Last Minute Shopping Ideas

With only one week until Christmas, many of us are still wondering what to buy for those people on our shopping list. Here are some suggestions that will build a stronger economy and make you a superstar to those you love. Instead of giving that brother, girlfriend or co-worker some cheap set of barbeque utensils that will clutter their basement and end up in some future garage sale, try one of these gift ideas that will let you BUY UNION, BUY LOCAL, BUY AMERICAN.

1.      Wisconsin State Park stickers will get that special someone outdoors and into nature in 2012.

2.      10-Ride bus tickets are a great way to keep local transit workers employed and save money for the person on your list. It’s like giving somebody a week’s worth of free parking, leisure reading time, free gas and making that grand old car last another week longer.

3.      Buy that health conscious somebody an exercise class through Madison Schools and Recreation Department, the YMCA or any one of the great neighborhood centers. Your money goes a long way with their local non-profit employers

4.      We all have hobbies, interests and dreams. The gift of tuition to a continuing adult education class will garner your hugs while it enriches the life of the person who receives it. UW Memorial Union, MATC, the Goodman Neighborhood Center offer courses in everything from photography and pottery to welding and poetry.

5.      So you want to make a statement. Here is a gift that will tell that special person you want to pamper them. A gift certificate for a message will say you care about them at the same time you provide work in your community.

Every one of these gifts keeps those hard earned dollars from your paycheck from heading to China or India. Consumer spending accounts for 2/3 of America’s economy. This holiday season; use your modest income to make a difference in the lives of those around you. Besides, you don't have to wrap them.