Christmas & Supply Chain Issues

President Biden recently stated he has spoken to major big box store CEOs about Christmas supply chain issues. He assured us we will be able to get our Christmas shopping done. What if that isn’t exactly how it pans out? Last year I wrote an article about doing experiences over gifts for Christmas. While experiences would be helpful rather than finding stuff for others, I wanted to also give some ideas of actual gifts you can give others.

Shop Local

The big stores will be the last stores to go out of business during crisis. We have seen through Covid this is true. Though they may not have everything in stock, people will continue to flock to their stores until there is literally nothing left on the shelves. It is the mom and pop stores that have had to close their doors throughout the pandemic in heartbreaking numbers.

While they are indeed impacted by supply chain issues, they will also often have sources that rely less on the big guys to produce products. For example: if you buy your soaps from a local farmer who uses their sheep or goat milk, they might buy hay and feed from local suppliers or they may graze their animals on their own land. That cuts down on supply issues for the base of their product.

Buying locally made products also helps your community and keeps your money locally, which is beneficial in numerous ways. If you need help finding your local products, take a look at your local farmer’s market or Facebook Buy, Sell, Trade pages. You will be surprised what goodies you can find

Your community may also have art festivals this time of year or Christmas Bazaars that you can pick up local good from. Don’t forget for next year the advantage of starting your shopping list early in the year.

Stocks and Bonds

The stock market is impacted by the supply chain issues, but it can actually benefit the little guy. Another option for buying gifts for others is to contribute to their financial stability through buying stocks or bonds. While it can be cumbersome to purchase stocks and bonds for other people, it is something that could be very helpful for the recipients, especially if they are financially savvy.

Check out this website for learning how to buy bonds, and this website for buying stocks as gifts. While they may not be thrilling for the children in your life, they may just thank you when they’re adults and cashing in those bonds.

Conclusion

This year Adobe forecasts Americans to spend over 200 billion dollars on holiday spending. This year we have the challenge of supply chain issues. Buying locally and supporting your family financially through stocks and bonds are good options to work around the supply issues. Doing this will help support your community as well as your family and friends in the future. Don’t forget to start your lists for next Christmas earlier in the year so you are less impacted by shortages in the future.

 

What about you, how are you planning your holiday gift giving?