If your town is fortunate enough to have a local currency or gift certificate program, your Christmas gift giving just got easier. While you could run out to the grocery store and scoop up several gift cards, buying local currency is a much better idea. Here’s why:
Why People Love Local Currency
Endless Ideas
With a chain gift certificate, you had better know that person likes the business or the gift certificate will end up n one of those sites auctioned off to the highest bidder. Not everyone likes coffee or donuts (although it’s hard to imagine). Some people have problems with fragrances so gift cards to the candle shop or body lotion place are out. When we buy these types of gift cards we may think they can find something there but not always.
Local currency, on the other hand, can be used at many local merchants and eating establishments. No matter what someone’s preference or dietary limitations, they can find something to enjoy.
It Helps Them Give Back
When you give the gift of local, your recipient often sees the joy on the small business owner’s face when they use their local currency. It feels good to support a business where you can see it directly helping people in your community.
It Comes with Information
If the recipient has questions about the product or service, they can get expert advice from people who know and care, not someone who has been hired for a holiday rush who was in this department today and another tomorrow.
You give a gift card because it’s easy and leaves the recipient options, but if you select one store over another, you need to make sure the recipient likes that store. For people in your life that you don’t know so well — like coaches and babysitters — giving the gift of local is ideal because you can offer a lot more freedom to choose and a much more interesting experience.
