You’re making a list and checking it twice, but are you thinking local when you’re buying for your nearest and dearest?

By doing your shopping at locally owned stores or purchasing from local artisans, you’re helping boost the local economy, support your fellow citizens, and generally spreading good cheer throughout your ‘hood. Not to mention contributing to a smaller carbon footprint by staying away from stuff that has been shipped halfway around the world just to get to your local big-box shelves.

Below, some local-shopping suggestions that should satisfy everyone on your list — along with a special spotlight on local businesses for the giftless in Seattle (where I live). Have more suggestions for Seattle or hints from your own hometown? Leave them in comments.

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Foodie favorites

Get a gift certificate from your local natural-foods market or your favorite mom-and-pop restaurant. Maybe the giftee will even invite you along to enjoy in the local-food bounty.

Seattle spotlight: FareStart offers job training to homeless and disadvantaged individuals as well as free meals to those in need. Proceeds from the restaurant on 7th and Virginia support this work; give a gift certificate for weekday lunches or dinner on Thursday nights, when a guest chef works with the students to prepare a three-course meal.

Full Story: http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/11/24/165814/63?source=daily