Shop Local

Holiday Shopping! Both my favorite and most dreaded event of the season. I'm so happy all the "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" nonsense is behind us. You may have found a smokin' deal on that new Kindle Fire, but I'm buying my books from Starlight Books or Bookmans this year. Maybe you found ten fancy lotions for the price of one, but I'm ordering handmade, organic bath products from FIZZ Bath Shop Online. I'm sure Target had a great sale on kitchenware, but I'm purchasing my mom's gift from Seasoned Kitchen, and my loved ones' cabinets are going to be filled with hand crafted mugs, plates, and bowls made by local artists.

When you shop at local independent stores, up to 73% of that money stays in your community. That money recirculates in your town to make it a better place for everyone. When you shop at department or chain store, very little or NONE of that money goes back to your town.

Anna Lappe said, "Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." And I want my vote to count. I want my money to support people I know and see every day, people who are also spending their money locally.

"When you buy from a mom or pop business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table, a family pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college. Customers are shareholders. Support small businesses!"

Make a difference. Shop local.

There are some great opportunities to shop for holiday gifts locally in Flagstaff. 

This Saturday and Sunday is the annual It's Elemental Fine Crafts Sale and Artist Marketplace at the Coconino Center for the Arts. The event is perfectly timed just for the holiday season. Buy local - and buy from artists! You support local artists and give gifts that are one-of-a-kind, handmade works of art. You'll find scarves, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, glasswork, and more! Plus, we'll have festival holiday carols sung by a local chorale group, hot apple cider, and cookies. And don't forget our Christmas Tree with affordable ornaments made by local artists!

Friday, December 7, is First Friday ArtWalk. Lots of local businesses keep their doors open late, so you can shop and socialize all at the same time! Gallery 113 is December's Hotspot. Janeece Henes will be showing her encaustic work, and they'll also have jewelry, ceramics, local foodstuffs, handmade soap, soy candles, and a plethora of things local, recycled, fun AND functional! For the holidays, we have ready-made gift baskets in all price ranges, and stocking stuffers you’ll LOVE! Plus... BBQ portabellos, chocolate and libations. December's ArtWalk also feature a chili cookoff! Many participating galleries businesses will serve chili, and YOU get to vote for your favorite!

Happy Holiday shopping, Flagstaff.