The holidays are here, and with them comes the challenge of finding meaningful gifts. Sure, wrapping paper and bows are nice, but what if your gift could have an impact long after the holidays are over?
Here are six creative, local gift ideas that bring a little substance to the season while supporting New Orleans and its community. These gifts give twice—once to the recipient and again to the city or a greater cause.
1) The Greatest Gift: Your Time
This holiday season, commit to a day of giving back with friends or family. Spend time volunteering for a cause close to your heart, whether that’s serving meals at a soup kitchen, mentoring youth, or visiting residents in a nursing home.
Ideas: Deliver meals to patients and families at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, volunteer at WRBH Reading Radio to read books on-air for the visually impaired, or partner with the Louisiana Nursing Home Association to bring cheer to a senior in your community.
Need inspiration? Click here for a bigger list of some amazing local charities or try out our Good Karma Slot Machine to get a quick idea. You can also visit Volunteer Louisiana.
2) Leave a Thoughtful Review
For small business owners, a great review can be worth more than gold. Spend a few minutes leaving thoughtful, honest reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook for your favorite local businesses.
Tip: Give your favorite local businesses some love by sharing a shout-out on your social media and encouraging friends and family to support them. Positive word-of-mouth and personal recommendations are among the most powerful forms of marketing—and they mean the world to small businesses. Want to make an even bigger impact? Check out this list of where you can leave thoughtful, lasting feedback.
3) Support a Cause They Care About
Donating to a cause in someone’s name is thoughtful, and it’s even better when you add a personal touch. Present your donation with a beautifully framed acknowledgment letter or pair it with a small gift related to the cause.
Tip: Try these for meaningful action: Animal Rescue New Orleans (Animals), Tipitinas Foundation (Music), and Covenant House (Children). Or support a local start-up by tossing a few bucks through Kickstarter. You can view some other great, local organizations by clicking here or explore crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to back a local project.
4) Shop Local, Shop Unique
Give the gift of local artistry by exploring New Orleans’ boutiques, galleries, and markets. From hand-painted ornaments to locally roasted coffee, there’s no shortage of one-of-a-kind gifts. Plot your course… Decatur, Magazine, Oak… You could even venture to Metairie (gasp!).
Tip: Instead of a holiday card, send a local artist’s 5″x7″ card of their artwork or keepsake-turned-ornament. Check out Pelican Bomb, visit the Arts Market of New Orleans, or explore the galleries on Magazine Street or Julia Street to see some work from local artists. You can also Stay Local’s list of area businesses you can support. Use Multiplottr to organize all your stops in order on a printable map for the fastest routes.
5) Rediscover New Orleans
Give the gift of a local experience! Support the local economy with “rediscover days” that provide a chance to do things you normally may not think to do because it’s in your own backyard. Perhaps you’re a history buff, art nut, foodie fanatic, or love cocktails. Google “New Orleans fun + [whatever you love]” and see what businesses and activities come up, like this great list.
Tip: Tickets to local museums, ghost tours, or mixology classes are gifts locals would certainly enjoy but almost never buy on their own. Other great tours to consider – cemetery, vampire, voodoo, riverboat, homes, Garden District, and French Quarter. Click here for a larger list with more information.
6) Double The Giving
Some gifts do more than delight… they make a difference. Many socially conscious businesses in New Orleans operate with a “greater purpose,” so your purchase helps fuel community initiatives. Consider buying products, gifts, or supporting these businesses so you not only can cross someone from your gift list but also do some good at the same time.
Tip: Buy bird-shaped keepsake soap that supports the Gulf Restoration Network and International Bird Rescue, purchase other handmade in New Orleans candles that donate to a variety of great causes, acquire equity in the New Orleans Food Co-op for discounts on the store’s selection of food — which includes food that is minimally processed, Fair Trade, organic, sustainable, and locally/regionally produced, or support Team Gleason by buying clothing from one of your favorite football players and inspirational people.
Let’s Keep the Good Ideas Coming
Got a brilliant local gift idea? Let us know! Share it on social media and tag us @HEROfarm. Let’s spread some good cheer together, New Orleans style.