Double your impact: Shop local and buy local products

We asked our independent retail members what they offered that was locally made. The response was amazing! Some sell 100% locally made items, most sell a few items, but if you ask, it is remarkable how much you can find.

As it is gift-buying season, why not consider purchasing local products as a way to boost the local economy? This is a great way to double your impact, as you’ll be helping the manufacturer and the retailer. Convinced? Want to give it a try? We have some suggestions for you right here.

For gifts produced locally, look to Motawi Tileworks, The Sunday Artisan Market, the Clay Gallery and WSG Gallery for places to shop.

The Sunday Artisan Market is a collective of local artists selling their wares. Looking for knit hats? Soaps? Birdhouses? Small furniture? It is all there!

Or hand made pottery can be found at the Clay Gallery and ceramic tiles at Motawi Tileworks. While WSG Gallery offers a variety of different media works beginning at $50. By supporting these businesses, you are directly helping local folks who live in the community and giving a creative gift.

But there are many other options, too.

How about books? The newly published "Riverwalks Ann Arbor" by Brenda Bentley takes the reader on a journey through Ann Arbor along different river routes while providing a bit of regional history as well. Plus, it was printed by Goetzcraft Printers, a fifth generation Ann Arbor printer.

It’s tough to get much more local than that. But let's try.

Do you miss the Del Rio? Then pick up a copy of "Liberty, Equality, Consensus and All That Jazz at the Del Rio Bar," by former owner Ernie Harburg.

Or maybe you are looking for an eco-friendly kids book? Then "The Rock People” by Sue Aliquot is a perfect choice. It’s a fun, eco-friendly message the whole family will enjoy.

How about a book written by kids? "How to Rise" is a collection of personal narratives, short fiction, and poetry by 46 seniors from Ypsilanti High School. And yes, all of these books are authored by locals and can be found at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, Downtown Home and Garden, Falling Water or Nicola’s Books.

Or perhaps you have a foodie in your life that likes to support locally produced products?

Sandhill Crane Vineyards makes a Raspberry Dessert Wine produced with local flavorful berries and packaged in a chocolate covered bottle. It makes the perfect hostess gift that you can find at Arbor Farms Market for only $30.

Or The Produce Station sells locally made cheeses from Tecumseh and Fennville ranging from $8.99 to $29.99 a pound. You can even find hand made candy canes from Lansing at Morgan and York for only $2.

And for those interested in a variety of products, stop in and create your own gift basket at any of these stores. They would be happy to create the perfect combination for your foodie.

These are just a few examples of what you can find that is locally produced in our area. You have the ability to support local independently owned businesses by buying locally produced products from locally owned shops. This is a great way to have a true impact on how your community looks and feels.

Think Local First suggests that you ask ‘what is made locally’ when you shop this season. We think you will be surprised to see just how local some items are