Last Minute Christmas Gifting
Gifts - You can show your appreciation for friends and family members during the festive season with a “product gift” that can be worn, eaten, or enjoyed. A gift of food that you make or specialty foods that you purchase can be a good choice.
Or maybe you prefer to give “personal service gifts”. Examples can range all the way from the things you contract to do yourself by creating your own gift coupon to the purchase of services via gift certificates from professionals. For examples click this link.
Delivery can be done personally, which is a nice touch that gives you an opportunity to dispense hugs and kisses too. On the other hand, if what you gift is something you purchase the costs can really add up. And, if shipping, mailing or a courier service is your delivery method then you can easily bust your budget.
Beer, Wine and Spirits - You may have already considered serving locally produced, organic foods to your holiday guests, but what about the beer and wine? Significant amounts of water and fossil fuels are used to grow conventional grapes, barley, and hops, and to transport the finished products to market, but a growing number of beer and wine makers have made a commitment to produce beverages with the same (or better) quality as conventional products and with less environmental impact.
Purchasing beer and wine made by local producers minimizes fossil fuel use associated with shipping. And some breweries offer local customers the option of buying beer in refillable 64-ounce glass bottles, which reduces the environmental impact associated with packaging. The Cost of Carbon in the Global Wine Trade (pdf)
Cards and Letters - Most folks like to receive traditional cards with a personal message and signature. You can also include a letter in your card. Cards can be recycled and they can be handmade and, cards are less expensive than gifts. If they require mailing as opposed to hand delivery then you need to get a early start in order to make the deadlines. But, there are online companies that can can save time and money by allowing you to import your contact lists, use one of their pre-created or custom cards, write the message in your scanned handwriting and signature in it, and mail the card from your own computer at any time of day or night for about $2 per card within Canada!
Phone calls - You can go green, go personal, and call all everyone to wish them happy holidays. Many economical phone plans are now available and it’s always great to hear the voice of friend or family member during the festive season.
However, phoning may be time consuming and you may spend hours at this time of high demand trying to get something other than someone’s voice mail. So, if calling is your choice then start a week early - now!
Related post: Santa Lite Spoof
