]

2. Good Idea

Also thought about books (have to be check inside the cover, saw one the other day published in China), gift cards to local restaurants, and lotions/candles/soaps are sometimes good.

[MaryBear]

11. I plan to make "kahlua,"

and apricot brandy.

Some other ideas I'm considering:

dress up box - of cast off clothing, jewelry, scarfs, ties, wallets

gift certificates - completely cooked dinner; hours of housework or babysitting

homemade bread with butter and jam

[murphymom]

3. We did this last year

We gave ornaments from Aurora Glass to family and friends.

http://www.auroraglass.org/

Glass ornaments are made from recycled glass that would otherwise go into the landfill, and profits go to St. Vincent de Paul programs for homeless and low income folks in Lane County, OR. Here's a picture:

[proud patriot]

4. that's a great suggestion

I hope people add more ideas

[Blue Gardener]

5. Spread the Word!

Think I'll send the idea to friends and family, and maybe put a letter in the paper. Mentioned it to some local Teamsters, maybe they can bring it up at a union meeting.

[Nay]

6. Local high-quality craft shows.

Something from an antique mall for those so inclined.

Gift certificate for a massage

Yankee candles (made here in U.S.)

For relatives, make a duplicate photo album with lots of relevant photos of the family, ancestors, etc. We got one of these from a sister-in-law and it is our favorite gift.

[beyurslf]

7. CD's

Make a cd with photos and put it to music. I think you use photoshop for this. My brother in law did it for my mom's wedding and now is going to go through online photos and do it for the family.

(I suppose the cd's may not have been made here--but it is a nice/inexpensive gift.)

[proud patriot]

8. That's a wonderful idea

Boy I could get real creative with that .

[MaryBear]

12. Last year a co-worker

burned CD's for all of us, by copying Christmas carols from his collection.

[proud patriot]

9. The Body Shop

A great company founded on the principals
of human rights , and evironmental conservation
Anita Roddick who authored the book "Take It
Personally" A Globalization Action guide
http://www.thebodyshop.com/

[cally]

10. I make donations for many of my family

They seem to appreciate it.

[MaryBear]

13. Another possibility for SF/Sacramentans

My newly divoced daughter makes beautiful jewelry and sells it for a reasonable price to pay the rent. I'm having a jewelry party on the 22nd. PM me if you can join us, and I'll send you an invitation. I know this is not exactly political, but I always did think the personal is political, and this progressive, liberal young woman is up against it and needs more than I can provide.

[MaryBear]

20. Thanks

Thanks to everyone who came, and to those who sent good wishes. She has her rent money for December!

:grouphug:

[carols]

14. Buy from small neighborhood stores

Particularly those in areas that really could use an economic boost. I know I have a thrift store and a candle and soap shop which is owner run and operated right down the block from me. Don't buy from large chain stores unless you have no other alternative.
Carol

[Kerridwyn]

28. Sustainable businesses

I'm mostly doing craft fairs, a couple of small local businesses (my local hemp clothing store is doing well from me right now!), and some organic gourmet foods.

A lot of my family are getting sweatshop-free clothing items from American Apparel because I went to their sample sale where you can get things like hoodies for $4.50.

[srpantalonas]

15. please picket Wal-Mart November 28th.

thanks!

[schultzee]

25. Is he Wallmarket picket organized nationally? I would love to

picket these pigs. I boycotted them 2 years ago and won't even go into their parking lot.

[kyrasdad]

16. I started this a few years ago

Instead of shopping for yet another dust catcher, I started buying gift certificates. Alot of Chamber of Commerces have gift certificates available for local businesses so the receipiant can pick and choose what/where they want to go. Same with mall certificates. Or if you happen to know a favorite restaurant, nothing is nicer than a freebie meal.

I have had nothing but positive feedback from my family by doing this, and now, more are joining in.

[Blue Gardener]

17. Excellent!

I'm trying to convert my family, friends, co-workers into changing their Christmas shopping ways. I'll take a free meal at a favorite restaurant over a piece of cheap plastic crap made in China anyday.

[beyurslf]

18. Year passes to local musuems or zoos

also make a great gift. I am giving my brother and sister family passes for them and their children to the local children's musuems. They typically got a few times a year so it more than pays for itself. They also get discounts at many musuems across the country if they travel.

A local zoo season pass can also be a great idea. I know our local zoo offers family passes for less than 75 a year. It also offers discounts at other zoos acorss the county as well.

Its a good "family" gift, supports the local economies, and is educational for the kids.

[MaryBear]

19. bump

:kick:

[proud patriot]

21. 2 years ago I gave U.S. Constitutions to family and friends

I including some Founding quotes .

[Gringo]

22. Dixie Chicks!

Don't know where they're made, but most of the money stays in the US. I got 5 Dixie Chicks CDs to give family members for Xmas.
The girls were 100% right. By giving them, I make clear to my family where I stand in a gentle way, while supporting a group that has the "balls" to tell the truth. Besides, their music is pretty catchy.
I've also given subscriptions to "The American Prospect" to several relatives who REALLY need "the blue pill".
If your folks have everything, and you don't know what to get, I hightly suggest the Chicks.

[Blue Gardener]

23. I'm buying it this week!

As a Christmas present to myself! I'll support them any way I can.

[schultzee]

24. I am only buying at small local businesses f----the big corps

they are responsible for this hell we are enduring now! G.W is making them our aristocracy. I am not buying anymore than I must and spending as little as possible.

[Name removed]

26. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proud patriot]

27. A back to page one Kick

:kick:

[Gretchen]

29. anyone but bush t-shirts

every one in my family will get one- some people will also get the "liar liar pants on fire" bush doll from the true majority

[Blue Gardener]

30. Almost done with my shopping!

I figure I came out about 90 - 95% made in America. Bought some lotions that were made here but the bag they came in is Made in China. Maybe a couple other things like that, but overall it's been a pretty successful Christmas shopping season. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!:hi:

[ldoolin]

31. Here are some ideas:

www.buyamerican.com - all made in the USA, some union made (look for the Union Yes logo)

www.nosweatapparel.com - all union made, made in the USA, EU, and Canada

www.justiceclothing.com - all union made, mostly made in the USA

www.unionjeancompany.com - all union made in the USA

www.sweatx.net - all union made in the USA

www.powellsbooks.com - the only unionized online bookseller

www.aflcio.org/shop - all union made, support the AFL-CIO with your purchases

[Kerridwyn]

32. American Apparel

There's also American Apparel, which is not as good as getting union made IMO; but when doing research into t-shirt companies in LA, I heard a few complaints that Sweat X didn't really give as good benefits as they were claiming in some way. I'm not quite sure how that can be if they're union. But anyway, American Apparel pays far above the industry average and advertise themselves as "sweatshop-free" (and anyone can take a tour of the factory any time they want); they also have some organic cotton goods, and recycle their fabric scraps. http://www.americanapparel.net