Shopping locally adds value to community

Black Friday is over and done with. The major retailers around the country have done their best to lure consumers through their doors and down the aisles.

For those who don’t care to dare the crowds and bright lights of all-night shopping, there’s another option: Shopping locally.

While smaller retailers in rural communities may not be able to offer the variety found in larger stores, there are many benefits that may offset that lack.

Most of Odessa’s businesses are owned by residents of the community, who in turn support other local businesses. That is, money spent here tends to stay here.

Then there are the benefits that may be somewhat less obvious. Business owners pay taxes in the community, which in turn provides the services residents receive. And at least a portion of the sales tax on purchases made here stays here.

Another benefit of shopping locally is convenience. Shoppers can take their time, and are not limited by how much will fit in the trunk of their car. And think of the savings in fuel costs!

The Odessa Record has come up with a series of suggestions for various people on your list:

First, be sure to come to Christmas Fest, Wednesday, December 7 at the Community Center. There will be a number of vendors selling a variety of items ranging from the handmade and vintage to personal care and jewelry. All day entertainment keeps the atmosphere festive, and you can take a lunch or pie break when you get tired of shopping. And don’t forget to pick up your poinsettias for the home or office – the FFA table always has a great selection.

Several nice potential gifts might be had for the price of a raffle ticket, as the Friends of the Odessa Library hold their second annual raffle in the Library. Later in the afternoon, also in the library, Santa will be available for pictures with the kids.

Don’t forget to stop by the Tree of Sharing to pick up a name or two to shop for this year. In these tough economic times, there are a number of people in need right here in our community.

Many of the businesses around town will participate in the festivities on Wednesday, with in-store specials and/or refreshments. Be sure to check out the flyer in today’s paper.

For the cook on your list, the newest version of “The Staff of Life” is available at Odessa Drug, Odessa Clinic or Hospital. The cookbook is only $12.50 and contains the best recipes submitted by area cooks. The drug store also carries past editions of “The Staff of Life” as well as other cookbooks, including “The Burntwater Cook’s Kitchen Guide,” by Harrington’s David Michaelson (also available at The Odessa Record.)

Odessa Drug also carries a constantly-changing assortment of kitchen gift items, including aprons and table linens, gourmet food items, kitchen accessories and gadgets.

For the creative person on your list, Odessa Drug carries a variety of art supplies, ranging from construction paper, glue and scissors to sketchbooks and paints. Encourage the kids to take a break from electronic entertainment and make something themselves.

Then there’s the Quilt Crossing, which carries a selection of beautiful, high-quality fabrics, instruction books ranging from beginning quilting techniques up to advanced design. If there’s a quilter or wanna-be on your list, this is the shop to visit.

For Mister Fix-it, Ramm Hardware has everything from the basics up to extensive tool kits and the boxes to put them in. The store also carries a selection of high-quality pocket knives for the hunter (or just the macho) on your list, as well as appliances or kitchen ware. A selection of warm gloves make great stocking stuffers for the outdoorsy.

For the gardener, the hardware store carries tools, decorative pots and so on. Take one of the bright plastic pots, throw in some potting mix, gloves and a trowel or some pruning shears. Maybe a little Miracle-Gro if their thumb isn’t quite so green.

For the driver, a “clean car” kit for their car, with a selection of items from Odessa Auto Parts/NAPA. Fill a bucket with a wash mitt, chamois cloth and various products guaranteed to make your ride gleam like Santa’s sleigh. Stocking stuffers, like a tire pressure guage or an LED work light are also available.

If there’s a dyed-in-the-wool Case IH fan on your list, there is something for every age group at Odessa Trading Company’s parts division. They carry jackets, sweatshirts and fleece wearables in just about every size. An entire wall display is devoted to toys, from cars and fire trucks up to combine harvesters and crawlers. Case IH premium items include duffle bags, folding chairs, even dog collars and leashes. Other possibilities include real romance (to a farmer, anyway), with air compressors and power tools, even an APS unit for the tractor.

The college student or young adult on your list might enjoy an on-line subscription to The Odessa Record for only $25. They can keep up with hometown news while they’re on the go.

For the coffee, tea or smoothie lover: A pre-paid coffee coin or gift certificate from Crab Creek Coffee Haus.

For those who prefer a different kind of beverage, both Odessa Foods and Odessa Drug carry holiday gift packages of adult beverages, along with accessories such as glassware, mixers and rim dips, ice buckets and flasks. Be sure to provide a designated driver!

For the family that plays together, you could put together a pizza and game night package with a pizza gift certificate to any of the three restaurants in town that serve it (Chiefs Bar & Grill, Rolling Thunder Saloon or Crab Creek Coffee Haus), and a selection of card or board games from Odessa Drug. This reporter highly recommends Skip-Bo or Phase 10 card games.

For the person who is really hard to buy for, check out My Sisters’ Closet, where the new mingles with vintage and everything is reasonably priced. High-heeled Christmas “stockings” or sachets are the latest creations, mingling with other holiday decorations, cookware, jewelry and the truly unique.

The not-so-well-adjusted individual could probably use a pre-paid visit to Eldridge Chiropractic.

Just want to brighten someone’s holiday season? Sweet Pea Floral can make it happen, with arrangements in a range of sizes and cost as well as potted plants or poinsettias.

Odessa Foods can contribute to the gift selection as well. The new managerse have stocked quite a few novelty items which might make great stocking stuffers. Or if you feel like returning to the days of old, fill those stockings with fruit, nuts and hard candy.

Virtually every business in town has gift certificates available in a range of denominations. Treat someone you love to a meal at one of our four eateries: The Odessa Drive In, Crab Creek Coffee Haus, Chiefs Bar & Grill or the Rolling Thunder Saloon.

Sometimes the best gift is the gift of warmth. In these days of escalating utility and fuel prices, a payment made on account at Odessa Grange Supply, Avista or Inland Power might be greatly appreciated.

Or a month of internet service from Odessa Office Equipment can fit neatly in a stocking.

In short, maybe doing your Christmas shopping in Odessa won’t let you buy that newest expensive electronic toy you’ve seen advertised on TV, but it could provide some bonuses: you’d get to exercise your creativity, a part that goes unnoticed and unnurtured all too often, and your community would receive the benefit of your economic support.