Why Buy Local for the Holidays?

By now you’ve probably started your holidays shopping, and maybe you’re at a complete loss as to what you should gift to certain friends and family members. Sure, it’s easy to pick up a gift at a big-box retail store, but it doesn’t say “personal,” and it doesn’t have that added flair that will make it stand out from the usual run-of-the-mill present. We have the answer to your shopping woes, and it’s whittled down into two simple words—buy local.

So, why exactly should you buy local for the holidays?

1. You’ll be supporting the local economy, which is an indirect (and possibly a direct) benefit to yourself because of the re-circulation of money, the job opportunities, and the community support.

2. Small, local businesses provide a wide range of unique gift ideas. From arts and crafts to carefully preserved antiques to gourmet food items, these downtown shops offer any type of item that you can think of.

3. Downtown shopping lets you avoid the crowded madness at retail stores. Really, who wants to battle crushed toes and packed lines?

4. For the most part, you’ll probably receive much better customer service at local shops. These shops operate on a much smaller scale, meaning that both owners and employees are better able to direct their attention to individual shoppers.

Perhaps you’re need of some suggestions for buying local around the Scottsville, Virginia area. Well, there are always High Meadows Vineyard Inn gift certificates! Browse the “antiques, curious goods, and collectables” at Scottsville’s River Town Antiques. Drive a short distance to Charlottesville, and explore the vast amount of downtown shops. If you’re looking for more crafty gifts, then don’t miss the Cville Holiday Craftacular this Friday and Saturday (find more information in our last blog here).

Cville Holiday Craftacular: 8th Annual Craft Show

With a name like “Cville Craft Attack,” you know that artisans are at the heart of the group, and indeed this organization is comprised of a number of Charlottesville’s independent designers, artists, and crafters. These men and women are passionate about their creations, and it shows in both the beauty and the quality of their work. As Craft Attack’s Facebook states, “We believe in art, design, creation and craft. We believe in exploration and the celebration of making a life out of the things we dream.”

For the 8^th year in a row, Cville Craft Attack will be presenting their Cville Holiday Craftacular, featuring a huge variety of arts and crafts for your perusal. Looking for a purse for your wife for Christmas? Browse Victoria Horner Creative Handbags at Craftacular. Trying to find a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for individual? How about a chainmail bracelet by Chad VanPelt? Searching for unique home and kitchen accessories? Blanc Creatives may be your solution. Other featured artisans will include Silver Muse Studio, Two Owls Pottery, Te Adora Knits, Darkhollow Stained Glass, Joie de Vivre Calligraphy, ByCary,  and many more. Overall, you’ll find “More than 25 area artisans whose creative and giftable work includes gorgeous jewelry and glassware, paper goods, handbags, accessories, and toys will be featured.

By now, you’re probably planning your excursion to Craftacular (which is only a short drive away from High Meadows!), so now all you need are the details:

When: December 13, 2013, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

             December 14, 2013, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: CitySpace, Charlottesville, VA

Photo by Cville Craft Attack