Gift giving is the most widespread manifestation of the holiday season. The eternal question: What to give Johnny or Jane? Mass merchandisers work hard at creating push for their products. Tie-ins between movies and products, co-branding sports figures and products are examples of the sometimes creative approaches used. What's too frequently missing from the mix are artisans' works sold through channels that don't promote themselves like mass merchandisers do.
The internet, though, enables artisans to overcome the disadvantages of being small, unique and personal. Celebrating what artists do is a great way of championing regions' creativity. And creativity is increasing an important part of what creates velcro for knowledge workers and prosperity.
So, this Christmas, buy what local artists make and sell through local merchants.